Admissions

Applications for our Category 1 programs for 2025-26 are now closed. 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:

We are currently taking applications for all of our Category 2 programs. Please follow the instructions below and contact dian.sutanto@ubc.ca if you have any questions.

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.

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 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 

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:

The initial Category 2 application cycle has passed, but we are continuing to take applications on a rolling basis. Please follow the instructions below and contact dian.sutanto@ubc.ca if you have any questions.

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.

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:

The initial Category 2 application cycle has passed, but we are continuing to take applications on a rolling basis. Please follow the instructions below and contact dian.sutanto@ubc.ca if you have any questions.

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.