Physician Return of Service Programs

The Province of British Columbia’s physician Return of Service (ROS) programs are patient-focused initiatives. These programs support equitable access to government-funded health services for residents across B.C.

The Province funds a designated number of training positions and assessments, and in exchange the participants complete a ROS. To return service, participants in these programs provide government-funded health services in a designated area of critical need in B.C. Participants sign a contract with the Province that details the ROS commitment.

Postgraduate Medical Education International Medical Graduate Program

The Postgraduate Medical Education (PGME) International Medical Graduate (IMG) Program provides participants with an opportunity to train and qualify as a practising physician in B.C. At present, the Province funds PGME residency positions in family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, and psychiatry. After completing residency, family medicine participants complete a two-year ROS, and specialist participants complete a three-year ROS.  

• PGME IMG Program

Re-Entry Program

The Re-entry Program provides experienced physicians with an opportunity to retrain in a specialty area of interest that addresses a critical need in British Columbia. Currently the Province funds re-entry training positions for licensed, practising physicians wishing to re-train in dermatology, psychiatry, and public health and preventive medicine. After completing training, Re-entry participants complete a three-year ROS.

• Re-entry Program

B.C. Clinical Anesthesiology Fellowship

The B.C. Clinical Anesthesiology Fellowship provides participants with an opportunity to train and qualify as a practising anesthesiologist in B.C. The Province funds a designated number of fellowship positions for U.S.-trained physicians who have successfully completed a four-year anesthesiology residency accredited by Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, have completed U.S. licensing examinations, and are board certified/board eligible in anesthesiology. After completing the fellowship, participants complete a two-year ROS.

• B.C. Clinical Anesthesiology Fellowship

Practice Ready Assessment - BC

The Practice Ready Assessment BC Program (PRA-BC) provides a pathway to licensure for practising family physicians from other countries. The Province funds Clinical Field Assessments for physicians who have met the education requirements and practiced independently for a minimum of two years. After successfully completing the Clinical Field Assessment, participants are eligible to receive a provisional license and will complete a three-year ROS.

• Practice Ready Assessment - BC

Rural Programs

Some rural recruitment incentives come with a return of service requirement. For more information, please see Rural Recruitment.

Other Health Professions

If you are looking for the return of service program for health care assistants, please see the Health Career Access Program.