A high-paying job in Toronto, a coveted Canada PR, and a life that looked picture-perfect from the outside—Sahil Peris had everything many young professionals aspire to. But behind the polished surface was a struggle that slowly unravelled that dream. What began as a neck injury during his MBA turned into a prolonged battle with pain and access to healthcare, eventually pushing him to make a decision few would expect: leaving it all behind and returning to India.
Sahil Peris moved to Canada five years ago after securing admission into one of the country’s top MBA programmes. After completing his studies, he went on to build a successful career, joining Deloitte in Toronto as a full-time senior consultant. With a well-paying job and a beautiful apartment in the heart of the city, life appeared to be on track in every way.
Neck injury
However, things began to change during the final month of his MBA programme, when he suffered a neck injury. What initially seemed manageable soon turned into constant, daily pain. Getting timely medical help proved to be far more difficult than expected.
In Canada, accessing a specialist is not straightforward. Patients are first required to register with a general practitioner, who then decides whether a referral to a specialist is necessary. For Peris, even this first step became a challenge. It took him months to find a GP, and even after managing to do so, he was denied a referral to a spine specialist.
He later shared that the GP did not consider his condition severe enough to warrant further intervention. Determined to find help, Peris reached out to multiple doctors across Toronto, but faced repeated refusals when trying to get registered. Eventually, he had to rely on personal connections to find a doctor located an hour away from his residence.
Even then, the situation did not improve. The doctor he finally consulted refused to recommend an MRI, explaining that even if an issue was detected, the waiting period for surgery could stretch between three and five years. The implication was clear: diagnosis or not, immediate treatment would remain out of reach.
Peris pointed to a broader issue within the system—a shortage of doctors that makes timely and effective care difficult to access. As weeks turned into months, the lack of proper treatment began to take a toll on his daily life. The pain intensified to a point where routine activities became nearly impossible. Sitting for extended periods caused discomfort, while basic tasks like cooking or managing household chores became increasingly unmanageable.
He returned to India
Faced with worsening health and limited medical support, Peris made the decision to return to India. Back home, he was able to access the care he needed and was eventually diagnosed with a slip disc that had been causing his neck issues. In addition to receiving timely treatment, he also had the support of his family, which made recovery more manageable.
What is his life like, now?
Now based in Bengaluru and working as a content creator, Peris shared that his condition has significantly improved over the past two years. Reflecting on his experience, he highlighted how healthcare often feels like a secondary consideration when planning a move abroad—until it becomes a critical factor. He advised anyone considering relocating to prioritise access to good healthcare, stressing that it can make all the difference when life takes an unexpected turn.
Sahil Peris moved to Canada five years ago after securing admission into one of the country’s top MBA programmes. After completing his studies, he went on to build a successful career, joining Deloitte in Toronto as a full-time senior consultant. With a well-paying job and a beautiful apartment in the heart of the city, life appeared to be on track in every way.
Neck injury
However, things began to change during the final month of his MBA programme, when he suffered a neck injury. What initially seemed manageable soon turned into constant, daily pain. Getting timely medical help proved to be far more difficult than expected.In Canada, accessing a specialist is not straightforward. Patients are first required to register with a general practitioner, who then decides whether a referral to a specialist is necessary. For Peris, even this first step became a challenge. It took him months to find a GP, and even after managing to do so, he was denied a referral to a spine specialist.
He later shared that the GP did not consider his condition severe enough to warrant further intervention. Determined to find help, Peris reached out to multiple doctors across Toronto, but faced repeated refusals when trying to get registered. Eventually, he had to rely on personal connections to find a doctor located an hour away from his residence.
Even then, the situation did not improve. The doctor he finally consulted refused to recommend an MRI, explaining that even if an issue was detected, the waiting period for surgery could stretch between three and five years. The implication was clear: diagnosis or not, immediate treatment would remain out of reach.
Peris pointed to a broader issue within the system—a shortage of doctors that makes timely and effective care difficult to access. As weeks turned into months, the lack of proper treatment began to take a toll on his daily life. The pain intensified to a point where routine activities became nearly impossible. Sitting for extended periods caused discomfort, while basic tasks like cooking or managing household chores became increasingly unmanageable.
