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Re-entry Program

Last updated on May 23, 2024

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Program overview

This program provides opportunities for licensed, practicing physicians to pursue re-training in a priority specialty. In exchange, participants complete a three-year Return of Service (ROS). The program supports physician career flexibility, maintains a diversity of physician services in B.C., and supports equitable access to specialist care across the province.

Re-entry positions

The 8 re-entry residency positions at UBC for the 2024 match are:

  • Anesthesiology – ROS in Northern Health Authority (1)
  • Anesthesiology – ROS in Vancouver Island Health Authority (1)
  • Critical Care – ROS in Northern Health Authority (1)
  • Dermatology – ROS in Northern Health Authority (2)
  • Psychiatry – ROS in Interior Health Authority (1)
  • Public Health and Preventative Medicine – ROS in B.C. (2) 

Please check back again as additional specialties may be confirmed for 2024.

How to apply

All prospective candidates for re-entry residency positions apply through the University of British Columbia (UBC). An outstanding ROS commitment precludes eligibility for a re-entry position.

Key due dates, eligibility criteria, and information about the application process are available at:

Return of service location

In this program, the placement process is linked to the participant’s specialty. Health authorities choose the communities and facilities available to the Critical Care, Dermatology, and Psychiatry participants for ROS in conjunction with the Ministry of Health. The Ministry of Health will determine communities and facilities available to Public Health and Preventative Medicine participants for ROS. For more information on the placement processes for each specialty, see the contract and policy documents on this page.

This map identifies the B.C. communities that have received a specialty medicine ROS placement:

Specialty Medicine ROS Map (PDF, 8.6MB)

Participants in rural B.C. communities may be eligible for financial incentives. Learn more about Rural Practice Programs.

Hosting a ROS

Locations and facilities who wish to host a Re-entry ROS placement should contact their health authority’s physician recruitment team. In part due to high demand, not all interested facilities may receive a ROS placement.

Return of service contract

Physicians who accept a re-entry training position at UBC with an attached ROS must sign the ROS contract. Each physician ROS program may have unique requirements. The ROS contract is a legal commitment that warrants independent legal advice. Candidates should consider the contractual requirements before applying. Not fulfilling the ROS contract carries significant financial consequences. For more information on the ROS commitment, see the documents on this page.

If you have any questions about the Return of Service programs, please contact us at:

ReturnOfService@gov.bc.ca