LOG IN to the provincial Divisions of Family Practice website for access to UpToDate, which is provided free-of-charge as a member benefit to Richmond Division members. The provincial website is different from the Richmond Division of Family Practice website.
CAN’T ACCESS UpToDate? To maintain UpToDate access, members will be prompted to log in again to the provincial Divisions of Family Practice website after a 180-day period of inactivity.
RESET YOUR PASSWORD If you need to reset your password for the provincial Divisions of Family Practice website to access your UpToDate account, enter your email address here. Password reset instructions will be sent to your registered email inbox.
ACCESS RxFiles Download this comprehensive guide. Log in or create an account at www.rxfiles.ca. Select Join a Partnership Group and choose RDFP 2025–26 to activate your membership. Activation may take up to 24–36 hours.
CAN’T ACCESS RxFiles? Make sure you log in with your RxFiles username and password (not Apple or Google login). Access is maintained by logging in at least once every 3 months.
MOBILE APP ACCESS Download RxFilesPLUS from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android). Log in with your RxFiles credentials and tap Check for Updates every 3–6 months.
LOG IN to the provincial Divisions of Family Practice website for access to UpToDate, which is provided free-of-charge as a member benefit to Richmond Division members
The Richmond PCN (Primary Care Network) is dedicated to supporting family doctors and their patients through coordinated care, community resources, and personalized support. By connecting physicians with social workers, clinical counsellors, and community link workers, the Richmond PCN helps improve patient outcomes while making it easier for doctors to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care.
From Career Loss to Community Impact
Anthony Yip travelled the world for his management job in IT with the global inter-banking company Swift. That all changed in 2016 when a stroke cost him not only his ability to communicate, but also his whole career.
“I lost everything,” he says, able to speak again now after years of hard work. “I lost my work, lost all of my friends, lost everything.” Despite several attempts through WorkBC, Yip says nobody would hire him.
“I didn’t want to give up, and I didn’t want to do nothing. This is very important.”
Luckily, Yip’s family physician Dr. David Fung referred him to PCN Clinical Counsellor Shirley Lai and PCN Social Worker Athina Lai. Upon assessment, these PCN clinicians looped Community Link Worker Sean Canasa into Yip’s circle of care.
Finding Purpose Through the Richmond PCN and Volunteer Work
“Sean and Athina have helped me a lot. They are always calling me, reminding me to go someplace, helping me in so many ways to learn how to help myself.”
Yip still carries the original list of volunteer roles that Sean had printed for consideration. One of those jobs relied on Yip’s IT experience and seemed a perfect fit. For the past year, he has been visiting Connections Community Services weekly to teach seniors how to use various technology and devices in the Digital Literacy Program for Seniors.
“It is a way that I can still help people,” says Yip.
Yip’s skills and dedication have garnered attention. Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie presented him with the nomination-based U-Roc Award from the City of Richmond as an Asset Champion for Community Support, and he was interviewed by Chris Yuen on Radio AM1470.
Beyond connecting him to this role, Canasa supported Yip with the application process including a criminal record check, and aligned him with exercise programs and educational workshops at the Richmond Stroke Recovery Centre.
“I invite doctors to send more patients to Sean because he is so kind, and because so many people need this kind of support,” says Yip. “Without him, many people wouldn’t know how to find out these things.”
Family physicians interested in improving patient care through coordinated support are invited to learn more about joining Richmond Primary Care Networks.
Access to Richmond PCN physiotherapy is transforming the lives of patients recovering from injuries, chronic pain, or mobility challenges. By connecting family physicians with funded, high-quality physiotherapy services, the Richmond PCN ensures patients receive the care they need to regain independence, improve mobility, and enhance overall well-being—without the financial burden of private treatment.
A Life Changed by Multiple Accidents
It’s a tale nearly impossible to imagine, but Richmond resident Judy Graham’s life had to take a 180-degree turn since suffering not one, but six car accidents since 2017.
“In every accident, my vehicle was at a complete stop,” says the former oil and gas industry project manager who was forced into early retirement due to severe neck and leg pain.
“I travelled a lot for the job, and was on job sites wearing steel-toed boots and hard hats and climbing on rocks, but it became tough,” says Graham. “Because retirement was forced on me, I wasn’t ready for it and was really quite sad, but I knew I had to stop.”
Family Physician Referral to PCN Care: Transformative Results Through Physiotherapy
Graham’s family physician, Dr. Lisa Nakajima, felt physiotherapy could help and referred her to a series of MSP-funded PCN sessions at Garratt Wellness Centre.
“Doctor Nakajima is an absolute Godsend to me, says Graham. “I am so blessed to have her as my doctor. I always try and listen because she is always right.”
Determined to heal, Graham took her physiotherapy program seriously and worked hard to master the weight and balancing exercises outlined for her. “The difference was phenomenal. It did remarkable things for me,” she says.
“Access to this treatment has been life-saving. I couldn’t afford physio otherwise. The program is incredible, and a huge necessity for elderly people.” Judy Graham, Richmond Resident
Graham has exhausted her initial allocation of funded sessions but has re-applied, and hopes to see her favourite therapist again.
“He is the most amazing person ever,” she says, with a tear in her eye about PCN physiotherapist Paulo Macapagal. “He is so kind and compassionate, and really encouraged me. He gave me a whole lot of hope that I will get better. I can’t say enough about him.”
Always excited for the visits, Graham was inspired to demonstrate how hard she was working at home.
“I always looked forward to it, loved seeing him, and left feeling so great and wondering how I got this lucky,” she says, “I miss him terribly and can’t wait to go back, because I know he is going to help with this pain.”
“Having access to this treatment has been life-saving,” she says. “And it being offered at no cost? That’s huge. I couldn’t afford physio otherwise. This program is incredible, and such a necessity for elderly people. I am ever so grateful.”
Encouraging Family Physicians to Refer to the PCN
Since experiencing the benefits first-hand, Graham hopes that all Richmond family physicians adopt referrals to PCN services for their patients and understand what an important impact they are having on real lives like hers.
Richmond PCN physiotherapy offers life-changing care for patients recovering from injuries, chronic pain, or mobility challenges. Funded sessions make these services accessible to those who might not afford physiotherapy otherwise, while skilled PCN therapists provide guidance and support to help patients regain independence and improve their quality of life.
Family physicians and patients in Richmond are encouraged to explore the benefits of PCN services. Refer your patients to the Richmond PCN today or learn more about how these programs can support recovery, mobility, and overall well-being.
Social Prescribing in Richmond connects patients to meaningful community resources that improve their health, well-being, and social connections. Through Richmond’s PCN Community Link program, family doctors can link patients to tailored services, whether it’s volunteer opportunities, fresh food delivery, or support navigating essential systems, helping them thrive
How the Program Transforms Lives
Sometimes, it’s a few new walking buddies, delivery of fresh veggies, a volunteer opportunity, or someone to help with taxes that turns a life around.
Richmond’s PCN Community Link Worker connects your patients to special services throughout our community, and it’s having a profound impact on their ability to thrive. Patients are reporting improved physical and emotional well-being, social connections, and ease of navigating essential systems. This program, sometimes known as social prescribing, has received more than 200 referrals since the program started in October 2022.
In the year they have been working together, Community Link Worker Sean Canasa has formed a strong bond with Anthony Yip. Read Anthony’s story.
“I invite doctors to send more patients to Sean because he is so kind, and because so many people need this kind of support,” says Yip. “Without him, many people wouldn’t know how to find out these things.”
Through the Community Link Worker, the Richmond Division and Richmond Primary Care Networks have had the opportunity to develop strong relationships with key community partners throughout Richmond.
PCN Community Link Highlights from 2023–24:
Beyond providing direct client care, the program has become a respected platform for collaboration, outreach, advocacy, and engagement with other many community organizations throughout Richmond.
100+ client outreach appointments have been completed in the community, many of them with life-changing results.
The program is scheduled to deliver several community workshops about the PCN, accessing care, finding a family doctor, and accessing community exercise programs. Workshops are booked with SUCCESS Richmond, the South Arm Community Centre Seniors Program, and the Richmond Community Respiratory Program.
Richmond’s Social Prescribing program demonstrates how connecting patients to community resources can transform lives. By partnering with the PCN Community Link Worker, family doctors can enhance patient care, improve outcomes, and foster stronger community ties.
The Richmond MOA Network is transforming the professional landscape for Medical Office Assistants in Richmond. With over 170 members across 60 clinics, the Network provides skill-building, professional development, and community connections that enhance both MOA performance and patient care, while supporting family physicians throughout the region.
Richmond MOA Network Surpasses 170 Members in 2023
The Richmond Division of Family Practice’s MOA Network surpassed 170 members in 2023, solidifying its role to elevate the profession for local Medical Office Assistants.
Program Coordinator Ailin Chen, pivotal to Network strategy, event organization, and clinic outreach, has witnessed the growth first-hand. She and her colleagues have hosted 19 events for MOAs since the Network’s inception in 2020, and membership now includes 171 MOAs in 60 Richmond clinics.
“We recognized that a professional association for local MOAs was a critical missing piece,” says Chen. “It’s wonderful to see how the community has embraced the Network, and that it is providing so much value.”
Strengthening Skills, Collaboration, and Community Impact
The MOA Network is critical to enhancing the patient experience by boosting MOA skills, optimizing practices, and enabling quality improvement. These strategies, in turn, increase family physician capacity, which allows them to focus on patient care.
Richmond’s MOA Network team collaborates with other Divisions of Family Practice throughout the province to address industry issues, and updates members via the twice-monthly Richmond MOA Minute newsletter.
“I’m proud of the Richmond MOA Network,” says Executive Director Jennifer West. “This group is rapidly gaining a reputation in the province as a model for other communities.”
Events and collaborations with health care organizations such as LifeLabs, Brooke Radiology, and ImmunizeBC highlight the Network’s commitment to connect MOAs with essential services. Chen says the Network will continue to focus on skill building, partnerships, and raising awareness about the value of MOAs.
“We are developing strategies to have a broader impact on the community and to strengthen the industry’s reputation overall,” she says.
Coppersmith Medical Clinic Manager Jessy Flores appreciates how the MOA Network provides opportunities to engage with fellow MOAs, health care professionals, and support groups.
“These connections have exposed me to diverse perspectives and innovative ideas about issues that are prevalent in our field,” says Flores. She adds that the Network facilitates the group to identify solutions for common challenges in Richmond clinics.
Part of the Network’s success is because Chen and her colleagues try to make participation fun.
“There have been so many wonderful moments since I became part of the MOA Network, but the recent Holiday Social stands out as the most memorable,” says Flores. “This event offered an enjoyable atmosphere for MOAs and the RDFP team. We got to engage in social interaction through games and activities, delicious food, and a warm cup of hot chocolate.”
Since its inception in 2020, the Richmond MOA Network has hosted 19 events, fostered collaboration with healthcare partners, and provided resources through local and provincial organizations. By strengthening MOA skills, promoting camaraderie, and offering professional support, the Network improves clinic efficiency, boosts physician capacity, and contributes to better patient experiences in Richmond.
Discover the benefits of the Richmond MOA Network ,whether you are a current member, a Medical Office Assistant looking to join, a healthcare professional seeking collaboration, or a family physician interested in supporting your team.
The Richmond Health Connect Registry helps unattached residents connect with family physicians and nurse practitioners, improving access to primary care and supporting better health outcomes. By streamlining patient-provider connections, the Registry reduces strain on emergency departments and walk-in clinics while ensuring Richmond residents receive timely, coordinated care.
Expanding Access to Primary Care in Richmond
With new Family Physicians and Nurse Practitioners ready to accept patients, the Province has expanded the Health Connect Registry to all communities throughout B.C.
“As one of the first communities in B.C. who adopted the Health Connect Registry in 2021, the Richmond Primary Care Network was able to expand access to care for Richmond residents,” explains Jorge Hernández, Program Lead with the Richmond Division of Family Practice and Richmond Primary Care Networks. “Its adoption also meant an important step in reducing the strain on emergency departments and walk-in clinics, improving health outcomes for individuals, and supporting a meaningful and positive health experience for patients and providers.”
The recent expansion of the Health Connect Registry allows more unattached residents to register in Richmond.
Connecting Patients with Family Physicians and Nurse Practitioners
“Our Attachment team is working to decrease the attachment gap in Richmond by using accurate and accessible information from the Health Connect Registry,” explains Hernández.
Patients can be connected to a primary care provider based on health needs, the provider’s ability to take on those needs, and the region.
“The Health Connect Registry is a crucial action that delivers on our government’s commitment to strengthen health care, and it will help us provide better, easier access to primary care for generations to come,” says B.C. Minister of Health Adrian Dix.
“Between the new doctors who signed up with our new-to-practice incentive program, doctors who are joining the new payment model, new Nurse Practitioners and the many more to come, we are ensuring people throughout the province can connect with those primary care providers and others as medical professionals enter family practice and build their patient panel,” he adds.
The Health Connect Registry is the patient-facing side of the Province’s action plan to strengthen primary care and to better connect people to primary care providers. That plan includes:
a new Family Physician compensation model to attract and retain Family Physicians, which has nearly 3,300 signups.
a new-to-practice incentive program that has 156 new family doctors registered.
a new provincial roster for individual Family Physicians and Nurse Practitioners to manage their patient panel information, and to identify when they can accept new patients.
a new clinic and provider registry for medical directors and staff to provide information about their clinics so that the government can better support practitioner needs.
working directly with Doctors of BC and Nurses and Nurse Practitioners of BC to support Family Physicians and Nurse Practitioners with new registries.
adding more coordinators who will help connect Family Physicians and Nurse Practitioners to patients locally.
more incentives for clinics, Family Physicians and Nurse Practitioners.
a broader health human resources strategy to recruit and retain more health professionals to ensure British Columbians get the health services they need and are cared for by a healthy workforce.
providing more support for new team-based primary care in family practice clinics, urgent and primary-care centres, community health centres, nurse practitioner clinics and First Nations primary-care clinics.
Through the registry, B.C. will have a comprehensive list of who is looking for a primary care provider and who already has one, as well as which providers and clinics can accept new patients. Starting Nov. 30, 2023, and continuing quarterly, the Province will report on progress to add more Family Physicians and Nurse Practitioners, and on connecting more patients from the registry to a primary care provider.
Since its adoption in 2021, the Richmond Health Connect Registry has expanded access to primary care, supported new providers entering family practice, and enhanced patient attachment across the community. Through incentives, registries, and coordinated efforts, the program enables residents to find a primary care provider based on their health needs and helps clinics manage patient panels more effectively.
Whether you are a patient looking for a family physician or nurse practitioner, a healthcare professional seeking to join Richmond’s primary care team, or a clinic administrator, explore the Richmond Health Connect Registry today to discover how it can support your connection to primary care in Richmond.
