How subjective likability practices undermine Canada’s health workforce recruitment and retention

In the face of worsening health workforce shortages, Canada must shift from a culture of personal likability to a system of objective qualifications or merits in recruiting and retaining physicians. While team cohesion and interpersonal compatibility are essential, an overemphasis on “fit” or likability excludes talented physicians, particularly immigrants and racialized minorities, who may not share the cultural background, communication style, or social behaviors preferred by decision-makers. This practice undermines equity, exacerbates staffing gaps, and weakens health care delivery. Subjective likability is rooted in unconscious bias and may undermine hiring and workplace dynamics.

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