Dr. Arleigh Trainor is making plans to relocate from the United States to Manitoba for several reasons, including family ties, a promising career opportunity, and the chance to work within Canada’s universal health-care system. While emphasizing her excitement about returning home, the emergency physician based in Sioux Falls, S.D., also mentioned the recent political changes in the U.S. as a factor influencing her decision.
Trainor has secured a position at the emergency department in Brandon, Manitoba, starting in February 2026. She is among six American physicians recently recruited by Manitoba health authorities, aiming to bolster their medical workforce amid funding constraints and uncertainty during the previous U.S. administration.
Expressing her support for socialized medicine, Trainor believes in Canada’s ability to provide quality care without financial burden. She looks forward to contributing to a system that prioritizes preventive healthcare and ensures access for vulnerable populations.
The appeal of enhanced healthcare infrastructure, research opportunities, and educational investments in Canada attracted Trainor. She highlighted the importance of promoting Manitoba’s commitment to advancing medical services to attract more healthcare professionals.
Dr. Ainslie Mihalchuk, registrar and CEO of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba, mentioned recent regulatory changes easing the transition for U.S. doctors seeking to practice in the province. These changes allow U.S.-trained physicians to obtain full licenses without completing Canadian certification exams or requiring supervision, acknowledging the comparable training standards between the two countries.
In recent years, Manitoba has seen a rise in U.S. physician registrations, with a notable increase since the Trump administration, reflecting a trend where American healthcare providers are exploring opportunities in Canada due to political and professional motivations.
Dr. Alison Carleton, a family physician from Winnipegosis, who relocated from Iowa in 2017, has been actively involved in recruiting U.S. physicians to Manitoba. She emphasized the importance of conveying the need and welcoming environment for foreign doctors to encourage more professionals to join the workforce.
Trainor anticipates a growing influx of nurses and physicians into Canada, expecting a positive impact on the healthcare sector. She views her move to Brandon as a career advancement, combining clinical work with academic opportunities while reuniting with friends and family.
