British Columbia's health minister commends American recruitment efforts, citing 780 job applications received within a two-month span.
British Columbia, Canada, is witnessing a surge of interest from American health professionals, thanks to a targeted recruitment campaign and regulatory changes that simplify licensing and employment in the province. Since March 2025, over 2,250 doctors, nurses, and other health professionals have expressed interest, with nearly 780 job applications received specifically from qualified American health workers between May and June [1][3][4].
The allure of British Columbia lies in its universal health-care system and vibrant communities, making it an attractive destination for health professionals seeking to relocate [3]. To bolster this interest, the province has launched a $5 million advertising campaign in the United States, focusing on Washington, Oregon, and parts of California, to recruit doctors and nurses [2][3].
In a bid to address healthcare staffing shortages, significant changes have been made to licensing procedures. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) implemented bylaw changes effective July 7, 2025, allowing U.S.-trained doctors holding certifications from recognized American medical boards to become fully licensed in B.C. without additional assessments or exams [1][2][3][4]. This reform also applies to Canadian doctors trained in the U.S., making it easier for them to return to work in British Columbia.
The CPSBC is also considering further reforms to simplify licensing for internationally trained physicians, including those who have completed postgraduate training and certification in family medicine or specialties from countries like Australia, the U.K., Ireland, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Africa, and Switzerland [1][4]. For some international doctors, the requirement for the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination Part 1 is no longer necessary, reducing time and cost barriers to licensing in B.C. [4].
These changes have already produced tangible results, with 29 U.S.-trained physicians applying for registration soon after the regulatory reforms took effect [2][4]. Job applications are geographically dispersed, with Interior Health receiving 181 applications, Fraser Health 154, and Vancouver Coastal Health 121 [1][3].
Health Minister Josie Osborne announced that the province has received approximately 780 job applications from qualified American health professionals [5]. The recruitment campaign and regulatory changes are aimed at making it easier for internationally trained physicians to practice in British Columbia, addressing the province’s healthcare staffing shortages [1][2][3][4].
- The universal health-care system and vibrant communities in British Columbia are attracting health professionals who are seeking to relocate, as they are finding it easier to practice in the province due to recent reforms in science-based medical licensing procedures.
- As part of an effort to supplement the health-and-wellness sector, British Columbia has initiated a $5 million advertising campaign in the United States, focusing on regions with high concentrations of health professionals, to recruit experienced doctors and nurses, leveraging changes in licensing requirements that simplify the process for American and internationally trained medical practitioners.
