About family physicians

Family physicians in British Columbia work with many other professionals to provide episodic or ongoing care in community-based clinics, hospitals, and other settings. They serve people of all ages by helping them stay healthy, recover from illnesses, and manage long-term conditions. 

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Family physicians may be compensated through a variety of payment methods that include: 

Most doctors get paid based on the terms set out in the Physician Master Agreement (PMA). The PMA is negotiated between the Doctors of BC and the Government of B.C.

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Most family physicians work in community-based primary care clinics and provide continuous and ongoing care to patients. Family physicians may also choose to work in publicly funded hospitals or other health-care settings. Some examples of the types of care family physicians provide include:

  • Primary care 
  • Emergency care  
  • Mental health and addictions care 
  • Long-term care  
  • Hospital care  
  • Maternal and newborn care 

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

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There’s never been a better time to join B.C.’s public health system

British Columbia has welcomed many people from diverse backgrounds in our communities, coming for all types of health care positions. 

Come to B.C. to experience welcoming communities, supportive work environments, competitive compensation, and nature, right at your doorstep.

Descriptive video transcript

Video title: BC Health Careers – Practicing as a physician in British Columbia

[Describer] Close-up visuals of a family clinic setting, Adam sitting pensively in his office, and Adam talking on-screen. 

[Adam] When I began to think about what I wanted my practice to look like, I realized that life north of the border was a marvel when it came to seeing single-payer health care in action. 

[Text] Adam, Family Physician DO, CCFP 

[Describer] Visuals of a coastal BC community, people on a rocky beach, birds flying over the water with mountains in the background, houses lining a steep coastline. 

[Narrator] British Columbia has welcomed many people from diverse backgrounds in our communities, coming for all types of health care positions. 

Adam, a family physician, moved to Nanaimo from Seattle, Washington. Adam, a family physician, moved to Nanaimo from Seattle, Washington. 

[Text] 303 km to BC 

[Adam] It’s more than just a beautiful place. It’s just humbling. And it rejuvenates in a way that I think is unique. 

[Describer] Visuals alternate of Adam talking, working, enjoying nature and time with friends, and jogging along a beach path. 

[Narrator] He immediately felt the benefits of universal health care and practicing in Canada. 

[Adam] All 5 million plus British Columbians have access to a system that is fundamentally about care. That set of values was very compelling to me. 

[Narrator] Doctors are supported by interprofessional teams and regulatory organizations like the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia to maintain clear standards. 

[Adam] What stood out for the clinic that I chose was that many of my colleagues here were in leadership positions in organizations across the province. There was a sense that we are both about doing the daily work of delivering care. But also recognizing there’s ways to improve that care by putting to practice my additional training in preventive medicine and public health. And that really was an expansion of my prior practice as a family medicine physician. 

[Narrator] There’s never been a better time to join BC’s public health system. For Adam and many others, the decision to move and the reception within British Columbia has been positive. 

[Adam] Health Match BC stepped alongside and said, we’re with you for the journey. We’re with you for the long haul. Know that whoever you are, you would be welcomed in this space of inclusivity.  

[Text] Welcomed in this space. 

[Adam] And those values that brought you this far in your journey as a health professional can find a home. It doesn’t have to be a fairy tale. Those values that drew you to the work can stay a part of your work for the rest of your career. 

[Text] Connect with a Health Recruitment Specialist. 

B.C. news for family physicians

British Columbia is taking action to attract doctors, nurses from U.S.

The Province is taking new steps to attract more doctors and nurses from the U.S. by fast-tracking credential recognition and launching a co-ordinated, targeted recruitment campaign.

Learn more about B.C. taking action to attract doctors and nurses from the U.S.

Getting more internationally trained family doctors working sooner

Supporting more family physicians trained outside of Canada to work in B.C.’s health-care system, faster, and creating a new associate physician role to provide immediate solutions for people accessing health-care services.

Learn more about internationally trained family doctors

Establishing physician payment model improves care for patients

The payment model will bring more doctors into family practice and allow them to see and spend more time with patients.

Learn more about the physician payment model

Register with Health Match BC today

Register now to connect with a B.C. health recruitment specialist.

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