Admissions

All Category 1 programs, with the exception of the Clinician Scholar Program, are matched via CaRMS. Please visit the CaRMS site for details about timeline and application process.

Details about how to apply for our Clinician Scholar Program can be found here.

For a list of all Category 2 Programs offered, please see our Training Programs page.

Application requirements:

1. Completed Enhanced Skills Application Form, which includes:
   • Current Curriculum Vitae
   • Personal Statement, stating reasons for desiring enhanced skills, the skill area desired, the amount of training time requested, and identification of specific community need
2. 3 Letters of Personal Reference in support of the requested training (should emailed directly to Dian Sutanto,Category 2 Program Assistant, from the referee)
3. Letter of Community Support (from hospital Chief of Staff, Chair of the CHC etc.) identifying the need and confirming the willingness of the community to utilize the skills of the physician once acquired. This letter is helpful but not absolutely required.

Please have all supporting letters sent via email to Dian Sutanto, Category 2 Program Assistant

Timeline:

Applications open: July 1, 2025

Applications close: September 9, 2025

Acceptance notification: November 14, 2025

Acceptance response required by: December 11, 2025 (end of day)

Selection Process

Candidates will be selected based upon their personal merits, commitment to their community, and ability to meet community needs. Letters of support from members of the community (regional health board, hospital CEO, etc.) and local physicians, confirming the need and affirming support for the candidate in pursuit of these skills are an optional addition to the application package.

Please note that interviews are not held for our Category 2 Programs unless there are an extraordinary number of applicants.

Applications for our Category 1 programs for 2025-26 are now closed – with the exception of our Care of the Elderly Program. If you are intersted in applying for Care of the Elderly training, please reach out to lindsay.gowland@familymed.ubc.ca

All Category 1 programs, with the exception of the Clinician Scholar Program, are matched via CaRMS. Please visit the CaRMS site for details about timeline and application process.

Details about how to apply for our Clinician Scholar Program can be found here.

Applications for Category 2 programs for 2025-26 are now closed, but some programs may be able to accommodate late interest. Please contact dian.sutanto@ubc.ca if you are interested in training within the 2025-26 year.

All Category 1 programs, with the exception of the Clinician Scholar Program, are matched via CaRMS. Please visit the CaRMS site for details about timeline and application process.

IMG Applicants with a Return of Service agreement are eligible to apply to Category 1 programs once they are completing their Return of Service. Please note the following requirement:

• Letter of Approval from Ministry of Health Return of Service Program giving approval to defer or pause their Return of Service commitment for the duration of the training. This letter must be attached in addition to any other required documentation on the CaRMS application

BC Applicants: To request approval and for all other questions regarding the specific IMG requirements, please contact the Ministry of Health: ReturnofService@gov.bc.ca ents, please contact the Ministry of Health: ReturnofService@gov.bc.ca 

IMG Applicants from UBC can apply during the regular Category 2 timeline. Training in these positions must occur in the first 12 weeks following graduation from their R2 program, prior to the start of their Return of Service. However – please note that there is limited capacity at training sites in the July to September period which may impact the number of positions available.

Timeline:

Applications open: July 1, 2025

Applications close: September 9, 2025

Acceptance notification: November 14, 2025

Acceptance response required by: December 11, 2025 (end of day)

Application requirements:

1. Completed Enhanced Skills Application Form, which includes:
   • Current Curriculum Vitae
   • Personal Statement, stating reasons for desiring enhanced skills, the skill area desired, the amount of training time requested, and identification of specific community need
2. Letter of Approval from Ministry of Health Return of Service Program giving approval to defer or pause their Return of Service commitment for the duration of the training.
   BC Applicants: All BC IMGs interested in applying may contact the Ministry of Health at ReturnofService@gov.bc.ca to request approval.
3.  Letters of Personal Reference in support of the requested training (should emailed directly to the Dian Sutanto, Category 2 Program Assistant, from the referee). If a letter of community support is included, it can be considered as one of the 3 letters of reference.
4. Letter of Community Support (from hospital Chief of Staff, Chair of the CHC etc.) identifying the need and confirming the willingness of the community to utilize the skills of the physician once acquired. This letter is helpful but not absolutely required.

Please have all supporting letters, including those from the Ministry of Health and Health Authority, sent via email to Dian Sutanto, Category 2 Program Assistant.

Selection Process:

Candidates will be selected based upon their personal merits, commitment to their community, and ability to meet community needs. Letters of support from members of the community (regional health board, hospital CEO, etc.) and local physicians, confirming the need and affirming support for the candidate in pursuit of these skills are an optional addition to the application package.

Please note that interviews are not held for our Category 2 Programs unless there are an extraordinary number of applicants.tegory 2 Programs unless there are an extraordinary number of applicants.

IMG Applicants who are currently training in their R2 year are welcome to apply after they have been matched to their Return of Service community. Training opportunities are not guaranteed to occur immediately after graduation (July). Applicants will need to request a letter of approval from the Health Authority where their Return of Service lies.

Timeline:

After the initial cycle, applications are taken on a rolling basis.

Application requirements:

1. Completed Enhanced Skills Application Form, which includes:
   • Current Curriculum Vitae
   • Personal Statement, stating reasons for desiring enhanced skills, the skill area desired, the amount of training time requested, and identification of specific community need
2. Letter of Approval from Ministry of Health Return of Service Program giving approval to defer or pause their Return of Service commitment for the duration of the training.
   BC Applicants: All BC IMGs interested in applying may contact the Ministry of Health at ReturnofService@gov.bc.ca to request approval.
3. Letter of Approval from Health Authority giving approval to defer or pause their Return of Service commitment for the duration of the training.
4.  Letters of Personal Reference in support of the requested training (should emailed directly to the Dian Sutanto, Category 2 Program Assistant, from the referee). If a letter of community support is included, it can be considered as one of the 3 letters of reference.
5. Letter of Community Support (from hospital Chief of Staff, Chair of the CHC etc.) identifying the need and confirming the willingness of the community to utilize the skills of the physician once acquired. This letter is helpful but not absolutely required.

Please have all supporting letters, including those from the Ministry of Health and Health Authority, sent via email to Dian Sutanto, Category 2 Program Assistant.

Selection Process:

Candidates will be selected based upon their personal merits, commitment to their community, and ability to meet community needs. Letters of support from members of the community (regional health board, hospital CEO, etc.) and local physicians, confirming the need and affirming support for the candidate in pursuit of these skills are an optional addition to the application package.

Please note that interviews are not held for our Category 2 Programs unless there are an extraordinary number of applicants.tegory 2 Programs unless there are an extraordinary number of applicants.

IMG Applicants who have completed their family practice residency and are currently completing their Return of Service are welcome to apply during the regular Category 2 application process. These applicants require a letter from their Health Authority granting approval for the pause in their Return of Service commitment.

Timeline:

Timeline:

Applications open: July 1, 2025

Applications close: September 9, 2025

Acceptance notification: November 14, 2025

Acceptance response required by: December 11, 2025 (end of day)

Application requirements:

1. Completed Enhanced Skills Application Form, which includes:
   • Current Curriculum Vitae
   • Personal Statement, stating reasons for desiring enhanced skills, the skill area desired, the amount of training time requested, and identification of specific community need
2. Letter of Approval from Ministry of Health Return of Service Program giving approval to defer or pause their Return of Service commitment for the duration of the training.
   BC Applicants: All BC IMGs interested in applying may contact the Ministry of Health at ReturnofService@gov.bc.ca to request approval.
3. Letter of Approval from Health Authority giving approval to defer or pause their Return of Service commitment for the duration of the training
4. 3 Letters of Personal Reference in support of the requested training (should emailed directly to Dian Sutanto, Category 2 Program Assistant, from the referee). If a letter of community support is included, it can be considered as one of the 3 letters of reference.
5. Letter of Community Support (from hospital Chief of Staff, Chair of the CHC etc.) identifying the need and confirming the willingness of the community to utilize the skills of the physician once acquired. This letter is helpful but not absolutely required.

Please have all supporting letters sent via email to Dian Sutanto, Category 2 Program Assistant.

Selection Process:

Candidates will be selected based upon their personal merits, commitment to their community, and ability to meet community needs. Letters of support from members of the community (regional health board, hospital CEO, etc.) and local physicians, confirming the need and affirming support for the candidate in pursuit of these skills are an optional addition to the application package.

Please note that interviews are not held for our Category 2 Programs unless there are an extraordinary number of applicants.