How US Doctors Can Relocate and Thrive in British Columbia’s Public Healthcare System
Why U.S. Physicians are Moving to Vancouver Island: An Insider’s Guide from The Interesting MD
Hi friends, Dr. Rob Beck here from The Interesting MD! If you’ve been watching the conversations on our YouTube channel or listening to the podcast, you know that one of the most talked-about topics among physicians is what it’s like to move your medical career—and your life—to Canada. More specifically, to beautiful Vancouver Island in British Columbia.
I’ve been getting a flood of messages from U.S.-trained doctors who are curious, excited, and maybe a little bit overwhelmed by the process. That’s why I recently brought on Dr. Ben Williams, Chief Medical Officer and Vice President of Medicine Quality and Research for Island Health, to give us the ultimate insider’s perspective on making the move to Vancouver Island.
If you’re even considering this journey, keep reading—this blog post is packed with practical, no-nonsense information, directly from our latest Interesting MD episode with Dr. Ben Williams.
What’s Different About Being a Doctor on Vancouver Island?
Let’s start with some common misconceptions. One rumor I heard a lot before moving here was that Canadian doctors have a capped income—that after a certain point, you either work for free or have to stop altogether. I can tell you from experience and from what Dr. Ben Williams confirmed: there are no income caps. You work as much or as little as you want. Physician salaries are actually pretty comparable across the U.S. and Canada, and in some specialties (like my own, internal medicine), I found myself bringing home more here than I did in the U.S.
Plus, there’s way less fighting: Not with other doctors, not with insurance companies—you’re working in a publicly funded system where contracts and fee schedules are negotiated transparently, so your focus can be on patients, not paperwork.
How Does the Health System Work in British Columbia?
Canada’s health system can be confusing, especially for those used to a patchwork of insurance providers and health networks. Here’s the breakdown, straight from our conversation:
Healthcare is public. Most medically necessary services are covered by taxpayer dollars. You carry your healthcare card, not your credit card, to medical appointments.
Provinces are in charge. The federal government sets broad rules, but healthcare delivery and regulation are managed by each province.
BC’s system is regional. There are five regional health authorities in British Columbia, and Island Health covers over 900,000 people on Vancouver Island and surrounding areas.
Island Health is massive. We’re talking 32,000+ healthcare professionals and 3,000+ medical staff (physicians, midwives, nurse practitioners, dentists), with a $4.5 billion annual budget.
Why Are So Many U.S. Physicians Moving to Vancouver Island?
Short answer: Work-life balance and quality of life. Dr. Ben Williams put it perfectly: “You’re coming here for the practice, but you’re staying for the life.” Whether you want urban perks like great restaurants and schools or you prefer hiking, mountain biking, and kayaking just outside your backyard, there’s a community here for you.
Physicians are expected to take vacations, nurture their families, and enjoy their lives. The culture is supportive—your colleagues genuinely want you to have that balance. Covering each other is the norm, not the exception.
Who Is BC Looking to Recruit?
Island Health is actively recruiting from the U.S.—and they need every kind of medical professional. Regulatory changes have made it much easier for American-trained:
Family Physicians
Internal Medicine Specialists
Pediatricians
Emergency Physicians
Radiologists
to come directly to British Columbia, with straightforward licensing. There are positions everywhere, from bustling Victoria (cardiac surgery, thoracic surgery, oncology subspecialties) to five-doctor rural towns, and everything in between. Plus, if you’re a surgeon, proceduralist, or sub-specialist, you’ll find opportunities that balance hospital work and office practice.
What About Private Practice and Setting Up Your Clinic?
If hospital-based practice isn’t for you, don’t worry. There’s a growing network of private clinics, and many family docs and subspecialists are embracing group practice models. It’s common to rent space and join established clinics while you find your footing. Best part? There are no non-compete restrictions like you might see in the U.S. If you want to change jobs or create your own practice, you’re free to do so.
How Hard Is It to Immigrate to Canada as a Doctor?
This is probably one of the biggest worries for would-be expats. The actual process is honestly getting easier by the day. Here’s the gist:
Immigration is federally managed, but the BC Provincial Nominee Program can fast-track your work permit and lead to permanent residency.
The key step is a job offer from the health authority—you apply, get the offer, and the process rolls from there.
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC works directly with immigration to confirm your credentials. If you’ve only worked in one state, this is a breeze. If you’ve worked in 20 states, it can take a bit longer as they check your standing in each one.
Most physicians get through the process in an average of 80 days from the college opening your application. Some have done it in just two weeks!
What’s Life Really Like on Vancouver Island?
Let me paint you a picture—a typical weekend might mean snowshoeing or skiing at Mount Washington, kayaking past bald eagles and humpback whales, mountain biking world-class trails, or foodie adventures in Victoria’s bustling restaurant scene. This isn’t just a place for your practice; it’s a place for your life. It’s also one of the best places to raise a family, with excellent public schools, low crime, and a culturally safe and vibrant environment.
So, Should You Make the Leap?
If you’re looking for genuinely meaningful medicine in a supportive, innovative system—with the Pacific Ocean on one side, ancient forests on the other, and a community of colleagues who expect you to have a life outside the hospital—Vancouver Island should be at the very top of your list.
We’re a destination for doctors from all across the world. And for U.S. physicians, coming here has never been easier.
Want to Learn More or Take the Next Step?
If you’re a U.S. doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, or other healthcare professional considering the move to Vancouver Island, reach out to our amazing recruitment team at Island Health:
Email: MedStaffRecruitment@IslandHealth.ca
Web: Medical Staff Careers at Island Health
You can also follow The Interesting MD on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and reach out to me directly at rob@interestingmd.com.
Here’s to your next adventure—in medicine and in life.
Stay interesting,
Dr. Rob Beck