Supporting Workforce Integration: An Environmental Scan of Bridging and Mentorship Programs for Internationally Educated Allied Healthcare Professionals and Physicians in Canada

While bridging programs for Internationally Educated Health Care Professionals (IEHPs) support their licensure and workplace integration, little is known about best practices in bridging education. This article identifies best practices in IEHP bridging and mentorship programs for physicians and allied health professionals to inform healthcare workforce policy. An environmental scan comprising desk reviews of 41 Canadian bridging programs, consultations with 18 stakeholders (educators, regulators, and program graduates), and a rapid review of 49 academic and grey literature sources from Canada and comparable countries. Findings reveal significant disparities in accessing bridging opportunities across professions and regions, particularly for allied health professionals. Barriers also include inconsistent funding, regulatory variation, and competitive assessment processes. Successful programs emphasize flexible delivery models, cultural competence, and structured clinical exposure. Findings highlight that integrating IEHPs and sustaining the health workforce requires treating bridging and mentorship programs as central components rather than peripheral supports.