The UBC Department of Family Practice is saddened by the passing of Dr. Marko Yurkovich, a beloved clinical instructor, and alumnus of our Postgraduate Residency Program, on October 4th, 2025.
Dr. Yurkovich pursued his medical training at the University of British Columbia. He completed the Family Practice Postgraduate Residency Program at the Vancouver-Fraser Site from 2014 to 2016, where he returned as a clinical instructor in 2018.
Dr. Yurkovich founded Genetica Medical & Wellness Centre, where he welcomed and mentored countless UBC medical students and residents. As a true leader in primary care, he was instrumental in advancing initiatives that deepened continuity of care and strengthened team-based practice across the community. He was a beloved teacher, mentor, colleague, and friend, whose unwavering passion for patient-centred care shone through every interaction. His team continues to honour his legacy through their dedication to teaching, compassion, and service to the Downtown West End community he so passionately served.
Dr. Yurkovich was diagnosed with Stage IV colorectal cancer in 2022, at the age of 36. He was a tireless advocate for early onset colorectal cancer patients, and worked closely with Colorectal Cancer Canada’s Screen 45 campaign, which advocates for lowering the colorectal cancer screening age to 45 across Canada.
“We, at the Vancouver Fraser Family Practice Site, remember and honour our former resident and colleague, Marko, following his courageous battle with cancer,” says Raquel Feswick, Site Coordinator, on behalf of the Vancouver-Fraser Site. “His commitment to teaching and his advocacy in the community made a meaningful impact. Marko was a valued member of our community and we will miss him dearly. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”
The Marko Yurkovich Colorectal Cancer Foundation was established to commemorate Dr. Yurkovich’s mission to raise awareness, drive research, and advocate for early onset colorectal cancer. He will be missed.
“Marko was a passionate physician with a beautiful character and qualities of a superb physician clinic owner. I admired everything he achieved from the time he finished residency and am truly saddened by his loss. My deepest condolences to his family, what an unimaginable loss.”
Dr. Ruchika Shukla, Clinical Assistant Professor
“My deepest condolences. Dr Yurkovich completed his family practice residency training in our teaching clinic. I remember him well and hold him in high esteem. So very sorry to hear of his passing.”
Kathie McAran, Senior Clinical Office Assistant UBC Health Clinic
“I am overwhelmed with sadness at the loss of Marko, who was my friend, former resident and one of our community preceptors. Marko was such a lovely human. We shared many laughs and stories over the years and I will forever be inspired by his positive outlook and keen interest in helping others, even while battling cancer. He will be greatly missed.”
Raquel Feswick, Vancouver-Fraser Site Coordinator
“He had an incandescent and magnetic energy about him from the moment he came into my life. We shared many great laughs and stories together through residency and beyond. He was a colleague and friend that you could depend on. For myself and I am sure others, he was an inspiration. I will miss him dearly. My deepest condolences to his family for their loss.”
Tom Tang, Clinical Assistant Professor
“Dr. Marko Yurkovich was the best doctor I ever had. We are both from Croatia and we spoke our language. He was the most wonderful human being and a fantastic person. I will miss him terribly. My condolences to his family. Marko I love you, please rest in peace, you will never be forgotten. God bless you!”
Stephanie Horvath