History

The St. Joseph’s Health System International Outreach Program (IOP) has been enhancing global healthcare through committed partnerships since 1986 when the program was started by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Hamilton who began a small partnership with the government of Dominica.

1990s: Limited-time partnerships with Israel, Yemen, Russia, Jamaica, Sudan and Romania, by providing medical equipment and training

1990: First project in Haiti begins

1992: First project in Uganda begins, followed by initiation of the physician training program  in Canada from 2000 to present

2010: International Outreach Program becomes a distinct corporate division within the St. Joseph’s Health System and receives its own charitable status from the Canada Revenue Agency and a volunteer Board of Directors and part time Executive Director are appointed

2016: Initiation of the physician training program in Canada for physicians from Guyana

2020-2021: First Physician trainees from South Sudan, Philippines, Zambia and Namibia arrive in Hamilton for training

2021-2023: Covid 19 restrictions curtail number of Learners admitted through IOP, but rise again in 2023… and grow!