JSC program brings doctors to rural communities

Thirteen new foreign-trained doctors are working in BC rural communities after completing the Ready Assessment Program (PRA-BC) funded by the Joint Standing Committee on Rural Issues (JSC), a partnership of Doctors of BC and the provincial government. The PRA-BC assesses foreign-trained doctors so they can practice in rural BC communities who are in need of family doctors.

Dr. Magrietha Badenhorst who is originally from South Africa and was living in BC, says “the program was a great opportunity and privilege because it allows me to now work in BC and it really prepared me to learn the ‘ins and outs’ of BC’s health care system.” Dr. Badenhorst is now practicing in Quesnel.

Other communities where new doctors are practicing include: Chetwynd, Dawson Creek, Enderby, Keremeos, Ladysmith, Logan Lake, Nakusp, Port Hardy, Trail and Tumbler Ridge. 

Foreign-trained doctors have a lot to offer BC and help address physician shortages especially in rural communities.  Our BC rural doctors help make this program successful because they evaluate the skills of the PRA candidates and their ability to provide patient care.

Dr. Shola Solomon, a PRA candidate talked about his experience with Dr. Anton Venter, his assessor “he was a lovely person who was very willing to teach and expand my knowledge by giving me access to other resources. He was great at giving feedback and listening to what I had to say.”  Dr Solomon is now practicing in Tumbler Ridge.

All physicians who complete the program must commit to working in a BC rural community designated by BC’s health authorities as “in need” for at least three years. So far, three cohorts have completed the program, totaling 38 doctors. Previous candidates were placed in communities such as: Ashcroft, Comox, Fort St. John, Lillooet, McBride, Hazelton and Terrace.

The JSC provides funding of $7.6 million, which comes out of the Physician Master Agreement. 

Doctors of BC is strongly committed to working with our partners – the provincial government,  Health Authorities and others -  to support rural medicine and address physician shortages. The JSC has a number of programs that help recruit and retain physicians in rural communities, and the PRA-BC has proven to be a welcome addition.

 A fourth cohort of foreign-trained physicians will begin the program in the Fall and they are expected to be practicing in more “in need” rural communities by early Spring 2017.