Our Roots

If you’re reading this, you’re probably beginning to think about CaRMS and where you want to be—or what you want to do—next year. It’s stressful. But don’t worry, it all works out. Especially, if you want to be a family physician!

In Abbotsford-Mission, you will get a wide range of clinical experiences with strong mentorship and support. Family doctors here wear many hats: hospitalists, ER physicians, maternity care providers, and more. Even ICU night coverage has, at times, been managed by family doctors. Community-based primary care continues to be a cornerstone of our region, and you’ll see firsthand how broad and rewarding family practice can be. But you will also be taught by specialists who work closely with Family Doctors. They respect and understand your importance to the health of the community and are committed to teaching. 

Our site is busy and diverse, giving you exposure to a variety of patient populations and cases. The low competition for rotations, electives, and patients means you’ll have more opportunities to take initiative, be creative, and shape your learning. For example, our maternity department delivered over 2,500 babies last year, and our ER receives over 50,000 visits annually. At Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre, a 300-bed facility, family physicians and specialists work closely together in a truly collaborative environment. We’re close enough to Vancouver for access to tertiary care, but far enough to manage our own acute patients—providing a uniquely rich learning experience.

We are constantly evolving our training approach to keep pace with the changing needs of healthcare. Our graduates leave well prepared to take on diverse roles: whether practicing rurally in northern BC, blending community clinic work with hospitalist shifts, or adding areas like youth health, addictions, or maternity to their scope. We believe family doctors should be confident generalists—capable of providing comprehensive, ongoing care across settings—and you’ll learn alongside physicians who do just that every day.

What’s it like to live here? If you’re new to the West Coast, bring your winter gear—but mostly for skiing! Summers are hot, winters are mild and wet, and snow usually sticks for less than a week. You’re an hour from Vancouver, two hours from Seattle, and three hours from Whistler. Abbotsford has its own airport for easy travel, and remains one of the more affordable, easy-to-navigate cities in the Lower Mainland. Plus, BC’s outdoor adventures—hiking, kayaking, skiing, biking, golfing, even ice climbing—are all within easy reach.

We’re thrilled you’re considering Family Medicine. Our preceptors in Abbotsford-Mission are passionate teachers who are eager to welcome learners into their practices. We hope you give serious thought to a career in Family Medicine—and consider joining us! Check back in September for more CaRMS information.

Enjoy your summer!