Associate physicians

Within the scope of the associate physician job description and under direction of the supervising physician, duties may include:

• Providing day-to-day care for patients such as writing orders, requesting consultations, and responding to patient care queries 
• Works with nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists, and other members of the health-care team in the development and delivery of the overall patient care program 
• Performing patient history and physical exams with documentation, daily progress notes, and discharge summaries 
• Developing treatment plans for patients, in consultation with their supervising physician 
• Following up on investigations and prescribing treatment under supervision 
• Communicating with patients, their families, and other care providers as appropriate 

• The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) is the regulatory organization that makes sure that doctors are qualified, competent, and follow professional standards.  
• The Medical Council of Canada is the national organization responsible for overseeing standard examinations and supporting physician credential verification. 

• Physicians who are not eligible for full or provisional licensure with the CPSBC may be eligible to apply for licensure in the associate physician class. 
• To practice as an associate physician in British Columbia, you must meet the registration requirements set out by the CPSBC.
• The CPSBC recommends prospective applicants to complete the pre-screening assessment through registration with Health Match BC.

B.C.’s health-care system offers many associate physician job opportunities—register with Health Match BC for navigational support and explore current associate physician postings.

Associate physicians are employees of a health authority. Health authority employers offer comprehensive compensation packages, including employer-paid benefits such as:

• Wages: $52.97 – $90.70 CAD per hour (as of April 1, 2024)  
• Paid Vacation Time: starts at 4 weeks per year, after first year of employment  
• Defined Benefit Public Pension Plan (Municipal or Public Service Pension Plan)  
• BC Medical Services Plan (MSP)
• Extended Health Care  
• Dental Coverage   
• Life Insurance   
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability   
• Employee and Family Assistance Plan 

For more information for internationally trained physicians looking to practice in B.C., please visit Physician Jobs BC, and register for support with Health Match BC physician navigators.