RDFP Events Make Local Medical Community Feel Like Home
Richmond Division of Family Practice (RDFP) events create a sense of belonging for local physicians while offering valuable professional development opportunities. From Clinical Pearl sessions to networking dinners, these gatherings strengthen connections across Richmond’s medical community and help doctors feel at home in their practice.
Building Community Through RDFP Events
After relocating her practice from Vancouver to Richmond in 2023, Dr. Tanya Fairweather quickly discovered that Richmond Division events offered more than just professional development.
“The Richmond Division is working hard to build a really nice medical community here,” she says.
A Family Physician specializing in mental health and addiction, Dr. Fairweather serves as a medical advisor for WorkSafeBC, provides care at Richmond Hospital and the Ann Vogel Clinic, and delivers mental health education province-wide.
Her connection to the Division began as a guest speaker, but the culture drew her in. “It became clear to me, over several years of providing education sessions here, that the Richmond Division is really unique,” she says. “Everyone seems very connected. It feels more like a small town within a big city.”
Professional Growth and Personal Connections for Physicians
She appreciates the thoughtful format of Clinical Pearls (a regular RDFP Event): “We get short snippets of teaching, time to ask questions, a nice dinner with colleagues, and useful resources.”
“I also like that our education sessions are helping us get to know specialists in the extended medical community,” she notes.
That sense of connection has been personal, too. “I realized quite a few of my med school classmates are also here. It’s been so nice to reconnect.”
Now a member of the Pathways Committee, Dr. Fairweather recognizes the level of the Division’s responsiveness. “They’re constantly taking the pulse of the membership. You suggest something, and the next thing you know, it’s in the works.”
Dr. Fairweather encourages other Richmond Physicians to get involved. “It will help you in your work,” she says. “The Division has so many resources, and the team is passionate
and enthusiastic. It’s a tight-knit community with one hospital and connected clinics.”
RDFP members can visit the Events section in their Member Portal to register for upcoming events.
For physicians like Dr. Tanya Fairweather, Richmond Division events provide more than education—they foster collaboration, reconnection, and support within a growing medical community. By blending learning with relationship-building, the Division continues to create a welcoming environment that benefits both physicians and patients.
Discover the value of Richmond Division events, whether you’re a current member, a physician new to Richmond, or a medical professional interested in joining the community. Get involved and experience the benefits of connection, education, and support.
A version of this article was originally published in Richmond Division of Family Practice Annual Impact Report 2025-25
Richmond Division Launches its First TechFair
On September 20, 2025, the Richmond Division of Family Practice (RDFP) proudly hosted its first-ever TechFair, a half-day event dedicated to showcasing the latest tools and innovations in healthcare. Held at the Vancouver Airport Marriott Hotel, the even was designed specifically for Richmond Family Doctors and offered an up-close look at emerging technologies from AI-powered practice supports to the latest electronic medical record (EMR) integrations and virtual care tools.
The event drew significant interest from across the community, with 110 attendees, 21 exhibitors, and 3 presenters, all brought together by a shared goal: to discover how technology can enhance patient care, streamline clinic operations, and prepare family physicians for the future of healthcare. We also saw 7 community champions step up and volunteer their time and expertise to help guide their peers on tools that they use. If you are interested in being more active with the division, learn how here.
Connecting Richmond Family Doctors With Technology
Held in the heart of Richmond, the TechFair was more than just a showcase it was a hands-on opportunity for family physicians to see the latest healthcare innovations in action. Exhibitors featured solutions that directly impact clinic workflows, ranging from advanced EMR systems to digital tools that improve communication and efficiency.
One of the major highlights was the emphasis on artificial intelligence. From AI-driven administrative supports to clinical decision aids, attendees had the chance to learn how new technologies can reduce administrative burdens and empower doctors to spend more time with their patients. Presenters also explored provincial clinic practice supports, highlighting the resources available to clinics seeking to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing healthcare landscape.
Building a Stronger Healthcare Community Through Innovation
Healthcare is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and the Richmond TechFair provided an important forum for doctors to stay ahead of the curve. By bringing together family physicians, vendors, and thought leaders, the fair fostered collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
Attendees left with more than just product demos, they gained a deeper understanding of how innovation is shaping the future of family medicine. From streamlining workflows to improving patient engagement, the technologies on display underscored the importance of adaptation and forward thinking in today’s healthcare environment.
Events like these play a crucial role in strengthening the medical community. They allow doctors to connect with peers, learn about cutting-edge tools, and explore ways to integrate technology meaningfully into their daily practice. For Richmond Family Doctors, the TechFair was both a showcase of possibility and a springboard for action.
Looking Ahead to Tech-Empowered Family Practice
The Richmond TechFair demonstrated how technology, particularly AI and digital healthcare tools, can transform family practice. With the strong turnout and active engagement from physicians and exhibitors alike, it’s clear there is a growing appetite for innovation in Richmond’s healthcare community.
As medicine continues to advance, family physicians will play a vital role in shaping how these innovations are adopted and applied. The RDFP looks forward to building on this momentum, continuing to support Richmond Family Doctors with the knowledge, tools, and networks they need to deliver the best care possible in an evolving healthcare system.
