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The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (the College) is committed to your protection and safety.
This is a summary of what you can expect of your physician or surgeon when they advertise or promote their medical services, the clinic or facility where they practise, or themselves to the public. A physician or surgeon may advertise their medical services in:
• online or printed publications
• television or radio
• social media/blog posts
• signs that are displayed in their practice setting
Most often, physicians and surgeons advertise their services to let patients know what type of medicine they practise (e.g. full-service primary care or psychiatry). Sometimes physicians and surgeons advertise for commercial purposes when they offer services that are not covered by the provincial Medical Services Plan (e.g. for elective or cosmetic surgery, or treatments such as IV vitamin therapy). These types of uninsured services are paid directly by the patient.
Regardless of the purpose for advertising, all physicians and surgeons must follow the same rules. These rules are imposed by the College in a practice standard, as well as in national requirements for advertising such as the Canadian Code of Advertising Standards and the Regulatory Requirements for Advertising issued by Health Canada.
