As Saudi doctors face recall home, many questions remain about impact in Canada
MONTREAL — Health officials across Canada were trying to determine Wednesday the potential impact if about 800 medical residents and fellows from Saudi Arabia suddenly leave the various networks next month.
The planned recall of that group comes after Saudi Arabia suspended diplomatic relations with Canada on Sunday in response to a tweet from Global Affairs Canada that criticized the Saudis for the arrest of female social activists.
The diplomatic row has escalated with a series of measures taken by the Saudis that include recalling students — including medical students and residents — to Saudi Arabia.
Saudi medical students make up the vast majority of foreign medical trainees in Canada, according to the Ottawa-based Saudi Arabian Cultural Bureau.