Starting in Practice

Life in Canada

• Consider your language proficiency.
• Understand remuneration as a physician and how it compares to the cost of living in various areas across the province.

Credential verification and licensing

• Review licensing information for US-trained physicians and/or information for international medical graduates (IMGs).
• Prepare for the licensing journey with the Medical Council of Canada.
• Obtain your licence with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC).

For more information, read about licensing and enrolment.

Job opportunities

• View opportunities from Health Match BC.
• Check job openings posted in the BC Medical Journal (BCMJ).

See more information on practice opportunities.

Immigration and health

• Review and understand your immigration requirements at WelcomeBC.
• Set up a BC Services Card account:
  • If you have a BC Services Card, set up your BC Services Card account.
  • If you do not have a BC Services Card, you can use two pieces of government-issued ID instead. At least one must include a photo. See accepted ID.
  • To get a BC Services Card, visit an ICBC location.
• Apply for health coverage through the Medical Services Plan (MSP).
  • There is a waiting period for MSP coverage, so consider private health insurance until you are enrolled. Explore insurance from Doctors of BC.
• Check local housing rental platforms such as BC Housing, REW.ca, or Zumper.
• Join Doctors of BC to access advocacy, insurance discounts, and community connections.
• Meet CPSBC licensing requirements by completing the BC Physician Integration Program (BC-PIP).

Malpractice and professional protection

• Join the Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA) for mandatory medicolegal protection.
• Confirm your CMPA class matches your licence type.
• Contact Doctors of BC Insurance to ensure adequate coverage.

Joining or starting a practice

• Meet with a lawyer before signing your first contract.
• Access lawyers at discounted rates through ClubMD.
• Connect with a business advisor for support with starting a practice or business.

Billing, banking and income structure

• Learn about physician compensation and billing and payment models.
• Open a Canadian bank account. See the Scotiabank Healthcare+ Physician Banking Program.
• Work with a professional for financial planning and management. Learn about Scotiabank + MD Financial Management.
• Consider a cross-border accountant and financial advisor for financial planning and cross-border tax implications.
• Establish a Canadian credit history by:
  • Setting up utilities in your name.
  • Speaking with your financial institution about credit options.

Tax and incorporation

• Obtain a business number and required accounts from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
• Find an accountant or law firm to help determine when it may be appropriate to incorporate. Learn about professional medical corporations.
• Access accountants through ClubMD offers.

Learn more about incorporation and registration.

Personal requirements

• Obtain a BC driver’s licence and get auto insurance with ICBC.
• Get a Canadian cell phone plan (e.g., Telus, Rogers, or Bell). Telus discounts are available for Doctors of BC members through ClubMD Telus.

Structure of BC’s health care system

BC’s health care system includes regional, provincial, and community organizations that provide and coordinate health services. Learn more about BC’s health care partners.

Regional health authorities

• Fraser Health
• Interior Health
• Island Health
• Northern Health
• Vancouver Coastal Health

Specialized and province-wide authorities

• Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA)
• First Nations Health Authority (FNHA)

Community health services

• Primary Care Networks (PCNs)
• HealthLink BC

Connect with your professional community

Connect with organizations and professional groups that support physicians, collaboration, and practice across BC.

• Provincial physician organizations:
  • BC Family Doctors
  • Consultant Specialists of BC
  • Sections and societies
• Practice networks and supports:
  • Divisions of Family Practice
  • Family Practice Services Committee
  • Specialist Services Committee
• Doctors of BC
• Health Employers' Association of BC
• Medical Staff Associations (MSAs)

Professional development and practice resources

• Attend upcoming Thrive in BC webinars on our events page or watch previously recorded webinars:
  • Recorded webinar: Resources and supports for new-to-province physicians session one
  • Recorded webinar: Resources and supports for new-to-province physicians session two
• Access transition supports from the Physician Health Program.
• Register for the continuing professional development program required for your licence: Mainpro+ for family physicians or Maintenance of Certification for specialists.
• Keep digital copies of your medical school transcripts, certifications, and identification, as they are often needed again for credentialing.
• Review Doctors of BC’s Privacy Toolkit and familiarize yourself with BC’s privacy laws, as they differ slightly from other countries’ privacy laws.

Lifestyle

• Learn about BC’s climate and regional weather through the Weather Network.
• Check road conditions, closures, and construction before travelling through DriveBC.
• Learn about different cities and towns in BC by visiting MyCommunity BC.

• Get additional support from Doctors of BC by connecting with a regional business advisor.