Service Milestone Recognition

Medical & Academic Affairs is excited to introduce a program recognizing Island Health medical staff for their years of service. Initiated in 2025, the medical staff recognition program aligns with Island Health's service milestone recognition program for employees. This program aims to recognize medical staff service milestones at 5 years of service and in 5-year increments thereafter. Please review the FAQ below for specific details regarding the program.

The 2025 Service Milestone Recognition event dates and their locations will be sent to recipients when available.

What is the process for enrolment in the program?

No action is required. The team will reach out to eligible recipients.

What will I receive for reaching a milestone?

5-year and 10-year recognition:

Recipients being recognized for 5 or 10 years of service will receive a thank-you card and pin at their primary address.

15-years or more of service:

Medical staff celebrating a 15+ year milestone will receive an invitation sent to their primary address and email. This invitation will include RSVP details for a long service event and website access codes to log in and select a gift.

How is length of service determined?

For medical staff currently practicing within Island Health, service length is determined by the earliest assignment date recorded in Cactus (BC’s Credentialing and Privileging data management system). We recognize that these dates may not correspond to your actual start date—if you notice a discrepancy, please reach out to MedStaffRecognition@islandhealth.ca. Note that breaks in service do not affect overall calculated service length.

Which privileging categories are eligible?

Privileging categories including Locums, Associate, Consulting, Temporary, Provisional, and Active are all eligible for long-service recognition.

When will I receive my service pin and thank you card?

If you reach a milestone in the first half of the year (January to June), your card and pin will be mailed by July. If your milestone falls in the second half of the year (July to December), they will be mailed by October.

When and where are the service milestone events occurring?

Medical staff celebrating 15 or more years of service will be invited to a Service Milestone Recognition event. Event dates and locations will be shared once available.

How many medical staff are awarded each year?

In 2025, approximately 500 medical staff are reaching a long-service milestone.

What happens if I completed a residency program at Island Health?

Medical staff long-service recognition begins after residency programs are complete.

What happens if I reached a milestone year prior to 2025?

Long-service recognition for medical staff at Island Health commenced in 2025. To align with the organization's process, medical staff will be recognized for their service milestone in 5-year cycles. Service milestone recognition is not awarded retroactively. For example, if an individual started at Island Health in 2016, they will be recognized in 2026 once they reach their 10-year milestone.

I think I am eligible this year but did not receive a notice, how can I verify? 

Please reach out to MedStaffRecognition@islandhealth.ca if you are at a milestone and did not receive an email. Our team is happy to verify your details and offer support.

Who is Rideau (Engage2Excel)?

Island Health is pleased to work with Canadian company Rideau (Engage2Excel), who is an industry leader. Rideau hosts Island Health’s gift ordering website.   

Are the awards options and gift options environmentally-friendly and locally-sourced?

Yes, Island Health continues to seek ways in which the program can make a positive impact on the environment. Rideau’s environmentally aware initiatives include:

• Offering a green product option at every level
• Locally-sourced products and materials
• Recycling initiatives for program materials  
• Maximizing recycled content  
• Developing internal reduction programs  
• Working with environmentally responsible partners  
• Seeking credible certifications

Rideau also includes various Indigenous products and locally sourced items from Vancouver Island, British Columbia, and Canada, throughout the Island Health program catalogue.

Do you source gifts from Canadian suppliers?

Rideau is committed to sourcing as many Canadian items as possible. Each year, Rideau strives to include more Canadian and local choices, including increasing the number of Indigenous artists and suppliers. 

Jewelry is made by Rideau’s craftspeople, who pride themselves on making quality jewelry for Island Health and other partners.

How do I place my long service gift order?

• Login using the website access code provided to you.
• Under the Milestone Gifts tab, click on your milestone year to view the gifts available.
• When you have made your choice, click Add to Cart.
• Follow the prompts until you click Place Your Order.

Where will my gift be delivered?

Your gift(s) will be shipped to the address that you have indicated when ordering.

Can I choose a gift from another milestone year if I do not see anything from my eligible long service award level?

Yes, long service recipients may choose a gift from a lower milestone year (e.g., 20-year recipients can select a 15-year gift).

What happens if I do not place my order before the required date?

We encourage all recipients to complete their gift order before the gift ordering deadline. Due to fiscal timelines, we may be unable to extend this deadline. If you have missed the gift ordering deadline, please contact MedStaffRecognition@islandhealth.ca. 

Do I have to choose a gift?

No. The gift is a small acknowledgement from Island Health in recognition and appreciation of your service. However, you can choose not to accept it.

Is the information I enter during the order process secure?

Yes. After you submit your order, all information processed using 128-bit SSL encryption. This means that if a third party intercepts the information as it travels across the network, it cannot be read.

May I exchange the gift if I am not happy with it?

Recipients may return their original item and make an alternative selection within 30 days of receipt, provided that the item is returned unused, unaltered and in the original packaging with all original documentation. All products carry a lifetime guarantee, with the exception of electronics, appliances, optical products, and luggage. Recipients may need to complete the manufacturer’s warranty card and send it to the manufacturer when applicable.

Can I purchase additional gifts from the program?

No. The gift is to acknowledge your service with Island Health. Our gifts are reserved solely for long service recognition recipients and any additional gifts cannot be purchased.

Do you have questions, comments or feedback? Please don’t hesitate to contact the Medical Staff Recognition Team at MedStaffRecognition@islandhealth.ca.