CPSBC recognizes and shares the concerns that licensees and members of the public have about the shortage of physicians in many BC communities. To that end, the CPSBC Bylaws were updated in July, introducing changes to licensure eligibility requirements which allow internationally trained physicians from select jurisdictions to be eligible for the full class of licensure if they meet certain requirements.
These bylaw amendments apply to physicians and surgeons with accredited postgraduate training in Australia, Hong Kong, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, United Kingdom, or the United States. They are part of efforts to streamline pathways for internationally trained physicians wishing to practise in BC and to address the physician shortage in the province.
Family physicians and specialists who completed accredited postgraduate training in one of these jurisdictions have a route to full licensure if they meet either of the following:
- Family physicians (Australia, Ireland, United Kingdom, United States)
- Completed at least two years of accredited postgraduate training in a jurisdiction the College of Family Physicians of Canada recognizes for certification without examination.
- Specialists (Australia, Hong Kong, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, United Kingdom)
- Completed postgraduate training and hold both a completion-of-training certificate and specialty certification from a jurisdiction that meets the criteria for the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada's (RCPSC) approved jurisdiction route. Note: Not all specialties are approved in each jurisdiction.
More information about the specific eligibility requirements is available in the CPSBC Bylaws and in this FAQ.
Accompanying these changes is the BC Physician Integration Program licensing policy, which requires any internationally trained physician who has practised independently in Canada for less than 12 months to complete the BC Physician Integration Program. This program supports physicians trained outside of Canada to safely and effectively navigate the unique administrative, cultural, and legal complexities of the BC health-care landscape.
We will continue working with the BC government and our health partners to evolve our bylaws, processes and procedures as health care needs in BC evolve, while also ensuring that only qualified, competent and ethical physicians and surgeons are granted a licence. One of the objectives of our 2024–2028 Strategic Plan is to create innovative pathways to licensure to support increased access to care. These bylaw updates are a significant step towards this objective.
Patrick Rowe, MD, CCFP (EM), FCFP
Registrar and CEO
Comments on this or any other article published in the College Connector can be submitted to the communications and public affairs department at communications@cpsbc.ca.