Dr. Arleigh Trainor cites family ties, career prospects, and the opportunity to practice medicine within Canada’s universal health-care system as the primary motivations behind her decision to relocate from the U.S. back to Manitoba. While emphasizing her excitement about returning home, Trainor also acknowledges the element of “instability” post the change in U.S. government in November.
Having secured a position in the emergency department of Brandon, Manitoba, starting in February 2026, Trainor expressed her enthusiasm during a Zoom interview with CBC, conducted from her current workplace in Sioux Falls, S.D. Joining a cohort of six American doctors recently recruited by Manitoba health authorities, Trainor’s move aligns with the province’s efforts to bolster its medical workforce amid funding constraints and uncertainty under the former administration of President Donald Trump.
Advocating strongly for socialized medicine, Trainor views Canada as a destination where patients receive excellent care without facing financial strain. She looks forward to contributing to a system that prioritizes preventive care and ensures access to treatment for vulnerable populations.
Highlighting the allure of investments in healthcare, medical research, and education, Trainor emphasizes the importance of promoting Manitoba as a province committed to advancing medical services for its population. She underlines the appeal of the Canadian system’s relative stability, particularly for U.S. healthcare providers contemplating a change.
Dr. Ainslie Mihalchuk, the registrar and CEO of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba, noted that recent regulatory changes have facilitated the entry of U.S.-trained physicians into the province without the need for Canadian certification exams. This shift aims to streamline the licensing process while ensuring the competency of healthcare providers serving Manitobans.
In the past five years, Manitoba has seen a modest influx of U.S. physicians, with a notable uptick following the Trump administration, signaling increased interest from American healthcare professionals. Dr. Jeremy de Jong, the college’s director of registration, attributes this rise partly to concerns in the U.S. healthcare landscape, particularly related to women’s health, prompting physicians to seek opportunities in Canada aligned with their ethical values.
Dr. Alison Carleton, a family physician who relocated from Iowa to Winnipegosis, Manitoba, underscores the importance of communicating the province’s need for and appreciation of U.S. doctors to facilitate recruitment efforts. Drawing from her own experience, Carleton advocates for a proactive approach to attract more healthcare professionals to Manitoba by highlighting the welcoming environment and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, Trainor anticipates a continued influx of nurses and physicians into Canada, considering the appealing prospects for career advancement and a supportive work environment. Transitioning to an academic and clinical role in Brandon, Trainor views her move as a promotion, emphasizing the value of reuniting with friends and family in Manitoba.