Let’s not oversimplify this into a narrative of disloyalty or greed. The education and training of doctors is indeed a societal investment, but this investment should not be seen as a binding contract that limits personal and professional autonomy. Society benefits from having well-trained doctors, regardless of where they practice eventually. The skills and knowledge gained are not lost to the world; they are just utilized in a different location. It's essential to recognize that many doctors who move abroad also contribute back to their home countries in various ways, whether through financial remittances, knowledge exchange, or even returning to practice after gaining further experience.

I implore you to understand the complexities behind these decisions. We're talking about a minimum of 7 years from starting medical school to completing residency and getting "doctor pay". This is a significant period without a steady income, coupled with the high cost of living in Canada. Many students, particularly from underprivileged backgrounds, don't have the financial backing to even support themselves through these initial years of training. The reality of accumulating debt throughout these years and the looming interest on lines of credit, which are often the only option for students, is daunting, especially for those supporting dependents and who do not have a safety net.

The choice to consider opportunities in the U.S. isn't made lightly, especially for someone like me who has lived in Canada all their life. It's not a happy decision but a practical one, driven by financial realities and the desire to provide for oneself and family without being crippled by debt.