WELCOME TO SURREY NORTH DELTA
Your Journey Begins Here!
Welcome to Surrey–North Delta (SND), one of the most diverse, dynamic, and rapidly growing regions in British Columbia. Whether you are arriving from within Canada or abroad, beginning your practice in a new community is a major life step. Our goal is to make that transition easier, clearer, and more supported.
The Surrey–North Delta Division of Family Practice is a physician-led, member-based organization representing family physicians, locums, and new-to-practice doctors in the region. We work closely with Primary Care Networks (PCNs), Fraser Health Authority, provincial partners, and community organizations to ensure your success, professionally, personally, and socially.
You are not just joining a healthcare system, you are joining a community that values your expertise and wants you to thrive.
This guide walks you through each step of your journey:
1. Understanding the BC Health System
2. Surrey North Delta - Life & Connection
3. Meet your Division
4. Navigating Licensing
5. Finding your Ideal Clinic
6. Choosing a Compensation Model
7. Building your Patient Panel
8. Settling into life in Surrey–North Delta
9. Resources, Resources, Resources!
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A Sense Of Place |
Discover your New Home
Surrey–North Delta is a welcoming, multicultural region offering everything from lively urban centers to family-friendly suburban neighborhoods. It is an excellent place to build a life and a medical practice.
Why Choose Surrey-North Delta?
Surrey–North Delta is one of the fastest-growing regions in Canada and home to families from every corner of the world. As a newcomer, you’ll feel immediately welcomed into a vibrant, multicultural community that values its physicians.
A Place to Live & Lead
Picture a physician arriving from abroad or from another province. They have excellent medical training, a desire to help. and hopes of building a new life in Canada. What they need is not only a license or job, but a place where they can belong, grow and feel supported. SND DOFP answers that need. It offers a mosaic of neighborhood's, some quiet and residential, some bustling with markets and community centers. Parks, beaches are close, schools are strong, transit connects to Vancouver, and local festivals celebrate the many cultures living here. The result is a region where doctors can build practices and also build lives, with families ,friends and community activities nearby.
Location and Amenities
| Schools & ChildcareIn Surrey-North Delta Surrey is served by Surrey School District 36 , while Delta is served by The Delta School district 37. Surrey is the largest public school district in B.C., with more than 130 elementary and secondary schools, while Delta has 31 elementary and secondary schools. The two districts offer a variety of programs to meet the needs and interests of all students, including French Immersion, International Baccalaureate (IB), Advanced Placement (AP), Fine Arts Programs, and Career, Trades & Technology Education. In addition to public schools, Surrey and Delta also offers many independent and private schools. These include Montessori programs, faith-based schools, and alternative learning options recognized by the BC Ministry of Education. | Education Opportunities in SurreySurrey North Delta is one of BC's fastest growing communities, and that growth is matched by a strong, inclusive education system designed to support students from kindergarten to post=secondary and beyond. Surrey School District is one of the largest in BC, with:
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Housing Options
Popular newcomer-friendly areas include:
|   | Post-Secondary Education in SurreyDelta and Surrey are home to top tier post-secondary institutions offering flexible, high-quality programs for both students and adult learners. British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) – Satellite Locations Career Colleges & Adult Learning Delta Community College (Delta School District) Delta Continuing Education (Delta School District) Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) Simon Fraser University (SFU) – Surrey Campus |
Parks, Recreation & Lifestyle
SND is a region where physicians can enjoy a high quality of life while serving a diverse and growing population. | In Surrey-North Delta Surrey is served by Surrey School District 36 , while Delta is served by The Delta School district 37. Surrey is the largest public school district in B.C., with more than 130 elementary and secondary schools, while Delta has 31 elementary and secondary schools. The two districts offer a variety of programs to meet the needs and interests of all students, including French Immersion, International Baccalaureate (IB), Advanced Placement (AP), Fine Arts Programs, and Career, Trades & Technology Education. In addition to public schools, Surrey and Delta also offers many independent and private schools. These include Montessori programs, faith-based schools, and alternative learning options recognized by the BC Ministry of Education. |
The Big Picture: Healthcare in British Columbia
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Canada’s healthcare system is publicly funded, and British Columbia (BC) delivers primary care through a mix of independent and team-based family practices. Here’s what makes BC unique, and why many physicians choose to build their careers here:
BC-Canadian Health System:
Key Organizations in Healthcare
 A voluntary association of 16,000+ physicians, residents, and medical students in BC. They promote a climate for high-quality patient care, professional satisfaction, and fair economic reward. Doctors of BC supports members with information and resources at every practice stage — fee guide, billings, audits, training, and practice tips. |  College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC (CPSBC) College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC (CPSBC) Regulates physicians to ensure their qualification, competence, and fitness for medical practice. Manages patient complaints, acts against incompetent, unethical, or illegal practices, administers quality assurance, and accredits medical/surgical facilities.
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BC Family Doctors A voluntary association with 3,000+ members that advocates for the professional well-being of our profession as the Society of General Practitioners of BC (SGP). They update the family medicine fee schedule. They also work to improve the system of care for patients and physicians. |
 Family Practices Services Committee (FPSC) Works on behalf of Family Physicians to strengthen full- service family practice and patient care in BC. It is one of four joint collaborative committees that represent a partnership of the Government of BC and Doctors of BC. |  The College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) Represents 42,000+ members, sets postgraduate family medicine training standards, accredits medical schools, certifies professional development programs, and supports family medicine teaching and research |  BC College of Family Physicians A member-driven organization that works to empower, connect, and advocate to bolster the individual and collective experiences of family physicians and advance the field of family medicine in BC.
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 University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine Transition into Practice. One of the valuable resources UBC Faculty of Medicine has created is their Transition into Medicine Program, which prepares residents for their transition into practicing independently. Many of their resources are helpful and accessible for physicians transitioning to practicing in BC
|  Canadian College of Health Leaders. A national non-profit connects health leaders for development, support, and inspiration. It offers leadership development, tools, knowledge, and networks for healthcare. |
 Joint Collaborative Committees (JCC) A partnership of Doctors of BC and the BC government, JCC centers care on patients and families/ caregivers, builds physician capacity, and coordinates system services. The four JCCs are: Family Practice Services Committee (FPSC), Specialist Services Committee (SSC), Shared Care Committee (SCC), and Joint Standing Committee on Rural Issues (JSC). Funds come from the Physician Master Agreement (PMA) between Doctors of BC and the BC government.
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What You Can Expect in BC
- Universal health coverage through the Medical Services Commission (MSC)
- Independent family practices complimented by Primary Care Networks (PCNs),
- Patient Medical Homes (PMH) and ?
- A strong emphasis on longitudinal, relationship-based care
- Growing investment in team-based clinics
- A commitment to culturally safe and inclusive medicine
- EMR-supported panel management, quality improvement, and preventative care
- Supportive structures for internationally trained physicians
What New Physicians to SND are saying:
A high demand for family physicians
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Interview with Dr. Uzma Mashood  |
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MEET US: THE SURREY -NORTH DELTA DIVISION OF FAMILY PRACTICE
Surrey-North Delta Division of Family Practice | ||
The Heartbeat behind the Division:Imagine a place where the world's cultures, languages, and life stories converge, where families start new chapters, students pursue dreams, and professionals bring skills to serve others. That is Surrey-North Delta, one of BC's fastest growing, most multicultural regions. It is the heart of a quietly powerful story: the story of physicians who choose to practice and start a new life here AND a Division dedicated to supporting them through that journey. Long before a newcomer walks into a clinic, there is a coordinated network of teams working relentlessly behind the scenes, family doctors, clinic teams, system partners, and community organizations, each aligned around a shared purpose: As a member driven, physician led organization, the Division was created by doctors who understand the realities of serving a large and diverse community. Their Mission: "to enhance delivery of health services by offering professional support, connecting physicians across clinics and teams, and collaboration to improve patient access.
|  The Division is more than a professional association, its a collective that brings people together to make the local healthcare system work better for both patients and physicians. JOIN today to be part of the team. The complementary membership offers a plethora of resources and support as well as opportunities to connect with your local colleagues.
From individual practice to connected careThe Division's vision expands beyond any single practice. Its about connecting family doctors to each other and to the Primary Care Networks, to specialist, and to community partners. Its about streamlining referrals, sharing knowledge, and ensuring every physician has access to clinical tools, resources, and peer support when they need it. Weather a physician is doing locums, joining and established clinic, or starting a new practice, the Division network strives to make the journey smoother and the work more sustainable. These connections matter more than ever in a fast-growing region. As new residents arrive, families, students, professionals, the demand for primary care and family doctors rises. The Division's role is to ensure physicians can meet that demand with confidence, teamwork, and access to the right resources at their fingertips. So... the story of Surrey North Delta isn't only about the place itself, its about the network of people, organizations, clinicians, families, all working together to make a community where newcomers are truly welcomed, where physicians can thrive, and where healthcare is a shared responsibility with a human face. We believe, that story isn't just being told, its being lived, one new physician, one new patient and one neighborhood at a time. -Surrey North Delta Division of Family Practice Team | |
How We Support New To Practice Physicians
You’re not alone in this journey. We’re here to guide, connect, and support you from your very first questions to your first day in clinic and beyond.
- Physicians Relocating
The Surrey-North Delta Division of Family Practice is your central, go-to resource for information and guidance as you consider relocating to Surrey-North Delta, upon starting your practice and beyond. The Division assists family physicians interested in moving to Surrey-North Delta by directing them to key the resources they need for licensure or registration, by connecting them to practice opportunities tailored to their preferences, by arranging virtual or in-person clinic tours, and by helping them understand the contract and compensation options available. Once you find a practice that is a good fit, we will support you with the clinic’s offer of employment and submit a request for sponsorship, if applicable, with our local Health Authority, Fraser Health.
Our Services:
- Personalized relocation guidance
- Help exploring licensing pathways
- Connections to clinics that match your style
- Clinic tours — virtual or in person
- Support navigating compensation models
- Introduction to local colleagues
- Access to Primary Care Network(PCN)teams
- Wellness, mentorship, and community support
- Navigating licensing and registration in BC
- Understanding practice opportunities
- Arranging virtual and in-person clinic tours
- Matching you with clinics aligned with your goals
- Clarifying compensation models
- Assisting with New-to-Practice (NTP) sponsor requests
- Connecting you with PCN teams and community partners
- Guiding you through onboarding, panel building, and EMR setup
Your primary contact for onboarding support: Megan Shymanski – Project Manager, R3W(Recruitment, Retention, Retirement & Wellness)
Learn about the services the Division has to offer
The Surrey-North Delta Division of Family Practice is here to support our members. Whether you want to improve an aspect of your practice, find useful tools and resources or access support for physical or mental wellness, we're here to help. You may browse the resources at the link above or contact Megan for personalized assistance.
Note: Practicing physicians relocating to British Columbia should become licensed in this province before relinquishing any existing licenses of the current jurisdiction in which they practice.
TIPS: Licensing Steps:
| Every physician’s relocation journey is unique. Getting licensed to practice in the province of British Columbia ranges, on average, between 6 to 18 months, depending on your specific situation. Physicians should take this timeline into consideration when planning their relocation to BC
Is it recommended that you review the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC requirements for registration and licensure eligibility.
Contact Megan @ megan.shymanski@snddivision.ca. for more information. |
| In parallel to applying for licensing and immigration, you will also want to secure a clinic to open your family practice in. You can find a breadth of practice opportunities by accessing the Surrey-North Delta Division website and the BC Health Careers website to view the practice opportunities that are available. | 
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PRACTICE OPTIONS:
Joining an Existing Practice | We help you explore clinics, meet the teams, and understand workflow, patient demographics, and expectations. Many family physicians who come to BC choose to join an existing family practice clinic. Each clinic is unique, and the best way to find a good fit for you is to meet the physicians at the clinic and discuss what each party is looking for. If the opportunity to visit the clinics in-person is possible, the Division is happy to tour you around to different sites. We have compiled a printable list of questions that you may want to consider as you seek to join an existing practice. You may also find the following resources helpful: More Resources
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Locum Opportunities | Another option in Surrey-North Delta is locum support. If you have a full license in BC, locum opportunities are a good way to experience different practices and approaches to business operations before committing to one practice. Reach out to Megan if you are interested in learning more about locum opportunities. Locums enjoy exceptional flexibility and exposure to different practice styles. Many newcomers start this way. We can help you:
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Starting Your Own Practice | If you are considering starting your own family practice, the division offers a few options. In terms of support, we can connect you with a physician mentor who has recently opened their own clinic and can informally advise you on how to do so, things to consider and ‘what they wish they had known’. In Surrey-North Delta, we have several physicians looking to retire, slow down or transfer panel. The division can work with you to determine what opportunity may suit your situation best, from taking over a brick and mortar clinic and panel, accepting a full panel at a location of your choosing, or finding clinic space to start fresh! For entrepreneurial physicians, we provide support with:
More Information and ResourcesDoctors of BC has some great information for physicians starting a business: https://www.doctorsofbc.ca/advice-support/business-support/starting-business
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Whatever your situation, the Division can help find a family practice model that suits you! | |
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Preparing to PracticeYou’ve found a practice, you understand the compensation model, and now you’re reviewing your practice agreement and waiting for licensing or other approvals to start your family practice. What can you do to prepare while you wait? The Division has created a checklist (Onboarding Checklist for New Physicians) of some of the systems that will assist you in managing your family practice. Review this checklist to learn and prepare ahead of your start date, so that you’ll be able to hit the group running on day one! | |
Practice Level Agreement | The practice level agreement is an opportunity for the host clinic and the new provider to discuss specific terms and document their agreement on the working arrangements in the clinic. Leverage the interview questions provided above to think through the details about how the new provider will work with the existing team. In addition to outlining how the team envisions the working relationship, there should also be information included about how the team should approach problem solving as challenges arise, and what everyone can expect when the provider eventually leaves the clinic. The division has compiled a sample practice level agreement that may assist clinics and new providers as they work on their specific agreement. Doctors of BC provide some further information and templates regarding group practice agreements, including group governance, data sharing, and cost sharing. Note: If a conflict arises, the division is able to provide limited guidance for providers and can also arrange third-party conflict resolution support. Doctors of BC also has resources and services that can support conflict resolution. |
Building the panel of your dreams! | Our attachment team can help you build your panel. We will work alongside you to match you with patients eagerly waiting to meet you. Contact our Surrey-North Delta team of Attachment Coordinators attachment@snddivision.ca |
| Provincial Attachment System: | Surrey–North Delta offers strong panel-building support through the Provincial Attachment System (PAS). B.C.’s Provincial Attachment System, announced in July 2023, streamlines the process for connecting patients who do not have a primary care provider (either a family doctor or nurse practitioner) with a provider who can take on new patients. PAS comprises of 3 key Registries:
OUR team at the Division (attachment@snddivision.ca) will assist you with:
More Details:Goals of the Provincial Attachment System B.C.’s Provincial Attachment System is part of the provincial team-based Primary Care Strategy that launched in 2018. This system is the first of its kind in B.C. and supports a coordinated approach to connecting people and primary care providers, whether that be a family doctor or a nurse practitioner. Goals of the system include:
NOTE: Providers will need their BC Services Card to access the Provincial Attachment System (PAS). If the BC Services Card does not arrive by the first day of work, the BC Services Card app on a mobile device can be used. Please contact the Division for more information about how to get verified and receive an access code through the BC Services Card app.
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Panel Management & Quality Care | The Practice Support Program | FPSC at Doctors of BC is available to Family Physicians to guide them through panel management, the process of using the physician’s electronic medical record (EMR) data to identify patients’ chronic and preventative care needs and then plan their proactive and preventative care
Through Doctors of BC’s Practice Support Program (PSP), you have access to:
Contact: psp@doctorsofbc.ca |
Deciding on a payment model:Payment ModelsWhen you are considering your practice opportunities, it will be helpful to understand the different compensation systems and contract options that are available in BC for family physicians. The compensation models include:
The LFP compensates physicians for their direct clinical services as well as for time spent on administrative tasks. Helpful resources:
3. Locum Compensation - LFP Payment Model for locums who can bill under the LFP Payment Model for clinic-based care and facility-based care. 4. Individual New-to-Practice (NTP) Physician Contract - In British Columbia, new-to-practice family physicians can access individual contracts that provide financial support and opportunities to build their new patient panels. 5.
Billing information specific to LFP Locums can be found in the BC Family Doctors’ billing question library (external link) (login required). For information or additional questions, please reach out to the FPSC billing support team at: FP.Billing@doctorsofbc.ca. Eligibility: This contract is designed for family physicians who do not have an established patient panel and are looking to join a full-service group clinic. Eligible physicians must be prepared to provide community longitudinal family practice services of a minimum of 0.5 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) and support the PCN in their community, which includes attaching patients through the provincial waitlist with the assistance of the local PCN attachment team. *Approval from the Ministry of Health is needed before a NTP contract can be issued. The timeline is uncertain. Contact Megan Shymanski for further information. Additional Billing Resources:Billing Resources:
Billing in BC: Basics for Family Medicine https://ubccpd.ca/learn/learning-activities/course?eventtemplate=14 Billing in BC: Advanced for Family Medicine https://ubccpd.ca/learn/learning-activities/course?eventtemplate=9
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SETTLE in Surrey-North Delta, British Columbia |
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WelcomeBC helps people navigate their journey to a new life in BC. They help with settlement services for people from different backgrounds. The website also shares numbers to contact these settlement service providers.
What are settlement services?
Settlement services are programs and services that can help newcomers to Canada. Settlement services may be able to help you:
look for a job
make new friends
assist you in accessing government/community services
understand the local culture and customs
understand your rights in Canada
Settlement Support for Newcomers
We include detailed support for:
- BC ID & driver’s licence
- Banking & financial setup
- MSP enrollment
- Housing and utilities
- Childcare and schools
- Community programs
Key agencies include:
- DIVERSEcity
- OPTIONS
- PICS
- SUCCESS
- Relais Francophone
Resources to thrive in Surrey-North Delta
There are many resources and services available that can help you settle and thrive here in Surrey-North Delta. Here are a few to get you started. If you are wondering about something that isn’t here, or run into a question, reach out to Megan, and she can help you find the answers you’re looking for!
Details
La Cooperative du Relais Francophone de la C.B. is a non-profit cooperative that offers services and programs to support French-speaking immigrants and communities in British Columbia. It promotes Francophone culture, inclusion, and settlement through language, employment, and community initiatives. |
Links to:
- Doctors of BC
- BC College of Family Physicians
- BC Family Doctors
- Health Match BC
- Fraser Health
- EMR guides
- Billing resources
- Contract templates
Finding a place to live
We recommend looking at a variety of options when considering your housing needs: MLS® & Real Estate Map | REALTOR.ca; Facebook Marketplace is another popular avenue to find rentals in the local area. |
BC Services CardThe BC Services Card allows you to access health care and other government services. This card is often linked with the BC Driver’s License. BC Services Card - Province of British Columbia You will need the BC Services Card in order to access the Provincial Attachment System, which is essential for panel building and management. Once you have your BC Services card, we also recommend that you and your family sign up on the Health Connect Registry to find a primary care provider who is attaching. |
Driver’s LicenseFind information about obtaining a driver’s license and identification in British Columbia. |
ChildcareTo find childcare options available in Surrey, Delta and White Rock, the Child Care Resource and Referral program, supported through Options, can help! https://www.childcareoptions.ca/parent-families/find-a-child-care-provider/ The Province of British Columbia has made significant investments to lower the cost of childcare for families. To learn more about the initiative and to understand the fees for the locations you are considering visit: ChildCareBC programs - Province of British Columbia |
Final words - from the SND team.
As you begin this new chapter, know that you are not doing it alone. Surrey-North Delta is a community that welcomes you wholeheartedly, values all you bring and genuinely wanted to see you and your family thrive. You are stepping into a region where colleagues, partners and community stand ready to support you, professionally and personally. Every journey has moments of uncertainty, but here, you will always find people who believe in your success and are willing to walk alongside you. Your choice to build a life and practice in SND is meaningful, not only for the future of patients but for the entire community. The road ahead is full of opportunity, and we are excited to be part of your journey as you grow, settle and make Surrey North-Delta your new home.
We look forward to welcoming you to SND.
