FIND YOUR FIT ON VANCOUVER ISLAND AND ADJACENT COMMUNITIES

EXPLORE | CAMPBELL RIVER COMOX VALLEY COWICHAN VALLEY NANAIMO PARKSVILLE QUALICUM BEACH PORT ALBERNI RURAL COMMUNITIES SOUTH ISLAND VICTORIA

Contact our relocation specialists to get started.

LET US HELP FIND THE RIGHT COMMUNITY FOR YOU

Our team of Physician Recruitment Coordinators is here to help provide guidance, leadership, logistics support, and administration of recruitment and placement activities for new-to-practice and experienced physicians, locums, and international medical graduates.

Map of Vancouver island

Cowichan Valley: Ladysmith, Duncan, Chemainus, Crofton, Maple Bay, Cowichan Bay, Mill Bay, Shawnigan Lake, Cobble Hill, Cowichan Lake

Campbell River

Comox Valley: Comox, Courtenay, Cumberland, Denman and Hornby Island

Oceanside: 12 friendly and small communities including Parksville and Qualicum Beach

Nanaimo

Port Alberni

Victoria

South Island: Saanich Peninsula, Sooke, The Westshore

Rural Communities: Alert Bay, Gabriola Island, Galiano Island, Pender Island, Port Alice, Port Hardy, Port McNeil, Salt Spring Island, Tofino, Ucluelet

Rural Communities: Alert Bay, Gabriola Island, Galiano Island, Pender Island, Port Alice, Port Hardy, Port McNeil, Salt Spring Island, Tofino, Ucluelet

Island Docs and our partners are grateful to live, work, and be in relation with the traditional and unceded territory of the lək̓ʷəŋən speaking peoples, today known as the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations, Malahat, Pacheedaht, Scia’new, T’Sou-ke, W̱SÁNEĆ (Pauquachin, Tsartlip, Tsawout, Tseycum) peoples, the K’ómoks First Nation, including Sathloot, Sasitla, leeksun, Puledge, Cha’chae, and Tat’poos Peoples, Snuneymuxw, Snaw-naw-as, Quw’utsun, and Tla’amin First Nations.

Use the arrows to explore videos of Vancouver Island communities or learn more here

WHY CHOOSE VANCOUVER ISLAND?

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With beautiful summers and the warmest winters in Canada, you can enjoy the outdoors all year long

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Living on the island also means less time spent commuting and more time spent with colleagues, family, and friends.

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Housing costs can vary across the region, so there’s room to relax and kick back, or raise a family.

Contact a recruitment coordinator to learn more.

Housing Vancouver Island

Housing

Considered more affordable compared to larger urban centres depending on location. Various housing options available.

Weather Vancouver Island

Weather

Mildest climate in all of Canada. Enjoy outdoor activities year round.

Commuting Vancouver Island

Commuting

Spend less time in traffic, walk or bike almost all year round.

Lifestyle Vancouver Island

Lifestyle

Balance of urban or rural living at it’s best.

Arts and culture Vancouver Island

Arts & Culture

Enjoy a diverse culture and ethnicities through good food and events.

Outdoor activities Vancouver Island

Outdoor Activities

Walking, biking, hiking, skiing, fishing, snowmobiling, kayaking, paddle boarding, swimming, kite surfing, the possibilities are endless!

FIND YOUR FIT ON VANCOUVER ISLAND AND ADJACENT COMMUNITIES

Our recruitment coordinators are excited to help physicians like you find a job on Canada’s breathtaking west coast.

Practice In
CAMPBELL RIVER

Opportunities In
COWICHAN VALLEY

Live & Work In
NANAIMO

Build Your Practice
OCEANSIDE

Locum & Permanent Positions
PORT ALBERNI

Explore Jobs In
RURAL COMMUNITIES

Create a Community
SOUTH ISLAND

Suit Your Lifestyle In
VICTORIA

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get licensed in British Columbia?

It can vary depending on where you are relocating from. If you are an applicant who holds an active full unrestricted license in another Canadian jurisdiction, you may be eligible for a fast-tracked secondary application package.   For physicians from out of country, depending on how soon Health Match BC can receive all completed documentation and have it reviewed by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC, anywhere from 6 to 12 months.

I am from out of country, what are the eligibility requirements around licensing and registration?

HealthMatchBC provides assistance with licensing and immigration for allied health professionals. They are the first point of contact to help get you started (www.healthmatchbc.org).

Please refer to the new bylaw amendments provided by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC (CPSBC): http://bit.ly/44psSYO

Please also refer to new bylaw amendments effective July 7, 2025 for U.S. trained Physicians: http://bit.ly/4epY6U0

I am interested in relocating to Vancouver Island and interested in visiting some clinics/communities. Is there compensation for travel/accommodation available?

Depending on location of the clinic/community and timing of visit, family physicians may request up to one nights accommodation.  However, this is usually one of the last steps in the relocation process and recommended after an offer of a provisional or full license is in place by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC.

What does it cost to relocate to Vancouver Island from another country?

Costs for licensure in British Columbia vary depending on if you require and don’t already have any of the following such as: CFPC membership application, CFPC letter of reciprocity, letter of good standing, CPSBC registration fee, CPSBC annual licensing fee, English exam, document translation, source verification document fees per medical credential, notarization of passport, physician apply account fees, application for medical registration, immigration fees.  HealthMatchBC can assist with the process of licensing and immigration for family physicians and other allied health professionals (www.healthmatchbc.org).

Are there other options for relocating to Vancouver Island as a family physician?

If you are an internationally trained physician, who completed a residency in family medicine outside of Canada, the PRA-BC (Practice Ready Assessment – British Columbia) program provides an alternative pathway to licensure in BC.  Pre-screening criteria are based on eligibility requirements as set out by PRA-BC and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC (CPSBC).  Physicians who complete Program requirements will fulfill a three-year return of service (ROS) within a BC community.  More information is available through www.prabc.ca

I understand there is a new compensation model for family physicians. Can you tell me more about that?

The Longitudinal Family Physician (LFP) Payment Model was developed by the BC Ministry of Health in consultation with BC Family Doctors and Doctors of BC. Launched in February 2023, it is designed to increase patient access to care and expand primary care capacity.

It is a compensation choice for family physicians who provide longitudinal, relationship-based, family medicine care to a panel of patients.

The LFP Payment Model Recognizes the complexity of longitudinal care

  • Values the time spent with patients
  • Addresses rising business costs
  • Acknowledges the value of indirect care and clinical administration
  • Supports physician agency and flexibility

For more information Visit BC Family Doctors (password required) https://bcfamilydocs.ca/lfp-payment-model/

I am not a family physician but am interested in working/relocating to Vancouver Island.

Please note that our Island Docs website focusses primarily on recruitment and relocation of family physicians, HealthMatchBC posts current employment opportunities for specialists, nursing and other allied health professionals.  Please refer to their website for current employment opportunities (www.healthmatchbc.org).  Please also refer to the Island Health Careers site for additional opportunities (www.islandhealth.ca/careers).

English is not my first language. Can I still apply for licensure to work in British Columbia?

For any class of registration, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia requires applicants to be able to speak, read and write English to the satisfaction of the Registration Committee.  Demonstrated English language proficiency is considered acceptable if the following conditions are met: 1) primary language of medical education was English and primary language of patient care was English.  If not met through above means, the College may accept successful completion of certain proficiency examinations.  More information about English language proficiency requirements can be found on the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC website here.

What kind of supports are available for New to Practice physicians?

UBC Continuing Professional Development offers the following programs:

PLP (Personal Learning Plan) – IMGs and physicians new to rural practice can work with a physician advisor and concierge to create a personalized learning plan. The program is flexible, confidential, non-reporting, and designed to fit your schedule: https://ubccpd.ca/plp

CAMP (Coaching and Mentoring Program) – Grow your skills with the support of experienced peers.  CAMP fosters peer connections in rural practitioner networks to improve your practice, increase your confidence, and connect you to rural colleagues.  Support is available virtually, in your community, or at larger centres: http://bit.ly/3G0wTuH

IMG Peer Support Network – Connect with peer as you settle into practice in British Columbia. The IMG Peer Support Network connects IMG physicians with peers who understand the transition.  You’ll take part in coaching, mentoring, and group sessions focused on helping you integrate into the BC medical system.  Intakes run in September and February. Contact to join bc.pip@ubc.ca.

WHY FAMILY PHYSICIANS LOVE IT HERE

“In the summer we can walk down to the ocean and eat our lunch. Plus a lot of national athletic programs and elite sport programs are based in Victoria. If there is an interest in the elite athlete population there is a lot going on. It is an exciting environment to work in.”

Dr. Vanessa Young

The best thing about being in Victoria is having access to fresh air, ocean breeze, and waves that crash down… The general attitude is a mix of productivity and relaxation.

Dr. Jody Young

Campbell river is a very welcoming community. I have enjoyed starting a practice and new medical clinic surrounded by supportive colleagues.

Dr. Angela Logan

There are not many places that offer what we have here. I really like the ocean. I can hop in my kayak after work and go for a paddle without even leaving the parking lot.

Dr. Elizabeth Rhoades

Can’t think of a better place to live and practice… from skiing on Mount Washington, playing in the river, sailing in the ocean, and everything in between. I find the community a perfect size to raise a family. I also find the medical communities outstanding, energetic, and committed. The new North Island Hospital should make this valley an even better place to practice.

 Dr. Kevin Swanson

After completing residency in Campbell River, we decided to settle in Port Hardy because of the available outdoor activities, as well as the allure of full service rural family medicine with 24h emergency department call, first nations outreach, occasional obstetrics, etc. We love the access to the outdoors, especially for our small children.

Dr. Kutney