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Re-entry Program

Last updated on August 12, 2025

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Program overview

This program provides opportunities for licensed, practicing physicians to pursue re-training in a priority specialty. In exchange, participants complete a two-year or three-year Return of Service (ROS) as applicable. The program supports physician career flexibility, maintains a diversity of physician services in B.C., and supports equitable access to specialist care across the province.

Re-entry positions

The 9 re-entry residency positions at UBC confirmed for the 2025 match are:

  • Anesthesiology – ROS in Northern Health Authority (1)
  • Anesthesiology – ROS in Interior Health Authority (1)
  • Critical Care – ROS in Northern Health Authority (1)
  • Dermatology – ROS in Fraser Health Authority (1)
  • Dermatology – ROS in Vancouver Island Health Authority (1)
  • Diagnostic Radiology – ROS in Interior Health Authority (1)
  • Obstetrics and Gynaecology – ROS in Northern Health Authority (1) 
  • Psychiatry – ROS in Fraser Health Authority (1)
  • Public Health and Preventive Medicine – ROS in B.C. (1)

As additional specialties may be confirmed for 2025.

How to apply

All prospective candidates for re-entry residency positions apply through the University of British Columbia (UBC). An outstanding ROS commitment precludes eligibility for a re-entry position. The re-entry positions may become unavailable over time, as positions match and application windows close. Due dates and eligibility criteria available through UBC:  

Return of service documents

Physicians who accept a re-entry training position at UBC with an attached ROS must sign the Re-entry ROS contract. The policy also contains important program information. 

Return of Service Policy: 

Return of service commitment

Each physician ROS program may have unique requirements. The ROS contract is a legal commitment that warrants independent legal advice. Candidates should consider the contractual requirements before applying. Not fulfilling the ROS contract carries significant financial consequences. For more information on the ROS commitment, see the documents on this page. 

 

Return of service location

In this program, the placement process and Return of Service location is linked to the participant’s specialty. For more information on the placement processes for each specialty, see the contract and policy documents on this page.

This ROS map identifies the B.C. communities that have received a specialty medicine ROS placement:

Specialty Medicine ROS Map (PDF, 8.6MB)

Participants in rural B.C. communities may be eligible for financial incentives. Learn more about Rural Practice Programs.

Hosting a ROS

Locations and facilities who wish to host a Re-entry ROS placement should contact their health authority’s physician recruitment team.

 

If you have any questions about the Physician Return of Service programs, please contact us at:

ReturnOfService@gov.bc.ca