Building a Strong Mind: Richmond PCN Funded Mental Health Counselling was Ex-bodybuilder’s Power Move
With the support of her family doctor and the Richmond PCN, Wendy Kwok was able to access counselling services that helped her navigate a difficult period in her life. The Richmond Primary Care Network connects patients with a wide range of supports, ensuring care is accessible, personalized, and responsive to community needs.
Support from a Family Doctor and the Richmond Primary Care Network (PCN)
When Wendy Kwok returned to Richmond following a divorce, she found herself facing emotional challenges that affected her health and daily life. A former professional bodybuilder, she had always valued fitness and discipline, but this period brought new difficulties, including low mood, disrupted sleep, and changes to her usual routines.
Recognizing the need for additional care, Wendy’s family doctor referred her to the Richmond Primary Care Network (PCN), where she was able to access MSP-funded counselling sessions. “That has been really helpful,” she explains, noting that private counselling would have been difficult to afford.
Mental Health Support in the Language Your are Comfortable In
Working with her counsellor, Wendy gradually found ways to restore balance and confidence. She learned the importance of setting boundaries and giving herself permission to prioritize her own wellbeing. With support in place, she has returned to some of her routines, including exercise and healthy eating, and is exploring new opportunities for the future.
Wendy hopes her story encourages others to consider reaching out for help when they need it. “I used to think nobody could help me, but that’s not true,” she says. “Even if your English isn’t perfect, the PCN has language options. The counselling has been very supportive.”
Wendy’s journey highlights how the Richmond PCN works hand in hand with family doctors to provide patients with essential mental health and wellness services. By making resources like counselling available, the PCN ensures that individuals and families in Richmond can access the care they need, when they need it.
The Richmond Primary Care Network (PCN) offers patients access to a range of supports, including counselling and wellness services, made possible through collaboration with local family physicians. These resources ensure that care is not only accessible, but also responsive to the needs of individuals and families in Richmond.
If you are interested in learning more about services available through the Richmond PCN, speak with your family physician. They can help connect you to the supports that best fit your needs.
A version of this article was originally published in Richmond Division of Family Practice Annual Impact Report 2025-25
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Practice Ready Assessment: An International Medical Graduate’s Journey to Practice in Richmond
Practice Ready Assessment–BC program: An International Medical Graduate’s (IMG’s) Journey to Practice in Richmond
The Practice Ready Assessment BC (PRA-BC) program has become a vital pathway for internationally trained physicians seeking to practice in British Columbia. For Dr. Ketki Merchant, this program was more than a licensing process—it was a bridge that connected her years of medical experience in India and the U.S. to meaningful patient care in Richmond, BC. Her story illustrates how PRA-BC empowers physicians to contribute their expertise to local communities while enriching the province’s health-care system.
Bridging Borders for International Physicians: Dr. Ketki Merchant’s Practice Ready Assessment–BC Program Journey
RDFP is excited to spotlight Dr. Ketki Merchant’s journey—from starting her family practice in Mumbai in 2007 to completing her 3-year Return of Service in Richmond, BC—showcasing the dedication it takes to transition an international medical career to Canada.
From Mumbai to Richmond: Dr. Ketki Merchant’s Inspiring Path to Practice
“I am originally from India, where I began my journey in medicine. My academic path later took me to the United States, where I earned a Master’s degree in Microbiology and Immunology from New York Medical College. After immigrating to Canada, transitioning into medical practice in Canada came with its own set of challenges—particularly in navigating the licensing process as an internationally trained medical graduate.
The Practice Ready Assessment – British Columbia (PRA-BC) program played a major role in bridging that gap. The program not only provided a clear pathway toward licensure but also offered me the opportunity to demonstrate my clinical skills, integrate into the Canadian healthcare system, and build confidence in a supervised environment.
Through PRA-BC, I was matched to a clinic in Richmond, at Live Well Medical Centre. The mentorship, guidance, and feedback I received during the entire process of licensing were invaluable.
Thanks to PRA-BC, I am now a licensed physician in Canada. I’m deeply grateful to the program for opening this door and helping me contribute meaningfully to patient care in British Columbia. I am thankful to Richmond Division of Family Practice for guiding me through the various steps to integrate into the community.”
– Dr. Ketki Merchant
Live Well Medical Clinic – Ackroyd
Practice Ready Assessment–BC Program: Healthcare Jobs in Richmond
Dr. Ketki Merchant’s story reflects the dedication and resilience of internationally trained physicians navigating Canada’s licensing pathway. Through the Practice Ready Assessment BC (PRA-BC) program, she successfully transitioned her medical career from Mumbai to Richmond, BC—bridging her international experience with local practice. Her journey highlights the vital role of PRA-BC in helping physicians contribute meaningfully to primary care across British Columbia. Look for healthcare jobs in Richmond today.
