🧠 From Physiotherapy to PhD Leadership — Grateful for a Career-Defining Conversation
🧠 From Physiotherapy to PhD Leadership — Grateful for a Career-Defining Conversation
I recently had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Keerthi, a Senior Director at the Red Cross and a PhD graduate in Public Health & Healthcare Administration. His journey from physiotherapy to a permanent remote leadership role in Canada was not only inspiring — it offered a blueprint for international medical graduates like me navigating postgraduate careers, permanent residency, and academic research.
Here’s a detailed reflection and roadmap from our conversation 👇
🧾 1️⃣ Key Learnings from Dr. Keerthi
| Topic | Insights from Dr. Keerthi | Takeaway for My Career |
|---|---|---|
| 📚 PhD Pathway | Thesis-based Master's is a must | Need to find a research-oriented Master's program |
| ✍️ Research Importance | Publications + RA experience crucial | Begin co-authoring or assisting on studies |
| 🎓 Education | BHMS can align with health research if bridged well | May need a full Master's to strengthen eligibility |
| 🧾 PGWP Strategy | Prefer PR first, then PhD as domestic student | One year of FT work = critical |
| 💼 Job + Study | Manage FT work + remote studies | Focus on flexible, aligned roles in healthcare |
| 🧑🏫 Future Opportunities | Postdoc + teaching roles exist | Long-term goal to join academia and policy leadership |
🧩 2️⃣ Reflective Questions I’m Now Exploring
| Question | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| 🎯 How do I find thesis-based programs that accept BHMS backgrounds? | To get on the PhD pathway |
| ✍️ Can I gain research experience before thesis or PhD admission? | To build my CV and publishing credibility |
| 💸 Is PR-first truly the smartest route for funding and scholarships? | Saves tuition + increases acceptance odds |
| 🧠 Are there teaching fellowships open to international grads? | To gain experience and support academic transition |
| 🌱 What are good entry-level jobs that satisfy PR and research exposure? | Need to align both career and immigration tracks |
🧱 3️⃣ Roadmap I’m Building (Career + PR + Research)
| Stage | Action | Support I Seek |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Gain 1-year FT experience in Canadian healthcare | Target hospitals, community orgs, admin roles | Referrals or leads from peers welcome |
| ✅ Apply for PR via CEC | Use PGWP before expiry | Learning from experienced immigrants |
| 🔁 Enroll in thesis-based Master’s | MSc in Health Research / Public Health | Suggestions for flexible programs |
| 📌 Join a research project | RA or volunteer in ongoing study | Open to collaboration or guidance |
| 🔁 Transition into PhD | Fully funded, ideally post-PR | Looking for advice from academic mentors |
| 🧑🏫 Aim for postdoc + teaching | Lectureship, course design, TAship | Would love insights from educators |
🙏 Closing Thought
Dr. Keerthi’s story affirmed that career mobility, academic excellence, and permanent settlement are possible — even after COVID, immigration changes, and credential complexities. I’m determined to walk a similar path, building on my BHMS, Canadian PG Certificate, and passion for healthcare transformation.
If you’re on a similar path — or have insights, suggestions, or leads — I would love to connect and exchange ideas.
📬 DM me or drop your thoughts below.
#HealthcareLeadership #PhDCanada #InternationalMedicalGraduates #PublicHealth #PGWPtoPR #ResearchOpportunities #HealthcareJobsCanada #TeachingFellowship #PostDocPathway #Gratitude #CareerPlanning #ImmigrantSuccess
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