ACCESS RxFiles Download this comprehensive guide. Log in or create an account at www.rxfiles.ca. Select Join a Partnership Group and choose RDFP 2025β26 to activate your membership. Activation may take up to 24β36 hours.
CANβT 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 3β6 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
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.
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 Richmondβs 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.
βThe Richmond Division is working hard to build a really nice medical community here,β 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. βIt became clear to me, over several years of providing education sessions here, that the Richmond Division is really unique,β she says. βEveryone seems very connected. It feels more like a small town within a big city.β
Professional Growth and Personal Connections for Physicians
She appreciates the thoughtful format of Clinical Pearls (a regular RDFP Event): βWe get short snippets of teaching, time to ask questions, a nice dinner with colleagues, and useful resources.β
βI also like that our education sessions are helping us get to know specialists in the extended medical community,β she notes.
That sense of connection has been personal, too. βI realized quite a few of my med school classmates are also here. Itβs been so nice to reconnect.β
Now a member of the Pathways Committee, Dr. Fairweather recognizes the level of the Divisionβs responsiveness. βTheyβre constantly taking the pulse of the membership. You suggest something, and the next thing you know, itβs in the works.β
Dr. Fairweather encourages other Richmond Physicians to get involved. βIt will help you in your work,β she says. βThe Division has so many resources, and the team is passionate
and enthusiastic. Itβs a tight-knit community with one hospital and connected clinics.β
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 educationβthey 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 youβre 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 todayβs 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, itβs clear there is a growing appetite for innovation in Richmondβs 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.
The leaves are changing, and so is Richmondβs medical community β 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 youβre 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 professionalsΒ 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? ContactΒ recruitment@rdfp.ca.
