Your anesthesiology career, elevated at RIH in Kamloops, B.C.

Welcome to Royal Inland Hospital's anesthesiology team

Royal Inland Hospital (RIH), located in the heart of Kamloops, is a leading regional referral centre in interior British Columbia. Serving a vast geographical area, we are proud to provide care across a broad range of surgical disciplines including:

• Vascular surgery
• Neurosurgery
• Trauma and general surgery
• Orthopedics, plastics, ENT, urology, gynecology, and obstetrics
• Healthy pediatric cases (for people over two years old) 

Our department excels in regional anesthesia, with exciting plans to initiate an acute pain service featuring a block room and outpatient nerve block catheter program. We provide anesthetics for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) treatments, consult on acute pain patients, and optimize pre-surgical patients in collaboration with our internal medicine colleagues to ensure the best outcomes.

State-of-the-art facilities

RIH unveiled a new operating tower in July 2022, providing anesthesiologists with cutting-edge equipment and resources to perform at their best, featuring: 

• Modern technology: GE Aisys CS2 anesthesia machines for precision care.
• Comprehensive equipment: An abundance of airway management tools, high-quality ultrasounds, and jet ventilation systems
• Advanced monitoring: Target-controlled infusion pumps for safe and effective total intravenous anesthesia
• Efficient setup: A highly capable team ensures operating rooms are ready to go, from machine checks to intravenous line placements. We have an abundant and comprehensive stock of supplies available in our sterile core.

Whether you’re performing complex regional anesthesia or handling acute pain consultations, our facilities empower you to deliver the highest quality patient care.

Exceptional professional support

Our department fosters a collaborative and enriching environment, comprised of:

• A diverse team of anesthesiologists from Canada, South Africa, and the UK, many with advanced fellowships
• A team of highly skilled anesthesia assistants (AAs) who place IVs, insert arterial lines, assist with regional anesthesia, and provide expert technical support.
• Regular opportunities for professional development, including monthly journal clubs and hands-on teaching sessions for regional anesthesia techniques.

With affiliations to the University of British Columbia (UBC), you’ll also have opportunities to teach and mentor medical students and residents, further enriching your professional journey.

Balanced work and call schedules

At RIH, we believe in fostering a strong work-life balance

• Regular clinical hours: Operating room days start at 7:15 a.m., with elective surgeries concluding at 3:30 p.m. and extended coverage until approximately 6 p.m.
• Equitable call schedule: Call shifts are fairly distributed across the department, with:
  • Backup coverage: including a second-call anesthesiologist and on-call anesthesia assistant provide added support for emergencies complex cases and labour epidurals
  • Case assignments are distributed equally
• Flexible time off: Begin with a full-time schedule of 40 work weeks and 12 weeks of vacation. The vacation schedule is made without seniority considerations. All members are treated equally.

Competitive remuneration

A 1.0 Full Time Equivalent can expect to earn over $600,000. Our alternate payment model offers not only excellent earnings, but also a quarterly 10 per cent bonus based on achieving departmental goals. Since its implementation in 2019, this model has consistently rewarded our team for delivering exceptional care. With these incentives and a high case volume, RIH is among the most financially rewarding places to practice anesthesiology in Canada.

Living in Kamloops: A lifestyle like no other

Kamloops is a vibrant community offering an ideal combination of urban convenience and natural beauty:

• Outdoor adventures year-round:
  • Summer: Endless hiking trails, world-class mountain biking, and nearby lakes for water sports
  • Winter: Ski at Sun Peaks Resort, Canada’s second-largest ski area, just 45 minutes away
  • Spring and Fall: Enjoy overlapping ski, golf, and cycling seasons thanks to the region’s mild climate
• A climate to enjoy:
  • Arid summers with temperatures ranging from 25–30°C and virtually no mosquitoes
  • Relatively mild winters with average low temperatures of -6°C and average highs of 0°C, and occasional light snow in town
• Family-friendly living:
  • Access to excellent schools and diverse housing options, many with stunning views
  • Exceptional recreational facilities like the Tournament Capital Centre, boasting an Olympic-sized pool, indoor track, and more
• Culture and convenience:
  • Thriving arts scene with theatres, restaurants, local wineries and craft breweries
  • Easy access to major cities: two hours to Kelowna, three and a half hours to Vancouver, and seven hours to Calgary through breathtaking landscapes
  • Direct daily flights to Vancouver, Calgary, and new routes to Vancouver Island
• A supportive medical community:
  • Kamloops boasts a welcoming and collaborative medical community. Whether you’re looking for a ski partner or advice on local amenities, there’s always someone eager to help. The city’s strong sense of camaraderie extends beyond the workplace, making it a fantastic place to build your personal and professional life.

Learn more about living in Kamloops

Learn more about visiting Kamloops

We’re seeking dedicated and passionate anesthesiologists to join our growing team. Whether you’re an experienced practitioner or a recent graduate, RIH offers the perfect blend of career advancement and lifestyle satisfaction.

Join our team at RIH in Kamloops

Locum opportunities available

We encourage potential candidates to arrange a locum placement to experience firsthand the exceptional environment at Royal Inland Hospital.

To learn more, contact Dr. Jason McVicar, MD, FRCPC