The Mayors and Councils of the Town of Qualicum Beach and City of Parksville are thrilled to welcome new physicians and nurse practitioners to our communities, improving desperately needed access to health care for our citizens.

The Mayors of both communities extend their sincere appreciation to the dedicated professionals at Central Island Division of Family Practice for the key role they play in recruiting, hosting and integrating these health care professionals into our communities. These are competitive times with doctor shortages experienced throughout Canada, so the successful attraction of new practitioners is even more impressive. We look forward to our ongoing engagement with the Division and continued success in recruitment and retention of health care professionals in 2025 and beyond.

We are pleased to report that 2024 was a banner year for the recruitment of healthcare professionals to Qualicum Beach and Parksville. Please join us in welcoming:

• Dr. Edward Aasman
• Dr. Chandni Desai
• Dr. Neil Ingram
• Dr. Kendra Losch
• Dr. Olajumoke Badmus Noorat
• Dr. Robert Tremblay
• NP Nadine Clark
• NP Melanie Tait

We pride ourselves on the small-town charm of our communities; being a great place to live, work and play, and demonstrating inclusivity where everyone is welcomed and respected. We offer not only picture postcard landscapes, but also diverse and challenging work opportunities for medical professionals in every field. Our communities appeal to everyone – from foodies to young families, to active seniors, to fun-loving recreation enthusiasts, and more. 

While it is not a core function of local government to provide health care, the Mayors and Councils hear many concerns from residents about this key community asset and elected officials are committed to ongoing advocacy to senior levels of government to maintain access to health care professionals close to home.

To our residents, please join us in welcoming our new physicians and nurse practitioners and expressing your appreciation for our existing dedicated health care professionals – all of whom we value and respect. What can you do to help us maintain this key asset in our community? To make our health care professionals feel welcome? Be friendly. Let them know what a fantastic decision they have made to become a part of the Oceanside lifestyle. Welcome your new neighbours!

If you have not already, register at healthlinkbc.ca for the Health Connect Registry to get a family doctor or nurse practitioner in your community. It is encouraging to report improvements to the waitlist for our area, since the successful 2024 recruitment. 

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