Family Physician Position at Island Health – Port Alberni, BC – $250,000 to $300,000 Annually
Visa Note
Island Health is open to hiring international candidates, including those who may require a work permit or visa sponsorship. Applicants must confirm their visa or work permit eligibility directly with the employer during the application process. This is an excellent opportunity for internationally trained physicians seeking to relocate and practise medicine in British Columbia, Canada.
About Island Health
Island Health (formally known as the Vancouver Island Health Authority) is one of British Columbia’s largest health authorities, providing comprehensive health care services to more than 860,000 residents across Vancouver Island and surrounding communities. Island Health operates hospitals, clinics, community health centres, and long-term care facilities throughout the region.
As a publicly funded health organization, Island Health is committed to delivering patient-centred care, innovation, and excellence in medical practice. The organization values diversity and inclusion in its workforce and welcomes applications from physicians of all backgrounds, including internationally trained medical graduates.
About Port Alberni, British Columbia
Port Alberni is a picturesque community located on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, surrounded by stunning natural beauty including mountains, forests, and ocean inlets. With a population of approximately 18,000 residents, Port Alberni offers a welcoming small-town atmosphere with access to world-class outdoor recreation.
The community is known for its affordable cost of living compared to major urban centres in British Columbia, making it an attractive destination for physicians and their families. Port Alberni offers excellent schools, community amenities, and a strong sense of community belonging.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Port Alberni is a gateway to Pacific Rim National Park, offers world-class fishing, hiking, kayaking, and is close to the renowned surfing destination of Tofino. The town provides a balanced lifestyle ideal for physicians seeking both professional fulfilment and personal well-being.
Job Details
Job Title: Family Physician
Company: Island Health
Work Location: 3949 Maple Way, Port Alberni, BC V9Y 0B2 (On-site — no remote work option)
Salary: $250,000 to $300,000 per year (To be negotiated)
Hours: 1,500 to 1,680 hours per year
Employment Type: Permanent employment, Full time
Start Date: As early as November 27, 2026
Number of Vacancies: 1 vacancy
Source: Job Bank #3589873
Education and Certification Requirements
Required Certification: College of Family Physicians Certification (CCFP). Candidates must hold the CCFP designation or be eligible to obtain it. This is the standard certification for family physicians in Canada, awarded by the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC).
Licensure: Candidates must hold valid licensure from provincial or territorial authorities. For this position in British Columbia, licensure through the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) is required. Internationally trained physicians should verify credential recognition and licensing pathways through the CPSBC and Health Match BC.
Internationally educated family physicians are encouraged to apply. If you completed your medical training outside Canada, you may need to undergo credential assessment through organizations such as the Medical Council of Canada (MCC) and may need to complete qualifying examinations. The Practice Ready Assessment (PRA) program for British Columbia may also be a pathway for eligible international physicians.
Experience
Specific prior experience requirements have not been listed by the employer. However, candidates should demonstrate clinical competence in family medicine, including comprehensive primary care, chronic disease management, preventive care, and acute care. Both early-career and experienced family physicians are welcome to apply.
Responsibilities
As a Family Physician with Island Health in Port Alberni, you will provide comprehensive primary health care services to individuals and families across all age groups. Your responsibilities will include diagnosing and treating a wide range of acute and chronic medical conditions, conducting routine health examinations, and managing preventive care.
You will be expected to order and interpret diagnostic tests, prescribe medications, provide counselling on healthy lifestyle choices, and refer patients to specialists when necessary. You will also play a key role in managing chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and mental health conditions within the community.
The physician will collaborate closely with other health care professionals including nurses, pharmacists, specialists, and allied health providers to deliver coordinated, patient-centred care. Maintaining accurate and timely medical records is an essential part of this role.
On-call duties may be required as part of this position. The physician should be prepared to participate in the call rotation to support after-hours patient care needs in the Port Alberni community.
Benefits
While specific benefits have not been detailed in the job posting, Island Health typically offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include extended health coverage, dental coverage, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a pension plan. Physicians may also be eligible for relocation assistance and signing bonuses, particularly for positions in rural and remote communities.
Additional potential incentives for practising in Port Alberni may include the Rural Practice Subsidy, the Rural Emergency Care Fund, and other provincial programs designed to attract and retain physicians in underserved areas of British Columbia. These programs can significantly enhance total compensation beyond the base salary range.
Who Can Apply
The employer accepts applications from a wide range of candidates, including:
• Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada
• Temporary residents of Canada with valid status
• Other international candidates, with or without a valid Canadian work permit
This means that Island Health is open to receiving applications from internationally trained physicians who are currently outside Canada. If you are an international applicant, you are encouraged to apply and discuss work permit sponsorship and immigration pathways directly with the employer.
Information for Immigrants and Relocation Candidates
British Columbia actively recruits internationally trained family physicians to address physician shortages, particularly in rural and remote communities like Port Alberni. The province offers several pathways for internationally educated physicians, including the BC Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and the federal Express Entry system with specific streams for medical professionals.
Health Match BC is a free recruitment service funded by the Government of British Columbia that assists health care professionals with licensing, immigration, and relocation. International candidates are strongly encouraged to contact Health Match BC for personalized guidance on credential recognition and immigration pathways.
Port Alberni has been identified as a community with health care workforce needs, which may enhance eligibility for certain immigration programs. Candidates should explore the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot, the BC PNP Skills Immigration stream for Health Care Professionals, and other relevant programs.
Relocating to Port Alberni offers the advantage of a lower cost of living compared to major cities like Vancouver or Victoria, combined with the opportunity to practise full-scope family medicine in a community where your skills will be deeply valued and appreciated.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply directly through the Job Bank listing (Job Bank #3589873) or by contacting Island Health’s recruitment team. Applications should include a current curriculum vitae (CV), proof of medical licensure or eligibility, CCFP certification or eligibility, and a cover letter expressing interest in the Port Alberni community.
International applicants should include information about their current immigration status, credential assessment results (if available), and any examinations completed through the Medical Council of Canada. Be prepared to discuss visa sponsorship and relocation support during the interview process.
Verify all visa and work permit requirements directly with the employer. Island Health has confirmed openness to hiring international candidates, but each candidate’s individual immigration pathway must be confirmed on a case-by-case basis.
Important Notes
This job posting is sourced from the Government of Canada’s Job Bank (Job Bank #3589873). Candidates should verify all details, including salary terms, benefits, and start dates, directly with Island Health during the application and interview process. Terms of employment are negotiable, and the salary range provided is indicative of typical compensation for this role.
Island Health is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
Take the next step in your medical career — consider joining Island Health and serving the community of Port Alberni, where your expertise as a family physician will make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and families every day.