Re-entry Program
The Re-entry Program provides an opportunity for experienced licensed, practicing physicians to pursue training in a priority specialty that addresses a critical area of need in the province. The program supports the healthcare system and physician career flexibility, maintains a diversity of physician services in B.C., and supports equitable access to government-funded specialist care across the province.
From 2019 to 2023, the Province of British Columbia has funded ten re-entry positions total in the specialties of dermatology and psychiatry. Starting in 2023, the Province has funded two re-entry positions in public health and preventive medicine. In exchange, participants complete a three-year Return of Service (ROS).
How to Apply
All prospective candidates for re-entry training positions apply through the University of British Columbia (UBC). An outstanding ROS commitment precludes eligibility for a re-entry position.
Dermatology
Key due dates, eligibility criteria, and information about the application process are available on the UBC Department of Dermatology and Skin Science Careers webpage.
Re-entry positions for the 2023 match with a three-year ROS include:
- Dermatology – ROS in Vancouver Coastal Health Authority (VCHA)
- Dermatology – ROS in Fraser Health Authority (FHA)
Psychiatry
Key due dates, eligibility criteria, and information about the application process are available on this UBC Department of Psychiatry webpage.
Re-entry positions for the 2023 match with a three-year ROS include:
- Psychiatry – ROS in Northern Health Authority
- Psychiatry – ROS in Fraser Health Authority
Public Health and Preventive Medicine
Key due dates, eligibility criteria, and information about the application process are available on the UBC School of Population and Public Health prospective residents webpage.
Re-entry positions for the 2023 match include two public health and preventive medicine positions with a three-year ROS in B.C.
Return of Service Communities
The list of ROS communities and placement opportunities is responsive to the current and emerging health care needs of B.C. For details on the current matching process, please see the re-entry contract templates and PGME program policy in the sidebar.
Participants with an ROS in a Rural Subsidiary Agreement community may be eligible for financial and practice supports through Rural Practice Programs.
This map identifies the B.C. communities that have received a specialty ROS placement:
Any departments interested in hosting a specialist re-entry ROS can contact the physician recruitment team at their health authority.
Return of Service Commitment
Accepting a re-entry position via UBC requires executing the ROS contract. The ROS contract is a legal undertaking that warrants independent legal advice and thorough consideration of the contractual requirements. Contract termination due to breach of contract carries significant financial consequences. For full details on the ROS commitment, please see the re-entry contract templates and program policy in the sidebar.
