Why Dr. Peter Shin Moved His Family and Medical Career from the US to Canada Part I
Life After the Leap: Dr. Peter Shin’s Journey North
By Dr. Rob Beck, Interesting MD
Welcome back, friends. This week on Interesting MD, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Peter Shin—an adventurous internist who recently traded a well-worn path through the American healthcare system for the mountains (and bears!) of British Columbia. It’s not every day you meet someone who’s packed up their entire family—wife, four kids, and two decades of experience—to start fresh in another country. Peter’s story is a fascinating look at what it takes to build a life, not just a career.
Here are some of the most interesting takeaways from our conversation. If you’re at all curious about Canadian medicine, international moves, or just want to know what actually happens when you spot a bear at the compost bin, read on.
Why Leave the States?
Peter’s move wasn’t a snap decision. Like many of us, he felt the grind of high cost of living, shifting political winds, and a creeping sense that the American system just wasn’t what it used to be. Add a love of travel and exploration, and you’ve got a recipe for seeking new horizons.
Burnout from US healthcare: Long hours, rising costs, and stagnant pay.
Love of adventure: Peter and his wife always dreamed of seeing the world—and wanted to show that world to their kids.
Seeking balance: Tired of being stuck, they were ready to take the leap.
The Road Less Traveled
One thing I appreciate about Peter: he’s done the research. His path took him from Chicago to Colorado, Connecticut, New Zealand (yes, even Kiwis have hospitalists), back to Chicago—and now Surrey, BC.
A truly global physician: Peter’s worked on both sides of the Pacific, in traditional US practices, community hospitals, Native American reservations, and the NZ public system.
Kids along for the ride: Four children, including one now at a French business school—so distance from family played a part in where they finally landed.
Why Canada?
Let’s get this out of the way: No, he didn’t come just for the maple syrup.
Changing Canadian rules: Recent changes make it much easier for US physicians to get licensed in Canada. Peter credits podcasts (mine included—flattering!) for alerting him to these new opportunities.
Comparable pay: British Columbia isn’t short-changing its physicians, and the work-life balance is a step up.
Adventure, but close to home: Compared to New Zealand, Canada’s a lot closer to Europe, the States, and the opportunities/family they still cherish.
Medicine, But Different
How does Canadian medicine compare? The core of medicine stays the same, but the packaging—systems, schedules, colleagues—is a whole new world.
The Highlights:
System differences: Everything flows through the government; patients can wait longer for things like MRIs, procedures, or even x-rays. Not always ideal, but predictable.
Workload: About 16-17 patients per hospitalist per day; Surrey Memorial is large and busy, similar to what US physicians might expect.
Cultural adaptation: Canadian colleagues and patients? Exceptionally welcoming, less entitlement, far more gratitude. Not a trace of animosity about Peter being American—just genuine appreciation that he’s here to help.
EMRs and technology: Somewhat “behind” compared to the US; a blend of paper and digital remains in play, though movement toward full electronic systems is ongoing.
What’s the Same (and Different)?
Medication names: Trade names like “Gravol” (think Dramamine) come up, but generics are universal.
Lab values/units: The numbers might look foreign (glucose of 7!), but you get used to it quickly.
Support from colleagues: Immensely helpful, especially in the early weeks navigating the system.
Life Beyond the Hospital
This is where it gets good. Peter’s work-life balance is exactly what drew him north.
Week on, week off schedule: After morning rounds, he’s often free to enjoy Vancouver’s unbeatable summers, hike, explore, or just relax with his family.
Lush surroundings: Quick trips to Whistler, kids at camp on Vancouver Island, epic hikes, a world-class food scene—hard not to be in a good mood.
Neighborhood bears: You read that right. Bears are part of daily life, raiding compost bins and strolling through the streets. The Shin family has not only adjusted but finds it almost charming—a far cry from downtown Chicago.
Final Thoughts:
Peter’s story captures what so many of us are seeking—meaningful work, adventure, and connection. If you’re a physician inching toward a big move, or just feeling stuck, take heart: there are happier, saner, and maybe even wilder (bears, anyone?) lives out there.
Thinking of making the jump to Canada?
Stay tuned for Part 2, where Peter lays out the nitty-gritty on licensing and immigration. It’s never been easier—or more rewarding.
Drop me a line if you have questions (rob@interestingmd.com).
Like, subscribe, and share if you want more stories like Peter’s.
Here’s to building lives—not just careers.
— Dr. Rob Beck
Interesting MD