Pursuing medical career dreams together: Edu and Diana’s journey

Edu and Diana’s story is one of perseverance, passion, and the pursuit of a dream. Originally from Mexico, the husband-and-wife duo are both licensed physicians who shared a deep commitment to medicine, but also a desire for a better balance between professional growth and quality of life.

“In Mexico, we loved being physicians,” Diana reflects, “but we also wanted new opportunities to continue growing professionally while finding a place where we could build the life we imagined for our family.”

That search led them to Canada. Although they arrived with clear goals, the path forward was not easy. Like many International Medical Graduates (IMGs), Edu and Diana were faced with the reality of not being able to work in their profession right away and the uncertainty of a long licensure process.

“It was overwhelming,” Edu recalls. “You can feel the pressure of time. The longer you are away from practice, the harder it is to return. That’s when ISANS made all the difference.”

Through ISANS, Edu and Diana learned about the Communication Skills for Patient Interactions (CSPI) course, which became a turning point in their journey. Both realized that medical licensure in Canada was not only about clinical knowledge but also about strong communication rooted in empathy and cultural understanding.

“The CSPI course gave us the tools to improve our communication with patients and colleagues,” says Diana. “It was more than language it was about understanding Canadian culture, values, and patient-centred care. The individualized feedback and simulated patient sessions built my confidence to face the NAC OSCE exam.”

“I would not have achieved the same results without CSPI. The course shaped my communication skills in ways that were critical to my success on the exam and now in my daily practice”, Edu adds.

Today, both Edu and Diana are not only advancing their own careers but also contributing to Nova Scotia’s healthcare sector. Today, Edu is completing his Family Medicine residency at Dalhousie University. Diana is excelling as a procedural skills instructor at Dalhousie’s C3LR, helping medical students hone not just their technical skills, but also their ability to connect meaningfully with patients.

Edu and Diana also helped vet the virtual patient software CyberPatient for the National Healthcare Language Program courses. “I am very happy I was able to be part of the trial for this program. It was a positive experience, and I think it is a very useful tool to help other health professionals prepare for their exams. One of the biggest advantages is the easy access, so people in different areas can also practice with simulated cyber patients,” said Diana.

Both have also given back through volunteering, supporting fellow IMGs who are just starting out. “We will always be grateful to ISANS,” Diana shares. “The support we received was life-changing, and volunteering is our way of saying thank you.”

For Edu and Diana, belonging in Nova Scotia now means security, opportunity, and community. “We don’t feel lost anymore,” Diana smiles. “We’ve built friendships, we’re raising our family here, and every day that sense of belonging grows stronger.”

Their message to others walking a similar path is simple but powerful: “Be patient. It is a long journey, but step by step you can achieve your goals. Keep an open mind, be grateful, and never stop moving forward.”