Specialists in surgery

For a career as a specialist in surgery, a Doctor of Medicine degree (MD) is required.

Those who want to become a doctor usually complete four years of undergraduate training before taking four years of medical school. Medical schools have high academic admission requirements. University medical programs interview applicants to make sure that along with good academic records, they also have the needed social skills and attitude to work as a doctor.

Specialists in surgery must have five to six years of specialty residency training and for some, up to two years of subspecialty training may also be needed. The residency program is competitive, and graduates may need to travel to other provinces to do this. To become a fully licensed physician in B.C., graduates must pass two licensing exams given by the Medical Council of Canada, a national exam provided by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and become licensed through the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC. Doctors must maintain professional insurance.

Specialists in surgery who are certified for that occupation by a regulator elsewhere in Canada can apply for the same certification from the regulator in B.C. Under the terms of the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA), most applicants who are transferring their credentials from elsewhere in Canada will not be required to complete additional training or testing. However, the B.C. regulator may ask applicants to provide further information such as a letter of good standing, references, or criminal record check.

For those who trained outside of Canada and never received certification from any Canadian jurisdiction, a full assessment is likely needed. Most occupational regulators have a process for assessment and recognize internationally trained applicants.

Contact the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC for details on how to apply for certification in B.C.

For information about labour mobility in Canada, visit www.workersmobility.ca.

View a list of B.C. occupational regulators.

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A growing and aging population will require more health services, including doctors who are specialists in all areas of medicine.