Dr. Ryve Loshaj

I am from Kosovo. I’ve been in Canada since August 1999, and my position is family physician.

Back home I was a family physician. I was going to become a pediatrician, but the situation deteriorated and the war broke out in Kosovo and I have to leave.

In order to find my current job I had to face so many challenges. It took me almost six years to bring me where I am today, to get license as a physician and initially it was very difficult actually to find any job in healthcare system.

The difference that I find, working in Canada, are not so much from the clinical point of view. The practice is the same, but I noticed some changes in the legal point. I have now better understanding of the legal system in Canada and ethical issues here. The cultural differences also influenced the way how I practice here.

The suggestion that I have for other newcomers in my profession are that they should believe in themselves, first, always, no matter what they are told and no matter what kind of barriers they face. Eventually, they will become physician if they are persistent, and to request help. There is help available always. To contact agencies such as ISIS and ask for support and guidance.

The good things of working here are that you are always welcomed, in a community, in a workplace. People around you are courteous and they make you feel as part of a team, part of the community. So, I’m very happy to be living and working here.

- Dr. Ryve Loshaj