New-to-practice (NTP) Family Physicians are Family Physicians in their first 5 years of practice who have opted to practice under an NTP contract. Surrey-North Delta currently has 12 practicing NTP FPs and we continue to welcome more. Like all Family Physicians in Surrey-North Delta, NTP FPs are integral to the success of our Primary Care Network. As they become established in our community, they have enormous potential to enlarge and enrich the medical community in Surrey-North Delta, increase access to primary care services for our patients,  and contribute to meeting our community's attachment needs. 

Dr. Uzma Mashood is SND's newly elected NTP Lead. She has been practicing in Surrey-North Delta since January of 2023. Here are her early impressions of practicing within the SND PCN. 

Where did you practice or study medicine before coming to Canada, and what made you choose Surrey?

I am originally from Pakistan and did my undergraduate studies in Lahore. But the largest chunk of my clinical experience and my post-graduation are from North Wales, United Kingdom. I chose Surrey to make my permanent home due to its vibrant nature, multiculturalism and huge dining options. Yes, I am a foodie. Surrey is not only the fastest-growing city in Canada, but it's also the heart of BC. Its location and accessibility are just a few of its many other advantages.

Why did you opt for the NTP contract? 

Honestly speaking, before I started my NTP contract I was not 100% sure what I was getting into. I had never practiced medicine in Canada and thus was naive to the other payment models. I did my research before taking up this contract, and as I was learning about the contract it was a compelling option. The main reason that I chose this contract, initially, was the idea of consistent pay while I tackled the challenges of settling into a new place with a young family. Now being on this contract for 6 months, I can name a dozen more good reasons why one should be on this contract.

Quality improvement is a big thing in the UK and I was glad to know that this was part of this contract. QIA not only improves the quality of patient care and makes working easier and more cost-efficient for physicians, it also adds variety to your day. You get to do something other than the same old routine. 

How has life as an NTP Physician been for you so far?

It's been awesome so far. I have a set schedule to make sure I am doing regular hours without needing to see 50+ patients in 8 hours. This contract gave me that breathing space that I knew I would need while I find my steps in this new healthcare system. As a newbie in the system, this contract gave me the confidence to practice safely. Medicine stays the same globally but how we do medicine differs from region to region. For me, compared to the UK, it's a huge difference.

The NTP contract gives me that safety buffer to ensure that my patients get top quality care and will not be disadvantaged by having a physician who is new in the system and might not yet be fully aware of the pathways and regularities of the system. The cherry on the top is the support that I've received at every step; for something as simple as where referrals need to go, what forms to fill, how to bill, etc., the team has always had my back. 

What is something that a community Family Physician has done to make you feel welcomed?

I did feel a warm welcome. I did not feel marginalized, I felt included and heard and listened to. No question was taken as a silly question. Family Physicians around me showed patience and guided me whenever I needed their help. I was lucky to be in a clinic with a supportive team, from the front desk to the senior Family Physician. On top of that, there were two Family Physicians already on NTP contracts which was a huge advantage of being in that setting. They helped me with questions about billing and other logistics of being on this contract.

You have recently become the Lead for the NTP Family Physicians Community of Practice in Surrey-North Delta. What are your hopes for this group?

There is a huge shortage of Family Physicians and a large pool of unattached patients in this region. I am hoping that the group is able to contribute their best to shrinking this number. The essence of PCN was already embedded in the UK primary care system. I have first-hand experience of this similar system in the UK. It's the best system to have. I cannot imagine being the sole isolated healthcare provider who lacks the support of the multidisciplinary team and is unable to assign tasks to allied healthcare providers.