Family Practice Clinics in the Cowichan Valley
Mentorship is a vital part of a physician’s journey, offering guidance, support and shared wisdom through lived experience. In the Cowichan Valley, doctors find strength in community—learning from one another, fostering professional growth, and creating connections.
CVDFP offers a unique mentorship program, run in conjunction with UBC CAMP (Coaching and Mentoring Program), in the areas of inpatient care and long-term care, for physicians willing to commit to at least a year of facility-based work. Stipends are paid to both mentor and mentee physician participants. For CVDFP Mentorship Program Information, please contact the CVDFP team.
More general mentorship options are also available directly through UBC CAMP with no inpatient care and long-term care expectations
Physician Health and Peer Support
The Physician Health Program is a responsive, high-quality care provider and community services navigator for physicians, trainees, retired physicians, residents, medical students, and their families.
PHP offers 24-hour intake, and a crisis support line, along with short-term counselling, system navigation, community referrals, and peer support from in-house Program Physicians. Physicians can speak with a registered clinical counsellor for immediate support, arrange ongoing counselling sessions, and schedule a 1:1 connection with a PHP Program Physician, who will provide confidential advocacy, support, and referrals to appropriate services.
As of fall 2025, CVDFP was developing a local peer support network comprised of a team of physician peer supporters, trained under PHP. The program is expected to be officially launched in early 2026.
Switch BC
SWITCH BC is a new organization focused on the health, safety, and wellbeing of everyone working in
healthcare in BC, and is a unique collaboration of unions, physicians, and employers. SWITCH is working
to support province-wide innovation, prevention and training, and enhancing the culture of safety.
CMPA
The Canadian Medical Protection Association (CMPA) fosters and champions physician well-being through various programs and initiatives. Our aims include assisting members to mitigate medico-legal risk, supporting the delivery of safe medical care, and promoting principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Support for New-to-Practice Physicians
Education and networking to help you thrive in your practice:
Personal Learning Plans
Start your journey with a plan made just for you.
IMGs and physicians new to rural practice can work with a physician advisor and concierge to create a personalized learning plan. The program is flexible, confidential, non-reporting, and designed to fit your schedule.
To get started, email: cpd.learningplans@ubc.ca.
Coaching and Mentoring Program
Grow your skills with the support of experienced peers.
CAMP fosters peer connections in rural practitioner networks to improve your practice, increase your confidence, and connect you to rural colleagues. Support is available virtually, in your community, or at larger centres.
Reach out to learn more: camp.rcpd@ubc.ca.
IMG Peer Support Network
Connect with peers as you settle into practice in British Columbia.
The IMG Peer Support Network connects IMG physicians with peers who understand the transition. You’ll take part in coaching, mentoring, and group sessions focused on helping you integrate into the BC medical system.
Intakes run in September and February.
To join: bc.pip@ubc.ca.
Unsure where to start?
Personal Learning Plans will help make sense of all the supports and learning opportunities available to you!