Who's Who in BC's Health Care Industry

Health authorities have agreements with the Ministry of Health to plan, manage and deliver health care services across seven regions and specialized jurisdictions. BC has a Provincial Health Services Authority and five regional health authorities. The First Nations Health Authority has an agreement with both the Ministry of Health and Health Canada and is governed by and serves BC First Nations individuals and communities.

The College regulates the practice of medicine in BC and is responsible for licensing qualified and competent physicians and surgeons. The College’s overriding interest is the protection and safety of patients.

Doctors of BC is the medical association for all physicians in BC, and it serves as the political and public voice advocating for physician interests and health care system change. The organization negotiates compensation for physician services, and provides members with insurance, financial services and other benefits.

There are many other partners who contribute to patient care in BC, including nurse practitioners, nurses, pharmacists, allied health professionals and many others. Physicians work with all of these partners in many ways throughout the health care system.

BCCFP advocates for the future of family medicine and provides continuing professional development tailored to the needs of family doctors, residents and medical students to support the delivery of quality care. The College’s work includes supporting family physicians, celebrating their work, and bringing attention to the role they play in a person's overall health.

MSAs are made up of physicians who work in facilities. MSAs are funded by Doctors of BC and the Ministry of Health through the Specialist Services Committee. Their purpose is to increase meaningful physician engagement with health authorities to improve the health care system and provide quality patient care.

Specialists of BC is the economic and political voice for specialist physicians in BC, providing a forum for topics specific to specialists and a network of specialty sections unique in Canada. The SBC works with, but is a separate organization from, Doctors of BC.

The four JCCs – General Practice Services Committee, Specialist Services Committee, Shared Care Committee, and the Joint Standing Committee on Rural Issues – represent a partnership between the Ministry of Health and Doctors of BC.

Through the committees, physicians collaborate with the government and health authorities to improve patient care and implement health system change.

BC’s Ministry of Health (MoH) has the overall responsibility for health services, including funding for the health authorities and all physician services. The MoH partners with Doctors of BC to fund the Joint Collaborative Committees: General Practice Services Committee, Specialist Services Committee, Shared Care, and the Joint Standing Committee on Rural Issues.

BC Family Doctors is the economic and political voice for family physicians in BC, providing a forum for topics specific to general practitioners. The BCFD works with, but is a separate organization from, Doctors of BC.

Resident Doctors of BC is the professional association that represents resident doctors working in the province. It negotiates on behalf of resident physicians and raises awareness about who resident doctors are and what they do, supporting their interests with key stakeholders.

Divisions of Family Practice are community-based non-profit organizations made up of physicians who work together to achieve common health care goals. Divisions work collaboratively with health authorities and community partners to enhance local patient care and improve professional satisfaction for physicians. Divisions are funded by Doctors of BC and the Ministry of Health through the General Practice Services Committee.