As Dr. Oyeleye Oyesode stepped off the plane in Nova Scotia, he carried with him a wealth of medical expertise and a master’s degree in health service policy and management from the United States. But more importantly, he and his wife brought a deep appreciation for the warm and welcoming nature of the people they had encountered.
“We fell in love with the kindness of the Halifax community,” says Oyeleye with a smile. “It felt like the right place to make our home. It’s a place where you are not judged based on your accent, how you sound, or the color of your skin.”
Like many immigrants, however, Oyeleye faced significant challenges in securing employment in his field. Despite being overqualified for survival jobs like client service assistant roles, he didn’t lose faith. “The journey wasn’t easy, but it was necessary,” he reflects.
It was through an invitation that Oyeleye discovered ISANS and its programs, which provided essential assistance in navigating the Canadian job market.
However, ISANS’ guidance extended far beyond just job search strategies. Oyeleye found immense value in the settlement online modules and the course on communication strategy for patient interactions.
“I learned invaluable skills like demonstrating empathy, breaking bad news, and counseling patients,” says Oyeleye. “ISANS communication strategy course prepared me on how to speak in a respectful and culturally acceptable manner, while recognizing the patient-centric nature of the Canadian healthcare system.”
With this newfound understanding, Oyeleye also enrolled in ISANS’ International Medical Graduates (IMG) Bridging Program, which included clinical skills review sessions for the Medical Council of Canada exams.
“These courses empowered me and helped me understand the Canadian healthcare system and how to communicate effectively with patients and colleagues,” says Oyeleye.
The preparation paid off. A few months later, a referral from an international doctor gave Oyeleye the opportunity to work as an assistant in a family doctor’s clinic, marking the beginning of his medical professional journey in Canada.
Reflecting on his journey, Oyeleye emphasizes the significance of ISANS’ programs with heartfelt gratitude. “I am truly grateful for the support I received as a client and now as an employee at ISANS. This preparation helped me excel in my exams and provided me with the confidence to pursue my medical career in Canada.”
“ISANS is doing a lot to support immigrants,” says Oyeleye. “These courses helped me when I was writing my professional exams because I aced them very well. My results were outstanding, and this shows how much drilling and preparation that goes into the employment bridging programs.”
Oyeleye’s inspiring story is a testament to his resilience and determination. As he transitions into his medical career, he acknowledges ISANS’ unwavering support towards immigrants.
“I’m indeed grateful because ISANS is a bridge that helps connect people to their professional goals,” he said. “I will keep sharing my success story with new immigrants on how ISANS empowered and helped me integrate into the Canadian system.”