Keeping wondering about working as a GP overseas? Perhaps the thought first arose during a busy clinic or yet another late finish. Maybe Canada is a country that strongly interests you, but you’re not sure where to start.
Keeping wondering about working as a GP overseas? Perhaps the thought first arose during a busy clinic or yet another late finish. Maybe Canada is a country that strongly interests you, but you’re not sure where to start.
Canada often rises to the top of the list for a number of reasons. The country has a strong demand for GPs and offers competitive earnings and a healthcare system that feels familiar yet refreshingly different.
However, GPs who move from the UK to Canada often say the biggest learning curve is not licensing or visas, but the day-to-day realities of the job. From how patients book appointments to how clinics are run, working as a GP in Canada comes with a few surprises, both practical and positive.
Drawing on real-world experience, including insights from our doctor-led team at Advantage Medical Staffing, this article explores the key things GPs from the UK are often surprised by when they start working in Canada.
One of the most immediate differences British GPs notice is the increased control they have over their working day. In many Canadian practices, doctors have far more say in how long appointments last and how their clinics are structured.
While patient demand is high, particularly in cities like Toronto, Calgary and Ottawa, GP jobs in Canada often allow doctors to tailor their schedules to suit their clinical style. This can mean more time with complex patients and less pressure to rush through consultations.
Advantage Medical Staffing helps British GPs identify practices where workload expectations are realistic and aligned with their preferences, rather than simply filling vacancies.
British GPs are often pleasantly surprised by the level of autonomy they experience in Canada. Many practices are physician-led, and doctors play an active role in shaping clinical processes, staffing models and patient care pathways.
For doctors used to highly centralised systems, this independence can feel refreshing. It also allows experienced GPs to practise medicine in a way that reflects their training and judgement.
As a doctor-led recruitment agency, Advantage Medical Staffing understands how important this autonomy is. Their team focuses on matching GPs with clinics that value professional independence rather than imposing rigid structures.
A Different, but Transparent, Approach to Earnings
Another area that often surprises British GPs is how income works. Many doctor jobs in Canada operate on a fee-for-service basis, where physicians bill the provincial health system for consultations and procedures.
While this model takes some adjustment, UK doctors often appreciate the transparency. Earnings are directly linked to clinical activity, and there is typically more clarity around income potential, especially in high-demand areas.
GP jobs in Toronto and GP jobs in Calgary, in particular, offer strong earning opportunities due to the high numbers of patients and ongoing shortages. Advantage Medical Staffing supports doctors by explaining pay structures clearly, helping them understand realistic earnings after overheads and taxes.
Many British GPs are surprised to find that Canadian clinics often feel more like small businesses than NHS surgeries. Doctors may contribute to decisions about staffing, opening hours and operational costs.
At first, this responsibility can seem unfamiliar. However, many UK GPs quickly recognise the benefits. Clinics are often better resourced, more responsive to change and focused on efficiency.
Advantage Medical Staffing prepares doctors for this shift by offering honest insights into how practices are run, helping GPs choose roles that suit their level of comfort with being involved in the business side.
Canadian patients tend to be engaged and proactive about their health. British GPs often notice that patients expect detailed explanations, shared decision-making and timely access to investigations.
This aligns well with GP training in the UK, although it may require small adjustments in consultation style. Overall, many British doctors find Canadian patients appreciative and respectful, which contributes to job satisfaction.
Understanding patient demographics can vary by location, and our team helps doctors choose regions and clinics that match their clinical interests and experience.
One of the biggest surprises for British GPs is just how much location matters. Roles in Canada vary significantly depending on province and city.
Toronto offers a diverse population of patients and a fast-paced environment. Calgary combines strong earnings with access to outdoor lifestyles. Ottawa often appeals to those seeking a balance between urban living and family-friendly communities.
Advantage Medical Staffing takes a personalised approach, helping doctors weigh professional opportunities alongside lifestyle considerations. This ensures placements are sustainable, not just attractive on paper.
Many British GPs underestimate how complex international relocation can be. Licensing, immigration, contracts and clinic selection all require careful coordination.
Advantage Medical Staffing supports doctors at every stage, from initial conversations to settling into their role. Founded by Dr Rowen Fernando, a GP who relocated to Canada himself, the agency offers insight rooted in lived experience rather than theory.
Our recent presence on BMJ Careers reflects our growing reputation as a trusted link between UK doctors and Canadian opportunities. For British GPs familiar with the BMJ as a professional benchmark, this visibility adds reassurance during the decision-making process.
Check out our latest roles in Canada today. Or simply get in touch for more information.
At Advantage Medical Staffing, we understand that relocating to another country is one of the most significant steps a doctor and their family can take. Canada is increasingly becoming a destination of choice for British-trained GPs, offering both professional reward and an enviable lifestyle.
As the healthcare landscape in Canada continues to evolve, so do the opportunities and challenges for general practitioners.
In today’s global healthcare landscape, British Columbia stands out as one of the most attractive destinations for doctors. Often described as Canada’s land of wonders, it has everything from the vibrant city of Vancouver to ancient forests and mountains.
The healthcare system in Canada is facing some of the most severe staff shortages in decades, with family physicians at the centre of that crisis. Whether you’re a recent graduate, an experienced general practitioner, or an international medical graduate (IMG), there’s never been a better time to explore family physician jobs in Canada.