CanAm Physician Recruiting
Canada’s Lifeline for Global Physician Talent

When a rural hospital is on the brink of closing its ER, when clinics struggle to find physicians, or when international doctors face licensing hurdles, one name consistently comes through, CanAm Physician Recruiting.

For over 27 years, CanAm has been Canada’s gold standard in physician recruitment, recognized for its mission-driven focus, deep expertise, and dedication to people-first values. Specializing in supporting international medical graduates (IMGs), CanAm expertly guides them through the often complex processes of licensing, credentialing, immigration and clinic optimization.

What began as a cross-border recruitment initiative has evolved into a globally respected healthcare staffing partner. CanAm’s story is one of deep commitment, connecting healthcare professionals with communities in need, one thoughtful placement at a time.

FROM A NICHE BEGINNING TO NATIONAL RECOGNITION

Founded by CEO John Philpott in Ohio, CanAm began by recruiting Canadian physicians into the U.S. However, as immigration pathways shifted and international medical graduates (IMGs) faced barriers in the U.S., Philpott saw a new opportunity: bringing global medical talent into Canada. By 2000, the company shifted its base to Nova Scotia and soon evolved into a truly national operation, serving communities across Canada from coast to coast.

“We became the first physician recruitment company in Canada. Since then, there’s not a province or community where we haven’t placed a doctor,” says Philpott.

Today, CanAm is a trusted, full-spectrum healthcare staffing and consulting partner that is vital in stabilizing and expanding care capacity, particularly in underserved regions. Backed by a proprietary database of over 14,000 credentialed candidates, a legacy of lobbying for licensing reform, and decades of successful placements, CanAm has helped shape healthcare delivery nationwide.

While physician recruitment remains its primary focus, CanAm also works with public health authorities and private clinics in every Canadian province to place other healthcare professionals, including pharmacists, nurses, and psychologists, where they are needed most.

FILLING GAPS, BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS

Rather than simply forwarding CVs, the company manages the entire recruitment lifecycle, from sourcing and screening to licensing, immigration, onboarding, and long-term retention. It’s a comprehensive, end-to-end process that ensures no detail is overlooked.

“Our value lies in our dual client approach. We serve both the physician and the healthcare organization, offering full-cycle support for each,” explains Michelle Flynn, COO.

The recruitment journey is long and complex, often taking a year or more, particularly for international candidates. CanAm stays involved every step of the way. They coordinate with licensing bodies, immigration agencies, hospitals, and community stakeholders, ensuring no detail slips through the cracks. Clients frequently express confidence in the firm’s vetting process, often noting that when a CV comes from CanAm, they can trust the physician is licensable, an assurance that sets CanAm apart.

Beyond recruitment, the company also offers healthcare management consulting to clinics and hospitals, focusing on operational optimization and physician retention. It helps clients understand how to make their clinics financially viable and attractive to doctors. This business acumen proves invaluable for smaller operations run by pharmacists, independent physicians, or non-medical entrepreneurs who need guidance in running sustainable, physician-friendly practices.

TECHNOLOGY MEETS HUMANITY

To support its growing reach, CanAm has made significant investments in technology. Over the last five years, the company has invested heavily in AI-powered CRM tools and applicant tracking systems (ATS) to streamline physician sourcing, optimize operations and improve client service. This forward-thinking approach allows the company to handle an ever-increasing volume of physician inquiries, often as many as 60 new candidates organically visiting their website per week.

Yet, even as technology advances, the company remains deeply committed to a personal, human-centered approach. Every physician is individually interviewed, carefully considering family needs, lifestyle preferences, special accommodations, and even niche hobbies.

In one case, CanAm successfully placed a physician who needed to live near a horse racing stable to support their child’s passion for riding, a testament to the company’s dedication to understanding the person, not just their medical expertise.

STAYING AHEAD, GIVING BACK

As the demand for healthcare professionals rises across Canada, CanAm continues to scale, expanding its team, enhancing its technology, and pursuing select global projects. Despite international interest, Canada remains its heart and home.

CanAm’s influence is not limited to recruitment. Canadian media regularly call on the company as subject-matter experts during major healthcare discussions. During a recent surge of interest from U.S.-based physicians driven by political developments, CanAm participated in dozens of interviews across television, radio, blogs, and print publications. This visibility underscores the company’s role as a thought leader and its ongoing efforts to advocate for smarter, more equitable licensing policies.

In addition to public engagement, CanAm actively lobbies for systemic reform. When licensing barriers prevent communities from accessing the physicians they need, the company steps in to push for change, leveraging its expertise to help shape a more responsive healthcare system.

A TEAM THAT CARES

At the heart of it all is a team deeply committed to making a difference. CanAm’s staff is experienced, knowledgeable, and passionate about their work. Their dedication to physicians and the communities they serve drives the company’s enduring impact.

That mission-centered culture has led to long-term placements that span generations. Some physicians placed in remote Canadian communities more than two decades ago are still serving there today, and they often turn to CanAm again when it’s time for a new chapter.

In a healthcare system often constrained by red tape and workforce shortages, CanAm Physician Recruiting offers something rare: unmatched licensing expertise, end-to-end support, and a truly personalized approach to matching doctors with communities. By continuing to invest in people and innovation, CanAm isn’t just filling vacancies—it’s strengthening the future of Canadian healthcare.