There's relocation and then there is relocation

I've just returned from a weekend in Vancouver. Vancouver is great. Great restaurants, culture, shopping, the beautiful backdrop of mountains surrounding the city by the sea and only 50 minutes away by plane. It did rain a little but I had some great seafood at a couple of fantastic restaurants. Sadly my trip was not purely recreational as I was on a mandatory conference for IMGs (International Medical Graduates) where we got to meet each other and together learn how the Canadian and British Columbian Healthcare system works. The lecture content was interesting and I did learn some new things. I was particulary glad that I don't have to do my own billing for payment of my services as this is all handled by the hospital. The most interesting part, however, was hearing all the stories, over coffee and lunch, from other IMGs about their relocation and working circumstances. Some it turns out have had a horrendous settling-in period with hospitals not having completed their paperwork. One hospital denied any knowledge of a new doctor starting and it transpired that the paperwork had been sent to the wrong hospital. Others reported problems with their departments and mentors. Many had trouble with getting credit from Canadian banks to purchase cars and other essentials. Hearing all this just made me feel glad and relieved that our own relocation has gone as smoothly as it has and that my current colleagues have bent over backwards to help ease me and my family into life and work here in Canada. Our banking service has been flawless and we have been surprised again and again with how friendly and helpful people have been. Some of this may be attributable to the local Prince George folk and some may be down to the friendly nature of Canadians in general. In any case I am pleased to be able to say that the process of our own relocation has gone as well as we could possibly haved hoped for and for that we are truly thankful.