It’s been just one year since Dr. Osa Olayemi launched her family practice in Richmond after looking for family doctor jobs in Canada, but she and her children already feel at home.
Originally from Nigeria, Dr. Olayemi graduated from the University of Benin before moving to Ghana to complete her family physician training. After practicing family medicine in Ghana for more than a decade, she began exploring family doctor jobs in Canada, specifically opportunities available through the Practice Ready Assessment (PRA-BC) program. This pathway allowed her to begin preparing for the required exams while still practicing abroad.
“I felt that Canada would offer a better life for the kids,” she explains. “I wanted them to experience a society where they are free to do what they want, and where the system supports them in every aspect, such as in health care and education.”
Arriving in British Columbia, Dr. Olayemi completed her Clinical Field Assessment in North Vancouver, where she was introduced to long-term and urgent care. “I was happy that Vancouver Coastal Health linked me with the Richmond Division of Family Practice,” she says, noting how the recruitment team quickly connected her with clinics to explore. The Richmond Division of Family Practice (RDFP) is a professional network of almost 300 local family physicians working together to improve healthcare. This network supports family physicians through a free membership that gives access to exclusive events, career and practice assistance, and peer-to-peer support.
Finding the Perfect Fit for Family Practitioners
Her decision to settle in Richmond was guided by her desire to find the right fit: “I wanted a place where I could fit in, that supported my style of practice, and where I could call home. I think that’s what I found at MegaFu.”
Dr. Olayemi also appreciated the settlement resources available through the RDFP member portal, which helped her register her two younger children in school. “RDFP gave me quite a lot of support,” she says. “Not everyone who did the PRA-BC with me were as lucky as I was to have that kind of support.”
Today, in addition to her practice, Dr. Olayemi serves as a long-term care physician at Pinegrove Place, participates in the RDFP’s IT Working Group, and works with the RAP program to expand her patient panel. “I am in Richmond, so I should try to serve this population,” she says.
For her family, the move has been equally rewarding. The kids have made friends, play soccer, and enjoy community life, while Dr. Olayemi spends her free time playing basketball with her son, walking, and planning to join a dance class.
Reflecting on her journey, she notes: “I got selected into Richmond, but I’m glad I came to Richmond. I am happy.”
Why Select Richmond as a Family Doctor?
For physicians considering starting their healthcare career in British Columbia, Richmond offers a welcoming community, strong support, and opportunities to build a fulfilling practice. Whether you are exploring healthcare jobs in Canada, or seeking a rewarding physician career in Richmond, Richmond Division of Family Practice is here to support you every step of the way.
Richmond now participates in two cohorts per year, allowing more IMGs to integrate into our community and provide longitudinal family practice.
Start your family practice in Richmond today. Visit our physician recruitment website.
Contact recruitment@rdfp.ca for more information.
A version of this article was originally published in Richmond Division of Family Practice Annual Report 2023-24
