Discrimination in the Doctor’s Office

There is a growing awareness of the role played by discrimination in the provision of health care services to immigrants and refugees across Canada. Very little research, however, has explored how perceived discrimination influences patient relationships with health care providers and the health care system in Ontario. This qualitative study documents perceptions of discrimination from a service user perspective in five small and medium-sized Ontario cities. Results of 26 interviews with immigrants and refugees highlight the complex nature and impacts of discrimination in shaping newcomer experiences as a basis for developing effective public policy in health care and social services.