Your word is "validate"...

"We'd like you to get into small groups. Each group will be given a word that relates to patient communication. We want you to define the word, and then create a skit to demonstrate your definition to the other groups."

Rage blackouts all week. Seriously.

There was a special presentation on Thursday evening; the provincial health minister and minister for immigration came to congratulate us on our new jobs. Due to the upcoming election, CBC and other news outlets came to cover the congratulations. For roughly 45 minutes people got up to say things like "We appreciate the cultural differences you bring to Ontario" and "We're so thrilled that you've decided to make Canada your home".

After the presentations, I spoke to the ministers individually.

I asked, respectfully, if they were aware that more than 50% of the people in the program were Canadian born and raised. If they were aware that most of us had only left the country for medical school; usually 4-6 years out of country. If they knew that we were being forced to learn (at taxpayer expense) how to speak English. If they knew we were being sent to isolated Northern outposts for 5 years.

Minister for Immigration (a medical doctor) said, "That does seem unnecessary. Unfortunately, it's not my area, but it's good to know about. Thank you."
Minister for Health said, "Oh wow. Well, I feel your pain. My sister-in-law is training in Australia right now, so..."

When I pressed her for planned changes to the program, or her thoughts on whether this matter was fair, she looked annoyed. "The program has already improved so much! It was much worse before!"

So there we have it. English speaking Canadians are doing skits about communications at YOUR expense.
You cannot have an Ontario trained doctor in BC (where there is a greater shortage) cos we are indentured for 5 years. For a 2 year training program.
Canadian citizens are being punished for funding their own medical training when the oversubscribed Canadian system can't fit them in.

Please, write to your elected representative. Action now may prevent your future doctor from being deported for drunken and disorderly behaviour towards Provinical ministers.