I Left My Life as a Doctor in Nigeria to Find a Better Future for My Children in Canada
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Loading... - Emeka Nnamdi
- 10 Jan 2025
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I loved Nigeria and resisted the pull to leave. Lying in bed, surrounded by the gentle murmur of the city sounds coming in through the window, I often found my thoughts drifting to my three children and their uncertain future in Nigeria. I imagined them, bright-eyed and hopeful, graduating one day into a world where their degrees might not translate to jobs, where they could find themselves trapped in a cycle of waiting and worry.
I could hear the quiet resignation in the voices of my patients, especially the elderly with chronic illnesses, who spoke of unemployed children they continued to support on meager pensions. As much as I cherished my home, the weight of the future pressed heavily on my heart that night. It was in that moment that I knew I had to give my children a different future.
Nigeria was my home. It’s where I grew up, where my family and friends were, and where I had built my career as a doctor. I had spent years training and practicing, gaining the respect of my colleagues and community. The familiarity with the healthcare system and the opportunity to impact lives directly were deeply fulfilling.
However, in 2018, with the support of my husband, I made the difficult decision to leave my life in Nigeria for the promise of a better future in Canada.
Reluctant to Leave
I had always been resolute in staying. Despite watching nearly half of my medical school classmates relocate to Europe, Canada, or the U.S., I had heard stories of individuals who were doctors in their home countries but ended up working as taxi drivers or in unrelated jobs after immigrating. This left a significant impression on me. I could only imagine the emotional toll it must take on someone who spent years building a career in medicine, only to find themselves unable to practice after moving abroad.
One story that particularly struck me was of a taxi driver who had been in Canada for over 20 years but was unable to practice medicine due to the challenges of passing the medical licensing exams. It was a sobering reality that made me question whether the risk of starting over in a foreign country was worth it, especially with no guarantees I could practice as a doctor.
Migrating would mean giving up the stability of an established career, the support of family and friends, and the satisfaction of contributing to the development of healthcare in my country. These were not easy things to walk away from, which is why the decision to leave was not one I took lightly.
But with every patient who shared the burden of supporting unemployed children, my heart grew heavier. I had always known the struggles they faced, but picturing my own children in that same future made the reality hit home.
A phone call from a friend in Canada changed my life. She told me they were looking for family physicians. The idea was both thrilling and daunting—I was already in my 40s and had no idea how to navigate this unfamiliar path. The thought of preparing for my licensing exams to practice in Canada was overwhelming.
Taking the Leap
The process felt like a daunting uphill battle, requiring immense time, effort, and financial resources—all while managing my responsibilities in Nigeria. I had to consider the practicalities of finding a home, enrolling my children in schools, understanding how everything from banking to healthcare worked, and dealing with the emotional impact of leaving behind everything familiar. But I decided to take the leap of faith for my children's future.
The journey of immigrating was physically and mentally exhausting. I failed my first English exam but persevered and passed on the second attempt. Over the next few years, I found myself in a relentless battle preparing for the Medical Council of Canada Evaluating Examination, traveling to Ghana—the nearest country with a test center at the time—and meticulously organizing my documents for job applications in Alberta and British Columbia.
After months of perseverance, my efforts finally paid off with a job interview opportunity in British Columbia. There was a shortage of family physicians, particularly in rural communities, creating a need for foreign-trained doctors to help bridge the gap. The road was long, but every sleepless night brought me one step closer to my dream.
In August 2017, I traveled to Canada to attend a preparatory course and undergo clinical assessments over four months. By the grace of God, I successfully passed all these exams. After years of preparation, setbacks, and small victories, I was finally given the opportunity to work as a physician in Canada. I was 44 when my family and I moved.
A Warm Welcome
Arriving in Prince George, B.C., I was met with an unforgettable welcome: thick snow blanketing the ground—a record snowfall since 1948. But the warmth of the people soon melted away any trepidation. From colleagues to neighbors to the church community, the people of Prince George enveloped my family in kindness and support, helping us create a sense of home in this unfamiliar land.
However, there were new challenges in practicing medicine in Canada, such as navigating the differences in medications. The names of medications, often generic versus branded, varied greatly. Medications I was familiar with back home sometimes had completely different names or weren't available at all. This meant I had to relearn drug names and familiarize myself with the Canadian pharmacological landscape to provide accurate and effective care.
Beyond the technical aspects, there was also the challenge of adapting to a different cultural terrain. Canada's multicultural society brought diverse patient backgrounds, beliefs, and expectations about healthcare that were quite different from my experiences back home. I had to learn to approach patient care with cultural sensitivity, recognizing that what worked in one cultural context might not be effective or appropriate in another.
These challenges stretched me, but they also deepened my understanding of patient-centered care. They pushed me to become a more adaptable and culturally-aware physician, ultimately shaping the way I practice medicine today.
Adjusting to life in Canada also had its challenges. My husband found the weather particularly difficult at first—the bitter cold and long winters were a stark contrast to what we were used to. Thankfully, he has adapted well over time and is now used to it.
For our children, the accent and making new friends presented the biggest hurdles. It wasn't easy navigating a new cultural environment as teenagers. But I am thankful that they have adjusted well. They've made good friends, and sometimes when they speak, I can barely make out what they're saying. I jokingly remind them to switch to their Nigerian accent when talking to me.
After four years in Prince George, it felt like home. However, for family reasons, we had to make the difficult decision to relocate to Alberta. Though it was a significant change for our family, I remain grateful to continue my work as a family physician in Edmonton, where I am part of a wonderful team of physicians, allied health professionals, and administrative staff who make every day fulfilling.
By the grace of God, our family has continued to thrive. Our first child has completed his undergraduate degree and is now working in his desired field. Our second child is in her third year at university and taking advantage of opportunities to work and volunteer—building experiences that will serve her well in the future. Our youngest is almost done with high school and has been actively involved in volunteer work and leadership roles within her school.
Watching them grow, adapt, and excel in their new environment fills me with immense gratitude and reaffirms that the sacrifices were worth every effort. Through it all, God's grace has been our anchor, guiding us through each step of this journey.
