Why practice in British Columbia
Breathtaking spaces and places
People worldwide choose to establish new lives in BC, which has high living standards, rich heritage, and breathtaking natural beauty. Where mountain peaks and ancient rainforests meet thriving cities, you’re sure to find a community where you feel at home. BC also has a wide range of support and benefits for doctors who work here alongside world-leading innovation.
Diverse and rich culture
British Columbia’s rich culture is influenced by people from around the world. Our unique province celebrates diversity and welcomes people of all identities and backgrounds. Progressive thinking is at the forefront in health care and other areas, from gender-affirming care to culturally safe medical care in Indigenous communities and mitigating climate change’s health effects. Your commitment to progress and to your values will be supported.
Compensation choice for a healthy career
BC offers a range of compensation models for physicians, including fee-for-service through British Columbia’s Medical Services Plan (MSP), the public health insurance program managed by the BC government. Doctors of BC supports all physician members regarding their compensation and offers a wide range of supports. Other compensation options include contracts, salaried positions, population-based funding, and more.
Where expertise is respected
In BC, we value and support the expertise of physicians and scientific professionals. The province is home to many cutting-edge health research institutes, including the Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, BC Cancer Research Institute, and several world-renowned universities. You can feel confident and empowered knowing you can provide the best evidence-based care to your patients, from reproductive health and gender-affirming care to communicable disease prevention.
Find your community of fellow physicians
Specialists and family physicians are welcomed in communities across the province, from rural towns to cities. Doctors of BC’s Joint Collaborative Committees (JCCs), in partnership with the provincial government, support community-building, leadership, professional development, and quality improvement for physicians throughout BC. We can also help you set up and/or manage your practice through our Business Support team.
Resources
Get support from Doctors of BC
Doctors of BC Business Services has regionally based staff to help you with setting up and/or managing your practice. There is also an onboarding guide that includes information on obtaining your license, enrolling with MSP, advice on insurance and help with billings.
Learn about the JCCs
A unique partnership between BC's provincial government and Doctors of BC, the Joint Collaborative Committees (JCCs) facilitate and support collaboration among physicians and partners in the health care system to ensure all British Columbians receive the highest standard of medical care.
Additional supports
BC Health Careers
BC Health Careers is a comprehensive resource that includes the health professional recruitment service Health Match BC, immigration support, and information on working and living in British Columbia.
Getting a license
All physicians must acquire a licence from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC. See the proposed bylaw amendments related to US-trained physicians and find out about registration requirements and licence types.
Immigration support
WelcomeBC helps newcomers to British Columbia and provides immigration information, tools and resources, as well as access to free settlement services.
BC health authority recruitment
BC health authorities all offer recruitment supports for US-based physicians.