Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 14, 2026
10:35
Assessment of Antibody-based Drugs Effects on Murine Bone Marrow and Peritoneal Macrophage Activation
Published on: December 26, 2017
Canadian-trained basic medical scientists, 1946-47-1963-64.
Canadian Medical Association Journal
|March 24, 2010
Summary
Most basic medical science PhDs trained in Canada between 1946-1964 migrated after graduation. Post-doctorate training abroad and foreign student status significantly increased migration rates.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Public Health
- Sociology of Science
Background:
- Canadian medical faculties trained a cohort of master's and doctoral degree holders in basic medical sciences between 1946-47 and 1963-64.
- Understanding the post-graduation geographical distribution and employment of these scientists is crucial for assessing the impact of Canadian medical education and research.
- A significant portion of these graduates have migrated, necessitating an analysis of contributing factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the geographical distribution of basic medical science degree holders trained in Canada.
- To identify factors influencing the migration patterns of these graduates.
- To assess the current employment status of Ph.D. holders in Canada.
Main Methods:
- Data collection from Canadian medical schools regarding master's and doctoral degree holders (1946-47 to 1963-64).
- Analysis of questionnaire returns from doctoral degree holders concerning citizenship, training locations, and migration.
- Examination of current employment data for Ph.D. respondents.
Main Results:
- 69% of degree holders reside in Canada, 23% in the U.S.A., and 8% overseas.
- Canadian-born graduates had the lowest migration rates, while landed immigrants and foreign students had the highest.
- Post-doctorate training in the U.S. was strongly associated with residing in the U.S. (50% vs. 15% for those trained solely in Canada).
- Only 25% of Ph.D. respondents hold basic science teaching positions in Canada.
Conclusions:
- Graduation from Canadian basic medical science programs during this era was associated with significant post-graduation migration.
- Factors such as citizenship status at graduation and undertaking post-doctoral training abroad strongly predict migration.
- A substantial proportion of Ph.D. graduates are not currently employed in basic science teaching positions within Canada, suggesting a potential "brain drain" or career path divergence.
