ITPC Response re: Doctors of BC’s joint statement with Ministry of Health on Return of Service Obligations
To: Doctors of BC
We are writing to express our deep disappointment with the joint statement issued on September 21, 2026 by Doctors of BC and the BC Ministry of Health regarding Return of Service (ROS) obligations for Internationally Trained Physicians (ITPs).
Our primary concern is the disconnect between this statement and Doctors of BC’s mandate to represent and advocate for physicians across British Columbia. 31.1% of practicing physicians in BC are ITPs. These physicians are Doctors of BC members and should reasonably expect their professional association to represent their interests when policies directly affecting them are at issue.
We recognize the importance of maintaining access to care in rural, remote, and underserved communities. However, physician workforce planning and distribution are government responsibilities. Doctors of BC has a distinct role: to bring an independent physician voice to those discussions, particularly when government policy affects physicians’ professional interests.
Yet the joint statement focuses solely on protecting rural health care access without similarly acknowledging the perspective of physicians who have carried mandatory ROS obligations for years. The substantial contributions these physicians have made to underserved communities should be recognized, not used to justify continuing a disproportionate obligation.
By issuing a joint statement with the Ministry that emphasizes the workforce implications of the Court’s decision without equally representing the concerns of affected ITPs, Doctors of BC fell short of its advocacy mandate. Supporting rural communities and advocating for ITPs are not competing objectives. Doctors of BC can and should do both.
We respectfully ask Doctors of BC to issue an apology for this one-sided statement, engage directly with affected ITPs, examine the equity implications of differential ROS requirements, and ensure ITP interests are represented in future discussions with the Ministry.
Internationally Trained Physicians are members of Doctors of BC. We deserve the same voice, representation, and advocacy that all physician members get from their professional association.
Sincerely,
Approved by the ITPC Board of Directors
October 15, 2026
Learn more: www.itpsofcanada.ca/overhaul-ros
Comments