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The Practice Ready Assessment BC (PRA-BC) program helps Richmond clinics recruit experienced internationally trained physicians to meet patient care needs. With the support of the Richmond Division of Family Practice, clinics can navigate the rigorous application process and match with highly competent doctors who bring global expertise to local care.
Positive Recruitment Experience with PRA-BC in Richmond
When Dr. Sharon Dodd first heard about the Practice Ready Assessment-BC (PRA-BC) program, she wasnβt sure it was the right fit for her clinic.Β βI was hesitant at first,β she admits. βI wanted to make sure an internationally trained Physician would provide a high standard of care to patients in our province, without having gone through a Canadian residency program.β
But with her clinic actively seeking new doctors, the Richmond Division of Family Practice stepped in to help. βThe recruitment team thought a PRA-BC Physician could be a good fit for my needs,β says Dr. Dodd. βThey helped with the application, provided candidate lists, arranged interviews, and facilitated the match. They were ready for me.β
Now a strong advocate for PRA-BC, Dr. Dodd is also serving as a Clinical Field Assessor for the program. Sheβs currently evaluating a Physician who arrived in Canada with 18 years of practice. βWithin the first week, I knew this Physician was very experienced and knew what he was doing,β she says. βPatients are even asking where this Physician will be practicing. They are enjoying his care, and there is such a great need.β
The PRA-BC program is rigorousβcandidates must have run their own family practice abroad for at least two years. βSo much of our expertise comes from experience,β Dr. Dodd explains. βThese Physicians exude confidence, both with patients and with the assessors.β
The candidate who matched to Dr. Doddβs clinic is currently completing her clinical field assessment elsewhere, and is expected to join the team in September. Dr. Dodd has already expressed interest in PRA-BC recruitment again. βItβs a tried and tested method,β she says. βMy experience has been extremely positive, well supported, and the program consistently selects Physicians who are highly competent and experienced.β
Programs like PRA-BCβpaired with strong operational support from the Richmond Divisionβare key to nurturing effective recruitment pathways, addressing community needs, and ensuring high-quality care for patients today and for years to come.
Supporting Clinics and Patients Through Experienced International Physicians
Dr. Sharon Doddβs clinic successfully integrated a PRA-BC physician, praising the programβs thorough candidate vetting, operational support, and emphasis on high-quality care. Programs like PRA-BC ensure clinics can address community needs while providing patients with confident, experienced physicians. Richmond Divisionβs recruitment support streamlines the process, making international physician integration seamless and effective.
Explore recruitment options for your Richmond clinic through the Practice Ready Assessment BC (PRA-BC) program or UBC return of service programs. Email recruitment@rdfp.ca to learn how your clinic can access highly skilled, internationally trained physicians.
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, Wendyβs family doctor referred her to the Richmond Primary Care Network (PCN), where she was able to access MSP-funded counselling sessions. βThat has been really helpful,β 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. βI used to think nobody could help me, but thatβs not true,β she says. βEven if your English isnβt perfect, the PCN has language options. The counselling has been very supportive.β
Wendyβs 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.
Practice Ready AssessmentβBC program: An International Medical Graduateβs (IMGβs) 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 processβit 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 provinceβs health-care system.
Bridging Borders for International Physicians: Dr. Ketki Merchantβs Practice Ready AssessmentβBC Program Journey
RDFP is excited to spotlight Dr. Ketki Merchantβs journeyβfrom starting her family practice in Mumbai in 2007 to completing her 3-year Return of Service in Richmond, BCβshowcasing the dedication it takes to transition an international medical career to Canada.
From Mumbai to Richmond: Dr. Ketki Merchantβs Inspiring Path to Practice
βI 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 Masterβs 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 challengesβparticularly in navigating the licensing process as an internationally trained medical graduate.
The Practice Ready Assessment β 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. Iβm 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.β
– Dr. Ketki Merchant
Live Well Medical Clinic – Ackroyd
Practice Ready AssessmentβBC Program: Healthcare Jobs in Richmond
Dr. Ketki Merchantβs story reflects the dedication and resilience of internationally trained physicians navigating Canadaβs licensing pathway. Through the Practice Ready Assessment BC (PRA-BC) program, she successfully transitioned her medical career from Mumbai to Richmond, BCβbridging 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.
