Practice Ready Assessment BC (PRA-BC) Program: Positive Recruitment Experience Spurs New Advocate

by asupangco | Nov 27, 2025 | News

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 wasn’t sure it was the right fit for her clinic.  “I was hesitant at first,” she admits. “I 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.”

But with her clinic actively seeking new doctors, the Richmond Division of Family Practice stepped in to help. “The recruitment team thought a PRA-BC Physician could be a good fit for my needs,” says Dr. Dodd. “They helped with the application, provided candidate lists, arranged interviews, and facilitated the match. They were ready for me.”

Now a strong advocate for PRA-BC, Dr. Dodd is also serving as a Clinical Field Assessor for the program. She’s currently evaluating a Physician who arrived in Canada with 18 years of practice. “Within the first week, I knew this Physician was very experienced and knew what he was doing,” she says. “Patients are even asking where this Physician will be practicing. They are enjoying his care, and there is such a great need.”

The PRA-BC program is rigorous—candidates must have run their own family practice abroad for at least two years. “So much of our expertise comes from experience,” Dr. Dodd explains. “These Physicians exude confidence, both with patients and with the assessors.”

The candidate who matched to Dr. Dodd’s 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. “It’s a tried and tested method,” she says. “My experience has been extremely positive, well supported, and the program consistently selects Physicians who are highly competent and experienced.”

Programs like PRA-BC—paired with strong operational support from the Richmond Division—are 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 Dodd’s clinic successfully integrated a PRA-BC physician, praising the program’s 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 Division’s 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.

A version of this article was originally published in Richmond Division of Family Practice Annual Impact Report 2025-25

Practice Ready Assessment: An International Medical Graduate’s Journey to Practice in Richmond

by asupangco | Oct 28, 2025 | News

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.