[Dion]

Trump threats open 'floodgate' of inquires from U.S. physicians about moving north

Renowned Ottawa heart surgeon Marc Ruel was planning a move to the United States last year, with the University of California, San Francisco "thrilled to announce" that he would be leading a heart division in their surgery department.

But Donald Trump's threats toward Canada were such that Ruel has now decided to remain in Canada.

"Canada is under duress right now," he told CBC. "I felt my role and duty at this point was to directly serve my country from within."

Ruel is not the only medical professional now reluctant to work in the United States.

"I don't want to do politics, I'm a surgeon, I'm not a politician and I respect every nation's choice to choose their own destiny," he said.

But Trump's imposition of tariffs and threats to annex the the country that's historically been its closest ally has made geopolitics an unavoidable issue.

"I had to most unfortunately change my decision," Ruel said. "I say unfortunately because there were patients there in California, I can tell you, who we're looking forward to having this type of surgery."

Given the broader context, Ruel says staying put was the best decision.

"I'm very happy to be here and to serve, as well as I can, my fellow Canadians," he said.

https://ca.yahoo.com/news/trump-thre...080000116.html