Last week, British Columbia’s Health Minister, Josie Osborne, made an exhilarating announcement. She reported an increased demand from health workers willing to come and stay in the province. Since March, more than 2,250 healthcare professionals—from doctors to nurses—have participated in webinars. They’re just as hungry to practice here in British Columbia. This surge of interest is part of a burgeoning wave as the province looks to tackle its healthcare workforce crisis.
Osborne said the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia is currently in the process of reviewing its regulations. Specifically, they want to make it easier for internationally trained physicians to work as doctors in the province. This common-sense reform is an effort to align practice for these professionals. It makes it easier for them to be absorbed into the local healthcare system.
All internationally trained family doctors need at least two years of postgraduate training again in family medicine. They are able to meet this language requirement at accredited institutions within countries such as the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, or Ireland. This one requirement has long made it the biggest hurdle for many otherwise qualified doctors that want to relocate to B.C.
The proposed amendments will make this process easier for physicians trained in the U.S. to practice in America. This would enable them to “return home” and practice without running into overwhelming obstacles. This amendment will make it easier for those with extensive postgraduate training and board certification in other specialties to enter. It especially rewards people from countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Ireland.
Together, this initiative will address the healthcare workforce shortage. It shows the province’s commitment to deal proactively with the global competition for skilled professionals from diverse backgrounds. By creating a more straightforward pathway for international medical professionals, British Columbia hopes to mitigate some of the ongoing healthcare shortages experienced in recent years.
The healthcare landscape is changing faster than ever. Proposed regulatory changes show the government’s commitment to making sure all island residents have access to high-quality medical care. With the tide of incoming interest from international health professionals, it seems that there is a bright future for the province’s healthcare system.
