“You are going to be leaders. This is a time of change, and we need you to embrace that.”
– The Honourable Adrian Dix, Minister of Health
Tuesday July 9, 2024 marked the first large-scale, in-person orientation since 2019, with the majority of residents joining virtually from across BC. The Family Practice Postgraduate Program was proud to welcome 204 residents – the largest intake of family practice residents in the history of CaRMS and the largest cohort in the country. This year also marks the first year of Dr. Josh Greggain’s leadership as the program director.
We were honoured to have a blessing by Dr. and Elder Roberta Price, words of wisdom from R2s, a discussion panel of esteemed physicians and a welcome address from the Honourable Adrian Dix.
Living in a time of change
In an auditorium buzzing with anticipation, Minister Dix offered residents words of wisdom and messages of hope. During his welcome address, Minister Dix noted that, “after years of changes, family practice primary care is at the centre [of public health]. The community has said this is vitally important, and we are going to see changes happen.” He reinforced his commitment to family practice, longitudinal care and team-based care.
We hope you go far in family medicine
In a time of radical change, this year’s new residents are well prepared and supported in achieving their goals. Dr. Greggain noted, “It’s about your experience, and where you want to take this. We hope you will go far in family medicine.”
As the most distributed program in the country, UBC Family Practice residents will spend the next two years in every corner of the province, from Victoria to Vanderhoof. With the support of dedicated preceptors, residents are equipped to face challenges and be on the cutting edge of change. They will gain the experience and exposure to learn and grow as people, and learn and grow as physicians.
By the numbers
The right profession, the right place
During her speech, second-year resident Dr. Anisha Bains implored the incoming cohort to, “keep an open mind. You’ll never really know what you like until you experience it.” Over the course of the next several years, the program will give residents the most possible experience, exposure, clinical skills, curricular opportunities and ultimately, courage to be a family physician.
Program Assistant Director Dr. Tina Webber offered some inspiration, noting, “It is a calling, it is an honour, it is a privilege to be a physician. You have picked the right profession and the right place to do it in.”
In closing, Minister Dix stated:
“Public healthcare’s time is now. [It’s] more important, perhaps, than anything else in the public domain. Keep each other healthy, and keep each other together. Thank you for picking up your task. The system will change, because you are going to change it. Enjoy this time… On behalf of the whole province, thank you for what you have taken on.”
Over the next two years, the Department of Family Practice hopes to offer this year’s residents the support, knowledge and understanding of what it takes to be a world-class family physician. Welcome.