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
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.
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.
Opening a clinic in Richmond has become easier thanks to a new partnership between the Richmond Division of Family Practice and the City of Richmond. By simplifying zoning, permits, and licensing, the initiative helps physicians navigate municipal requirements so they can focus on building practices and caring for patients.
How the Partnership to Support Opening a Clinic in Richmond Began
A Richmond Division presentation to City Council last year sparked deeper conversations about the challenges Family Physicians face when opening new clinics. For Katie Ferland, Director of Business Services at the City of Richmond, it revealed an important opportunity.
“We act as the window into local government for businesses,” she says. “It turns out there is a major role for us to play here, too.”
That single presentation evolved into a formal working group that united eight Physicians, senior City staff, and representatives from Doctors of BC’s Practice Support Team. Their goal? Reduce confusion around zoning, permits, and business licensing for Physicians.
“We took a closer look and realized that medical offices are allowed in most commercial zones,” says Ferland. “We focused on education and communication, and created a starter pack of helpful resources.”
This clear, accessible guide now helps Physicians to understand zoning bylaws, licensing steps, and permit requirements. It is bridging a communication gap that had slowed clinic development.
The collaboration has also helped the Richmond Division better align municipal services with the needs of Physicians, who are often small business owners themselves. And while the team jokes that earlier communication felt like talking through cups and string, the new partnership has created a much clearer, two-way channel.
Making the Process Easier for Physicians
In the past year, several Physicians have received direct support from the City’s economic development team, making it easier to navigate the process of starting a clinic. “Doctors, like other entrepreneurs, are experts at what they do,” Ferland says. “Our job is to be that bridge to navigate City systems for them, so they can be successful.”
This partnership has been especially valuable for new-to-practice and internationally trained doctors. It deepened the Division’s understanding of how aligning municipal business services with health care needs can support Physician recruitment and access to patient care.
“Thanks to leadership from City Council, the Committee members, and the Richmond Division, we now think of Family Physicians as entrepreneurs who need the same kind of support,” explains Ferland. “We’ve got this direct line of communication now. If the Division needs us, we’re here.”
Through this collaboration, Family Physicians, including those new to practice and internationally trained, are finding better support for opening a clinic in Richmond. By bridging communication gaps and aligning business services with health care needs, the City and Division are helping physicians succeed while improving access to primary care.
The leaves are changing, and so is Richmond’s medical community – for the better! Join us in welcoming Dr. Ahlam Ezwai, Dr. Ketki Merchant, Dr. Linnette Ocariza and Dr. Amer Zabalawi! Their presence is already making a huge impact, empowering four local family practices to reopen their doors to accept new patients this September 2025. The addition of these four dedicated practitioners is a breath of fresh air for both our clinics and our entire community. If you’re interested in joining this growing network, explore current Richmond family physician jobs and make an impact close to home.
Clinics play a vital role in attracting new talent through hosting and mentoring international medical graduates (IMGs) transitioning their practices to B.C. Participating in Return of Service (ROS) programs offers the opportunity to strengthen your clinic team through securing highly skilled medical professionals while also making a powerful, positive impact on the health of our entire community.
Learn more about these new family doctors
Their journeys highlight the diverse pathways into practice, from international training to Practice Ready Assessment programs. For those exploring Richmond family physician jobs, these success stories demonstrate how supportive clinics, strong networks, and the Richmond Primary Care Network create a rewarding environment for both doctors and patients.
Richmond family physician jobs
Richmond continues to grow as a hub for primary care, with exciting opportunities for physicians and patients alike. Recent recruitment efforts have expanded access to Richmond family physician jobs, bringing skilled doctors into local clinics and reopening doors for new patients. For family physicians seeking a supportive environment and a community-focused practice, Richmond offers rewarding career paths that strengthen both clinical teams and the health of our community.
Looking to get involved and/or learn more about these programs? Contact recruitment@rdfp.ca.
It’s been just one year since Dr. Osa Olayemi launched her family practice in Richmond after looking for family doctor jobs in Canada, but she and her children already feel at home.
Originally from Nigeria, Dr. Olayemi graduated from the University of Benin before moving to Ghana to complete her family physician training. After practicing family medicine in Ghana for more than a decade, she began exploring family doctor jobs in Canada, specifically opportunities available through the Practice Ready Assessment (PRA-BC) program. This pathway allowed her to begin preparing for the required exams while still practicing abroad.
“I felt that Canada would offer a better life for the kids,” she explains. “I wanted them to experience a society where they are free to do what they want, and where the system supports them in every aspect, such as in health care and education.”
Arriving in British Columbia, Dr. Olayemi completed her Clinical Field Assessment in North Vancouver, where she was introduced to long-term and urgent care. “I was happy that Vancouver Coastal Health linked me with the Richmond Division of Family Practice,” she says, noting how the recruitment team quickly connected her with clinics to explore. The Richmond Division of Family Practice (RDFP) is a professional network of almost 300 local family physicians working together to improve healthcare. This network supports family physicians through a free membership that gives access to exclusive events, career and practice assistance, and peer-to-peer support.
Finding the Perfect Fit for Family Practitioners
Her decision to settle in Richmond was guided by her desire to find the right fit: “I wanted a place where I could fit in, that supported my style of practice, and where I could call home. I think that’s what I found at MegaFu.”
Dr. Olayemi also appreciated the settlement resources available through the RDFP member portal, which helped her register her two younger children in school. “RDFP gave me quite a lot of support,” she says. “Not everyone who did the PRA-BC with me were as lucky as I was to have that kind of support.”
Today, in addition to her practice, Dr. Olayemi serves as a long-term care physician at Pinegrove Place, participates in the RDFP’s IT Working Group, and works with the RAP program to expand her patient panel. “I am in Richmond, so I should try to serve this population,” she says.
For her family, the move has been equally rewarding. The kids have made friends, play soccer, and enjoy community life, while Dr. Olayemi spends her free time playing basketball with her son, walking, and planning to join a dance class.
Reflecting on her journey, she notes: “I got selected into Richmond, but I’m glad I came to Richmond. I am happy.”
Why Select Richmond as a Family Doctor?
For physicians considering starting their healthcare career in British Columbia, Richmond offers a welcoming community, strong support, and opportunities to build a fulfilling practice. Whether you are exploring healthcare jobs in Canada, or seeking a rewarding physician career in Richmond, Richmond Division of Family Practice is here to support you every step of the way.
Richmond now participates in two cohorts per year, allowing more IMGs to integrate into our community and provide longitudinal family practice.
