Kelowna is a WONDERFUL place to live and practice. There are multiple opportunities for family physicians in both family practice and other areas. I am involved in a walk-in/family practice clinic where we have 5 doctors. Usually, we have one doctor seeing walk-in patients and another one doing appointments. The benefit of this arrangement is that as a group we can cover for each other if we wish to have time off and we have good team camaraderie.

Do the Family Physicians do much in the way of Obstetrics?

As of now we don’t do obstetrics, but it may be possible given the proximity of other groups that do. GP's refer patients to them for obstetrical care and postpartum care up until 6 weeks. Those doctors have a call group and alternate call.

Are there many locum opportunities?

There are never enough locums available to meet the demand in Kelowna. A physician could do locums full time.

Do family physicians do surgical assists at the hospital?

As for surgical assists, I do them on an on call basis but it is not that easy to get known by the surgeons so that they call you. I managed to get involved when they had a GP call schedule but that no longer exists.

What are the rewards and challenges of practicing in Kelowna?

Kelowna is a fast growing community with lots of attractions. I have 3 children who have all grown up here. Kelowna is a great place to raise a family. (My husband and I are originally from Vancouver.) Big White is a nearby ski hill that keeps us happy during the winter and the summers are beautiful.

As for the profile of patients at Medi-Kel Clinic we are a family oriented clinic so we see a full range of people. Some physicians see more elderly patients. Other physicians like to take on families as a whole.

How does a new physician develop their own family practice at Medi-Kel Clinic?

Physicians can develop their own practice in association with Medi-Kel clinic. When a new physician starts at the clinic, they will be scheduled to do shifts as a walk in doctor. This enables them to get familiar with the patient base at the clinic without the pressure of taking on a full practice load right away. If they are opening a family practice, they can let the staff know they are taking on new patients. Then they will be provided shifts for booked appointments. This way the physician can transition into a new practice in a measured way.

With regards to hospital coverage, the physicians who have admitting privileges are part of a Medi-Kel call group that shares responsibility for hospital patients on a rotating basis. This enables physicians to plan family activities knowing that their patients will be looked after while they are away.

What can I expect to earn on a monthly basis working at Medi-Kel Clinic?

Medi-Kel clinic has a competitive revenue sharing arrangement with its associate physicians. Physician earnings are based upon the number of shifts worked every month. Our schedule can accommodate a full time physician work load of 18 to 20 shifts per month. On average a Medi-Kel physician will see an average 35 or more patients per shift if they are seeing walk in patients. Week day shifts may be less especially if they are for booked appointments only. Weekend shifts are more. Full time physicians are expected to be available at least two nights a week for the schedule and Part time physicians to be available at least one night a week.

How are physicians paid at your clinic?

We have a revenue apportionment schedule for services rendered to patients at Medi-Kel clinic. We will make that available to you when you come and visit us. For physicians working a regular schedule we pay on billings submitted and we provide an advance at the end of the month depending on the number of patients seen that month.

What about time off?

Medi-Kel is committed to providing a flexible work schedule for its family doctors. In the three years since the clinic opened we have always been able to accommodate physician requests for time off.

How many physician positions do you have available at your clinic?

Presently, we are looking for two full time physicians as well as two part time physicians.

What are working conditions like at Medi-Kel Clinic?

Medi-Kel clinic believes in the importance of strong team dynamic that includes both physicians and staff. We have set of governing commitments and patient care values that guide how we practice medicine and manage our clinic. The governing commitments ensure a positive work environment for physicians and staff and a friendly welcome for patients.

Everyone who works at the clinic is considered part of the Medi-Kel clinic family. We hold gatherings of clinic personnel and their families on a regular basis. We do our best accommodate our physicians when they are experiencing family stress or emergencies.

Most of all, we love to have fun together, both at work and after hours.

How could I find out more about practicing medicine with Medi-Kel?

We would love for you to come and visit our clinic and perhaps do a locum. If you would like to contact one of our physicians or a locum physician who has worked at Medi-Kel clinic as a reference please contact our Office Manager who can put you in touch with them.

What do I need to do to so I can practice medicine in British Columbia?

Please contact the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia for the licensing requirements for physicians in BC.

I hope that answers a few of your questions. Do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of further assistance.

Dr. R. Sue McLoughlin,
Owner Physician, Medi-Kel Clinic.

(250) 862-4991