Enrich your career. Enhance your quality of life. British Columbia, Canada
DISCOVER THE PERFECT PLACE TO CALL HOME Physicians choose to live in British Columbia (BC) for many reasons the spectacular scenery, unlimited recreational activities, rewarding career opportunities and safe, caring communities. You will find it is the perfect place to advance your medical career AND live the life you ve always wanted. You owe it to yourself to consider BC.
PRACTISE MEDICINE IN BRITISH COLUMBIA Interested in matching your lifestyle with exciting career opportunities? We are here to help! Health Match BC is a free health professional recruitment service funded by the Government of British Columbia (BC), Canada. Our experienced physician services team will guide you through the recruitment process and support you in making a seamless transition to your new job. Register online so our physician services team can: guide you through licensing and immigration procedures match your skills and interests to job vacancies in regions of your choice provide you with information about communities of interest connect you with prospective employers and/or regional health employers assist you in identifying education and real estate options, and facilitating spousal employment in regions of interest Choose your opportunity BC s patient-centred health care system is structured to achieve the highest possible levels of efficiency, service coordination, and accountability. Physicians are rewarded with a competitive fee-for-service or alternate payment compensation and enjoy the freedom of setting the hours and pace of work that suits their practice and lifestyle goals. Choose from a broad range of positions within the province s eight health employers: five regional health employers, one provincial health services employer, one denominational employer, and the First Nations Health Authority. To find a job in BC, register at healthmatchbc.org
FAMILY PRACTITIONER Provisional Licensure/Registration International Medical Graduates (IMGs) who meet the postgraduate training requirements of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (the College) may be eligible for a provisional licence to practise medicine in British Columbia. Applicants must have a medical degree plus two years accredited and approved postgraduate training with a basic core of 44 weeks consisting of: Rotations of eight weeks in: medicine surgery obstetrics/gynecology pediatrics Medical Council of Canada (MCC) examination Medical Council of Canada Evaluating Exam (MCCEE) will be waived with reciprocity for those candidates with MRCGP, MICGP, ABFM, FRACGP, or FACRRM. English Proficiency Requirement The College requires that physicians provide evidence of English proficiency. Results must be within the last two years. Physicians are considered to have met the English proficiency requirements if: Plus rotations of four weeks in: psychiatry emergency medicine (A&E) family/general practice 1. the language of instruction at medical school was English, and 2. the primary language of patient care was English, and 3. the first and native language of the country where the candidate was granted their medical degree is English. Physicians who have not met these requirements will require a Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based test (TOEFL ibt) with a total score of 96 and a score of 24 in each component. A TOEFL score is valid for a period of two years from the date taken and must be submitted with the application. The College will accept the Academic IELTS English Proficiency examination. Physicians should have an Academic IELTS with a minimum score of 7 in each component with an overall band score of no less than 7. Source Verification of Qualifications The Medical Council of Canada (MCC) maintains a website, physiciansapply.ca, as a centralized electronic repository of a physician s core medical credentials and offers a national standardized approach to source verification of credentials. It is designed to gather, verify, and permanently store credentials in its centralized repository called the MCC Physician Credentials Repository (formerly known as the Physicians Credential Registry of Canada or PCRC). The College requires physicians who have completed medical education outside of Canada, and are seeking registration/licensure in BC, to submit copies of certain credentials to physiciansapply.ca for source verification. Your Medical Degree and Passport must be verified as Passed before licensure by the College is approved. This information is current as of April 1, 2015 and is subject to change. The latest information can be found on our website, healthmatchbc.org
Examinations The Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC) is the qualification given on the successful completion of the Medical Council Evaluating Exam (MCCEE), Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Exam Part 1 (MCCQE-1) and Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Exam Part 2 (MCCQE-2). Successful completion of the MCC examinations does not mean a physician will meet the licensing requirements of each provincial licensing body. MCCEE MCCEE is required prior to arrival in BC in most cases. Applicants who are College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) eligible for Certification without Examination will be MCCEE exempt. MCCQE-1 and MCCQE-2 MCCQE-1 and MCCQE-2 must be completed within three years of start of practice in BC. The College recognizes the following examinations in lieu of the LMCC: 1. National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) 2. Federation Licensing Examination (FLEX) 3. United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLEs) Steps 1, 2, and 3 Governing Bodies College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC or the College) Registration (Licensing) The College is the licensing body for family/ general practitioners in BC. Medical Council of Canada (MCC) The national organization responsible for establishing and promoting the qualification known as the LMCC. College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) The national organization of physicians that provides CCFP certification in Family Medicine. 4. Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX) Candidates who have trained outside of Canada and the United States and have completed any of the above exams may be eligible for a waiver to be exempted from having to write the MCC examinations. The CCFP designation may be granted without examination by the CFPC to physicians in approved jurisdictions: Australia FRACGP or FACRRM Ireland MICGP United Kingdom MRCGP United States ABFM Note: Those who have obtained one of the accepted designations through a practice eligible route are not eligible to apply for CCFP without examination.
SPECIALISTS Provisional Licensure/Registration International Medical Graduates (IMGs) who meet the postgraduate training requirements of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (the College) may be eligible for a provisional licence to practise medicine in BC. For most specialities, five years of postgraduate training in an accredited/ approved university school of medicine is required. Applicants must: have a medical degree, and have completed postgraduate training and obtained certification in the specialty where such training meets the criteria of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC), and have passed examinations acceptable to the Medical Council of Canada (MCC). English Proficiency Requirement The College requires that physicians provide evidence of English proficiency. Results must be within the last two years. Physicians are considered to have met the English proficiency requirements if: 1. the language of instruction at medical school was English, and 2. the primary language of patient care was English, and 3. the first and native language of the country where the candidate was granted their medical degree is English. Physicians who have not met these requirements will require a Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based test (TOEFL ibt) with a total score of 96 and a score of 24 in each component. A TOEFL score is valid for a period of two years from the date taken and must be submitted with the application. Physicians who have not met these requirements will require a Test of English as a Foreign Language the College accepts the Academic IELTS English proficiency examination. Physicians should have an Academic IELTS with a minimum score of 7 in each component with an overall band score of no less than 7 and is valid for a period of two years from the date taken and must be submitted with approval. Source Verification of Qualifications The Medical Council of Canada (MCC) maintains a website, physiciansapply.ca, as a centralized electronic repository of a physician s core medical credentials and offers a national standardized approach to source verification of credentials. It is designed to gather, verify, and permanently store credentials in its centralized repository called the MCC Physician Credentials Repository (formerly known as the Physicians Credential Registry of Canada or PCRC). The College requires physicians who have completed medical education outside of Canada, and are seeking registration/licensure in BC, to submit copies of certain credentials to physiciansapply.ca for source verification. Your Medical Degree and Passport must be verified as Passed before licensure by the College is approved. Examinations The Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC) is the qualification given on the successful completion of the Medical Council of Canada Evaluating Exam (MCCEE), Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Exam Part 1 (MCCQE-1) and Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Exam Part 2 (MCCQE-2). Successful completion of the MCC examinations does not mean a physician will meet the licensing requirements of each provincial licensing body.
MCCEE MCCEE is required prior to arrival in BC in most cases. MCCQE-1 and MCCQE-2 MCCQE-1 and MCCQE-2 must be completed within five years of start of practice in BC. If RCPSC Certification is obtained first, MCCQEs may be waived. The CPSBC recognizes the following examinations in lieu of the LMCC: 1. National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) 2. Federation Licensing Examination (FLEX) 3. United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLEs) Steps 1, 2, and 3 4. Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX) Candidates who have trained outside of Canada and the United States and have completed any of the above exams may be eligible for a waiver to be exempted from having to write the MCC examinations. Routes to the RCPSC Certification Applicants may be expected to apply to the RCPSC for access to the examinations in their specialty before licensure is approved by the College. On a Positive Ruling, they have three years in which to sit the specialty examinations with the expectations that the examinations are done at the first opportunity. Applicants will choose their preferred route to certification within the first year of practice. Routes to RCPSC Certification: Governing Bodies College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC or the College) Registration (Licensing) The College is the licensing body for specialists in BC. Medical Council of Canada (MCC) The national organization responsible for establishing and promoting the qualification known as the LMCC. Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) The national organization responsible for setting standards and certification for specialties in Canada designation as a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada (FRCPC) or Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC). 1. Sit the examination in your specialty, or 2. Pursue the Practice Eligibility Route (PER) Two years supervised practice in BC Five years overall in specialty Summative assessment of competency satisfactory to the CPSBC Registration Committee, if PER is unavailable in the specialty. This information is current as of April 1, 2015 and is subject to change. The latest information can be found on our website, healthmatchbc.org
BRITISH COLUMBIA Photo credit: Tim Swanky The North From the rugged Haida Gwaii/ Queen Charlotte Islands to the majestic Rocky Mountain foothills, northern BC is the perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts. There are countless wonderful walking and hiking trails with spectacular views. Industries: forestry, fishing, mining, oil and gas, manufacturing and distribution. Approximately 40% of the population live in rural communities. The North has proportionally more residents under the age of 15 than any other region in BC. Fraser Valley To the east of Vancouver lies the sunny Fraser Valley. It is known for its abundant farmlands and scenic valley views. It is just a short drive from Vancouver and offers a wide range of recreational activities including year-round golfing, horseback riding, and fishing. Industries: construction, agriculture, forestry, retail trade. One in four people who live in the Fraser Valley work in Metro Vancouver. 60% of British Columbians live in the Fraser Valley or Vancouver and the Coast, yet the regions cover less than 5% of BC s total land mass. Vancouver and the Coast Snow-capped mountains dominate the vibrant Vancouver skyline; city sidewalks lead to picturesque sandy beaches. It s no wonder this cosmopolitan city is ranked as one of the best places to live in the world. Industries: finance, insurance, real estate, professional services, scientific services, technical services, film industry. Hosted the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Approximately 40% of Metro Vancouver s population was born outside of Canada.
THE NORTH FRASER VALLEY VANCOUVER AND THE COAST THE INTERIOR VANCOUVER ISLAND Pacific Ocean The Interior BC s interior offers a variety of spectacular landscapes and outdoor activities. Enjoy the open ranches and rolling hills of the Cariboo region, the orchards and world-class vineyards of the Okanagan, and the majestic lakes and mountains of the Canadian Rockies. Industries: forestry, fishing, mining, agriculture. Renowned for its international award-winning wineries and vineyards. During the summer, the Okanagan area experiences some of the hottest temperatures in all of Canada. Vancouver Island Stroll along the beach, savour the view, and live the Island life. Vancouver Island is home to Victoria, the capital of BC. Industries: public administration, health and social assistance, accommodation and food. Vancouver Island is the largest island on the west coast of North America. Contrasting environments including rainforests, mountains, marshes, meadows, rivers, lakes, and oceans make Vancouver Island a habitat for various forms of wildlife. British Columbia is a fantastic place to be. You can leave the office and go for a three-hour hike in the wilderness. It s fantastic! Dr. Danielle Patterson
RURAL BRITISH COLUMBIA Explore Rural BC BC s rural towns and smaller cities offer natural beauty, access to backcountry adventures, community connections, peace of mind, and a quieter way of life. Experience the satisfaction that comes from knowing your neighbours and being involved in your community. A rural practice provides the opportunity to make a vital and valued contribution both in and out of the office. Create your future and explore the opportunities in rural BC. CAREER Variety of work the opportunity to practice broadspectrum medicine Teamwork with other health professionals to ensure seamless patient care Access to specialist services in the community, through visiting physicians or via telemedicine case conferencing LIFESTYLE Safe living conditions and affordable housing Slower pace of life and the great outdoors Lower cost of living as compared to urban centres Diverse communities and cultures COMPENSATION Signing bonuses Relocation incentives Fee premiums Retention bonuses Continuing medical education assistance Rural Physician Programs To enhance the availability and stability of physician services in rural and remote areas of BC, the following programs were created for physicians to address their unique circumstances. These programs are available to rural physicians who qualify and practice in eligible communities. Rural Retention Program (RRP) Retention payments are paid to physicians working in eligible communities. Rural Continuing Medical Education (RCME) Enhanced CME funding for rural physicians. Recruitment Incentive Fund (RIF) Funding for physicians recruited to fill current or pending vacancies. Recruitment Contingency Fund (RCF) Additional funding to assist communities, health employers, or physician groups where the difficulty in filling a vacancy is, or is expected to be, especially severe. Isolation Allowance fund (IAF) Funding for physicians providing necessary medical services in eligible communities with fewer than four physicians, no hospital, and who do not receive Medical On-Call Availability Program (MOCAP), Call Back, or Doctor of the Day payments. Rural Emergency Enhancement Fund (REEF) Funding for eligible rural ER departments to support fee-for-service physicians who collaboratively plan for and provide public access to ER services on a regular, scheduled basis. Locum Programs Rural GP Locum Program (RGPLP) Supports and enables rural GPs to have periods of leave from their practices for continuing medical education, vacation, and health needs. Rural Specialist Locum Program (RSLP) Supports and enables rural specialists to have periods of leave from their practices for continuing medical education, vacation, and health needs.
RESOURCES British Columbia Health Employers BC health employers serving distinct geographical regions are: Fraser Health fraserhealth.ca Island Health viha.ca Interior Health interiorhealth.ca Northern Health northernhealth.ca Vancouver Coastal Health vch.ca First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) is the first province-wide health authority of its kind in Canada. fnha.ca Provincial Health Services is the health employer responsible for coordinating specialized province-wide health services such as the BC Cancer Agency, BC Children s Hospital, and BC Transplant. phsa.ca Providence Health Care is one of the largest faithbased health care organizations in Canada, operating 16 health care facilities in Vancouver. providencehealthcare.org Useful Websites Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS) A national, not-for-profit, fee-for-service organization established in 1969 at the request of medical students seeking an independent entity to provide a fair and transparent application and matching service for entry into postgraduate medical training throughout Canada. carms.ca College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) National organization providing certification in family medicine. cfpc.ca College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC (CPSBC) Provincial regulatory body that licenses physicians in British Columbia and reviews candidate qualifications. cpsbc.ca Divisions of Family Practice Community-based groups of family physicians working together to achieve common health care goals. divisionsbc.ca Doctors for BC Voluntary association of physicians, medical residents, and medical students in BC. bcma.org International Medical Graduate (IMG) Office Postgraduate Medical Education, University of British Columbia. imgbc.med.ubc.ca Medical Council of Canada (MCC) National organization responsible for establishing and promoting qualification in medicine. mcc.ca Medical Services Plan of BC (MSP) Insures medically-required services provided by physicians. health.gov.bc.ca/msp MCC Physician Credentials Repository Centralized electronic repository of a physician s core medical credentials. physiciansapply.ca Practice Ready Assessment British Columbia (PRA-BC) A pilot program for internationally-educated physicians who have completed residencies in Family Medicine outside of Canada. Information can be found on our website, healthmatchbc.org Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada National organization providing certification in all specialties. royalcollege.ca Rural Coordination Centre of British Columbia Rural health education, network facilitation, interprofessional training and practice. rccbc.ca Rural Practice Programs in BC List of programs that support rural medicine in British Columbia. health.gov.bc.ca/pcb/rural.html
healthmatchbc.org Canada/USA TOLL-FREE: 1.877.867.3061 TEL: 1.604.736.5920 EMAIL: welcome@healthmatchbc.org