Associate Physician License in BC: A Unique Pathway for IMGs

In this session, we explore the Associate Physician License in British Columbia, a unique licensing pathway only available in BC. Unlike other provinces, BC offers two types of Associate Physician licenses:

1️⃣ Acute Care Associate Physician – Ideal for specialists with at least two years of postgraduate training.
2️⃣ Primary Care Associate Physician – A new license allowing general practitioners with only one year of training to work in BC’s healthcare system.

Eligibility Requirements
✅ Exams – Both licenses require a pass on the MCCQE Part 1.
✅ Postgraduate Training

Acute Care: Requires two years of postgraduate training (ideal for specialists who don’t qualify for the Practice Eligibility Route).
Primary Care: Requires only one year of training (such as a structured internship) and must be in general practice.
✅ Currency of Practice – You must have completed 960 hours (6 months) of independent clinical practice within the last three years.
✅ English Proficiency – A valid English language proficiency test is required.
✅ Sponsorship Requirement – You must secure a letter of sponsorship from a provincial health authority.
Why Consider the Associate Physician License?
✔ Bridges the Gap to Residency – Provides hands-on experience in the Canadian healthcare system, improving your chances for residency.
✔ Direct Clinical Supervision & Strong References – Helps IMGs gain supervised experience and receive reference letters for future applications.
✔ Competitive Salary – Salary ranges from $80,000 to $150,000 CAD, depending on the role.
✔ New Pathway for General Practitioners – Previously, BC required two years of training for any license, but this new Primary Care Associate Physician role opens up opportunities for those with only one year of training.

Final Thoughts
The Associate Physician License in BC is an excellent option for IMGs who want to gain experience before applying for residency or other licensing pathways. Whether you have one or two years of postgraduate training, this license provides a stepping stone to working in Canada.

📌 Next Steps:

Check if you meet the training, practice, and sponsorship requirements.
Stay tuned as we discuss other licensing options in BC and across Canada.
💬 Have questions? Drop them in the comments below!