B.C Has Highest Increase in Doctors in 30 Years         PDF Version

VICTORIA - An independent national report shows that the number of doctors in B.C. increased by 5.4 per cent in 2009 over 2008, marking the highest single-year increase in the number of physicians in 30 years.

The annual Supply, Distribution and Migration of Canadian Physicians 2009 was released by the Canadian Institute of Health Information (CIHI) on Dec. 2.

"I am proud that B.C. continues to show excellent results when compared to other provinces and that we are experiencing record growth in the number of physicians moving to and practising in our province," said Health Services Minister Colin Hansen. "We are working hard to make B.C. an attractive place to live and work for doctors, and we offer one of the most comprehensive compensation and benefits packages in the country."

B.C.-specific highlights of the CIHI report include:

• Between 2008 and 2009, the number of physicians increased nationally by 4.1 per cent, which was more than triple the growth rate of the population (1.2 per cent) - the greatest percentage increase in 20 years.
• As of Dec. 31, 2009, CIHI reported a total of 9,548 physicians in B.C. compared to 7,812 in 1999 - an increase of 1,736 physicians or 22 per cent.
• In 2009, B.C. had 212 physicians per 100,000 population compared to the Canadian average of 201 per 100,000 - fourth-highest among provinces.
• In 2009, B.C. saw a net gain of 93 practising physicians moving here from the rest of Canada.
• Over the period 2005 to 2009, B.C. saw a net gain of 404 practising physicians from other provinces. Alberta is the next-highest at 116.

B.C. is also committed to increasing the number of doctors educated in this province and has doubled the number of available medical school spaces from 128 to 256. B.C. has expanded the University of British Columbia's medical school to university campuses in Victoria and Prince George. A new campus in Kelowna expected to accept students in 2011 and open in January 2012. When the expansion is complete, UBC will graduate 288 doctors each year.

In June 2010, the Province announced a $137-million investment in B.C.'s primary health- care system that will help streamline services and focus on enhancing the links between family doctors, other health professionals and community resources. This new model of integrated primary and community care is underway in communities across B.C. and is working to ensure that every British Columbian who wants a family doctor will have one by 2015.

Want to know more?

Canadian Physician Supply, Distribution and Migration 2009 Report