The Medical Society of PEI’s Physician Coaching Program has a new focus on supporting internationally trained physicians, a group that often arrives in Canada with strong skills and experience but can still feel disconnected from local systems and supports.
That focus is being strengthened with the addition of Dr. Florence Obianyor (Dr. Flo), a family physician, executive coach, and wellness expert with extensive experience working with internationally trained clinicians across Canada. Her involvement is part of a broader effort to better engage physicians who may not typically reach out for support, including those who are new to PEI or new to Canada.
The Physician Coaching Program is a confidential, voluntary MSPEI member benefit that connects physicians with trained coaches to support reflection, professional growth, and well-being. It offers a safe, non-judgmental space to work through challenges, transitions, and career development.
Dr. Flo’s experience and research in physician and International Medical Graduate (IMG) well-being highlights barriers that can affect physicians new to Canada, including limited social supports after immigration and gaps in inclusion in everyday systems and training environments.
“Some of the challenges IMG’s face is on the home front and the fact that they don’t necessarily have support people around them,” she said. “If a physician is at work, for example, and they get a call from school, what do they do? They don’t necessarily have grandma to go pick up the kids. It highlights just how important having community connections is from the beginning.”
She also highlights small but meaningful ways systems can be more inclusive, including in training materials.
“When we're training on something like electronic medical records, we're using physician names like Dr. Green and Dr. Adam… but how about Dr. Amina?” she said. “Being able to see yourself in the work, can go a long way to feeling accepted and part of the community.”
MSPEI hopes to reach physicians who may not yet see themselves reflected in existing programs, or who have not previously connected with the supports and benefits available to them as a member. This includes internationally trained physicians early in their Canadian practice journey or still building the relationships and trust that often lead to engagement.
Inviting Dr. Flo into the Coaching Program reflects this goal. Her work brings together both professional expertise and lived experience that resonates with many internationally trained physicians.
Dr. Flo trained in Nigeria before moving to Canada, completing her family medicine residency at the University of Calgary. She has since worked across clinical care, education, leadership, and regulatory roles.
Her background also includes supporting physicians through regulatory processes, such as complaints and practice reviews, experiences that can feel intimidating for any physician, particularly those new to the country.
Dr. Flo says internationally trained physicians are often highly motivated and deeply committed to patient care, even as they adjust to a new system.
“What brings them joy is being able to contribute to the health system, improving the lives of patients… they really truly care,” she said.
At the same time, she notes pressures that can affect well-being, including separation from family, cultural transitions, and stress of working in unfamiliar environments.
She emphasizes the importance of timing, noting that coaching is often most effective when offered early, before physicians become isolated or overwhelmed.
MSPEI hopes this expanded approach will help more physicians feel seen, supported, and connected to the profession in PEI.
Connect with Dr. Flo.
Read Dr. Florence Obianyor’s full biography.