Email:therese@itpo.ca
Country of Origin: Egypt
Medical School: Ain Shams University, Egypt
Medical Areas of Interest: Family Medicine and Emergency Medicine

I joined ITPO in 2021, and since then, I have had the privilege of being part of a dedicated community that works tirelessly to support internationally trained physicians (ITPs). When I first learned about ITPO, I felt a profound sense of relief and excitement. It was a safe space where I could see people genuinely working for the betterment of ITPs, and I was eager to be involved in that mission.

Over the years, I have witnessed ITPO grow and evolve, expanding its efforts to provide more resources and opportunities for ITPs. ITPO has consistently worked to amplify the voices of internationally trained physicians and help them integrate more seamlessly into the Canadian healthcare system. It has been truly rewarding to be part of this journey, and I am proud to be a member of such a passionate team, working relentlessly for the benefit of ITPs.

One of the most impactful roles I have undertaken within ITPO is my involvement in the Policy Advocacy and Research Committee. In this capacity, I worked on a couple of research projects with the goal of advocating for the recognition and inclusion of ITPs in the Canadian healthcare system.

Later, I was honored to serve as one of the committee manager, a position that allowed me to contribute even more significantly to ITPO’s mission. I remain hopeful that our ongoing advocacy efforts will help each internationally trained physician find their place within the Canadian healthcare system, where their expertise can be utilized to its fullest potential.

Looking forward, I am optimistic about the future of ITPO and the progress we can make for ITPs. Every step we take towards policy change and improved integration brings us closer to a system where internationally trained physicians can fully contribute to the health and well-being of Canadians. I am excited to continue my work with ITPO and proud to be part of such an important movement.