The Saskatoon Health Region’s ambitious Pathways: IEHP Support, Bridging and Integration project provides new health professionals to the region the support they need to successfully navigate regulatory processes and accomplish their professional goals.

In addition to individualized support, the program’s workshops, events, and social media forum offer participants opportunities to enhance communication skills, develop relationships, learn from each other’s experiences, and support one another as they make this transition in their lives and careers. To address the geographic challenges within Saskatchewan, an online tool was developed to provide resources for professionals unable to participate in regional workshops in person.

Created in collaboration with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health and funded by Health Canada, the initial goal of the five-year project was to support 200 IEHPs; however, as of March 31, 2014, 489 participants have entered the program, with 121 (25 percent) gaining licensure in their profession or an alternate health profession.