News Summary
British Columbia has launched initiatives to attract U.S.-trained healthcare professionals to address a staffing crisis. Since March, 780 job applications have been received, with 2,250 Americans expressing interest in relocating. New bylaws facilitate licensing for U.S. physicians, aiming to improve healthcare access amid rising demands. These measures are part of a broader strategy to combat staffing shortages and enhance patient care, while addressing concerns about adapting to the Canadian healthcare model.
Victoria, British Columbia — In response to a growing healthcare staffing crisis, British Columbia (BC) has initiated efforts to attract U.S.-trained healthcare professionals, especially from neighboring states like Washington, Oregon, and California. The initiative aims to bolster the province’s medical workforce amid an increasing demand for health services driven by an aging population and rising healthcare needs.
Since the program’s launch in March, BC has received a total of 780 job applications from U.S.-trained healthcare professionals, including 188 doctors and 399 nurses. Additionally, approximately 2,250 Americans have expressed an interest in relocating to BC, participating in informative webinars about job opportunities available in the province. This interested group consists of 827 doctors, 851 nurses, 254 nurse practitioners, and 250 allied health professionals.
As of July 7, 2025, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC (CPSBC) has implemented new bylaws that simplify the licensing process for U.S.-trained doctors. These amendments allow physicians to become fully licensed in BC without needing to pass additional assessments, exams, or training. This swift licensing procedure is expected to attract physicians who are seeking alternatives to U.S. healthcare policies that have frustrated many since the administration of President Donald Trump.
Health Minister Josie Osborne emphasized that BC’s exceptional healthcare system, coupled with a desirable lifestyle, makes the province an appealing destination for U.S. healthcare professionals. The recruitment campaign forms part of a broader strategy aimed at mitigating staffing shortages exacerbated by demographic changes and increased service demands.
In the first week following the implementation of the new licensing regulations, 29 U.S. physicians submitted their registration applications. The CPSBC indicates that ongoing adjustments to bylaw procedures focus on enhancing healthcare accessibility, which is imperative for addressing the urgent need for more healthcare workers.
The CPSBC’s new regulations aim not only to fill positions but also to improve the overall healthcare experience for patients by potentially decreasing wait times and reducing the frequency of emergency room closures. These regulations also facilitate expedited licensure from other Canadian provinces—previously a month-long process now streamlined to just a week.
The province plans to increase the available seats in the Practice Ready Assessment program from 32 to 96 by 2024. This adjustment will allow more international applicants to gain essential experience and evaluations in the healthcare system. U.S. nurses are also offered a more direct path for application to the BC College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM), expediting the licensing process for them as well. So far, there have been 320 applications from U.S. nurses and 46 from nurse practitioners to the BCCNM.
However, there are ongoing concerns regarding the adaptation of U.S. physician specialists to the Canadian primary care model, which requires general practitioners to refer patients to specialists, differing from the practice model many U.S. doctors are accustomed to. Additionally, while compensation for primary care physicians in BC has improved through the introduction of the Longitudinal Family Physician payment model beginning in 2023, it remains lower than typical U.S. salaries, which could hinder some potential recruits.
It is important to note that regulatory changes do not currently extend to South African family doctors, who have faced difficulties in practicing in Canada since 2010 due to new training standards. The ongoing physician shortage in Northern Health regions is also influenced by cultural shifts among new medical graduates regarding work-life balance and expectations.
The provincial government is actively collaborating with healthcare authorities and local partners in a “Team B.C.” approach to effectively tackle staffing needs and enhance healthcare access for residents, driven by a collective effort to resolve the pressing challenges facing BC’s healthcare system.
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Additional Resources
- Prince George Citizen
- Google Search: American Doctors in BC
- Radio NL
- Google Scholar: BC US Doctor Recruitment
- Victoria Buzz
- Encyclopedia Britannica: healthcare in British Columbia
- My Bulkley Lakes Now
- Google News: BC Healthcare Recruitment
- HCAMag
- Google Search: fast track US doctors nurses BC
- Maple Ridge News
- Wikipedia: Healthcare in Canada
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INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
