What U.S. Doctors Must Know About Practicing in Canada (Ft. Tod Maffin)

Moving from the US to Canada as a Doctor: My Journey, Insights, and Why I Love Practicing Medicine in British Columbia

Welcome back to The Interesting MD, where we explore what doctors do beyond the clinic walls—and how those pursuits help us find balance and avoid burnout. I’m Dr. Rob Beck, your host, and today I want to share my story about making one of the biggest moves of my career and life: transitioning from practicing medicine in the United States to becoming an internist in British Columbia, Canada.

From Nashville to Vancouver Island: Our Motivation to Move

A lot of people have reached out and asked, “Rob, what made you move to Canada? Is the Canadian healthcare system really different, and how did you make it happen?” If you’re a physician in the U.S. considering a similar journey—or just curious—these are excellent questions! My story is a little unique: my wife is Canadian by birth, and after COVID hit, our family started rethinking everything.

Our kids spent summers in Ontario, and when the pandemic closed the border, we realized just how important those ties were. Add to that the growing challenges and politicization in U.S. healthcare—plus pressing safety issues—and the choice became clear. We needed a change for our family’s well-being, and moving to Canada felt like coming home.

Applying to Practice in BC: Process, Pitfalls, and What’s Changed in 2024

If you’re an American-trained physician, you’ll be happy to hear that the process of relocating to practice medicine in British Columbia has never been easier. When I applied a few years ago, it was a lengthy ordeal: job applications, credential transfers, and licensing with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons (Canada’s national specialty board). It took me about five to six months from the point I decided to make the move to the day I was seeing my first patient in Canada.

Today, that timeline is even shorter. Thanks to recent changes, most American-trained doctors in core specialties (internal medicine, pediatrics, psychiatry, family medicine) are now “fast-tracked.” If you’re board certified in the U.S., BC will recognize your credentials—no extra year of training required, and no need to write a new board exam. Health Match BC (now BChealthcareers.ca) acts as a concierge service, streamlining applications, connecting you with job openings, and guiding you through the entire licensure and immigration process.

Practical Tip: Get your U.S. credentials, board scores, and CV in order, and request copies of your records through the Federation of State Medical Boards or other relevant bodies—it’ll speed things up.

Work Permits, Permanent Residency, and More

For many doctors, immigration is the scariest part. My wife’s Canadian citizenship helped, but for most U.S. doctors, if you have a job offer and Health Match BC’s support, you can get a work permit—and your whole family can come too. There’s an express provincial nominee program (PNP) with a huge points bonus for skilled professionals, especially in healthcare. I got my permanent residency three weeks before my full medical license was granted!

As of 2024, you no longer have to sit for the Canadian board exam if you’re already U.S. board certified. Once you have your work permit and a job lined up, expect your license to be approved within three weeks. That’s a dramatic improvement from the months-long process it used to be.

Canadian Healthcare Through an American Lens: The Real Differences

Let’s address the elephant in the room: Is the Canadian healthcare system better than the U.S. system? It’s not a simple yes or no. Every system gets villainized by politicians and media on either side of the border, but working here has been eye-opening.

Here’s what I love about Canadian healthcare:

• No Insurance Hassles: No pre-authorizations, no endless insurance denials. Billing is as simple as entering patient info into an app and getting paid by the province 15-30 days later.

• Work-Life Balance: The pace is slower and more humane. Administrative burdens are way down compared to the U.S., freeing up time for patient care and personal pursuits.

• Safety: My family’s safety was a real driver. After traumatic experiences with gun violence in New Orleans and growing concern in Nashville, we value Canada’s safer environment.

• Affordable Education: University here is a fraction of U.S. costs—with world-class institutions like McGill, UBC, and University of Toronto.

Of course, it’s not all sunshine and maple syrup. The system moves slower, especially for elective procedures. Facilities—at least here on Vancouver Island—can be a bit dated compared to the sparkling, competitive hospitals back in Nashville, where two hospitals across the street vied for patients.

But overall, the direction is right. If you want to be less bogged down by bureaucracy and focus on medicine, Canada is a great alternative.

Settling into Life on Vancouver Island

If you’ve never been, Vancouver Island is a dream. I live two blocks from Willows Beach in Oak Bay, Victoria—yes, the water’s cold but the views are unmatched. Deer, bald eagles, seals—it’s a wildlife lover’s paradise. The feeling of safety, community, and connection to nature has been tremendously healing for our family.

Advice for U.S. Physicians Considering the Move

I’d rate my move an 8 or 9 out of 10. It’s not perfect—no system or country is. But for lifestyle, work satisfaction, patient interaction, and family security, I can’t imagine a better place to be a doctor.

If you’re thinking of making a similar move or just have questions about Canadian healthcare or life here as a physician, please reach out. You can always find me on my podcast and YouTube channel—Interesting MD—or connect with me directly via rob@interestingmd.com.

Let’s keep this conversation going. Whether you’re a fellow doctor, a curious patient, or a student considering international training, I’m here to help you navigate the path.

Thanks for reading, and be sure to follow The Interesting MD on all your favorite platforms for more stories, insights, and inspiration from the world of medicine.