In 2024, Northern Health (NH) welcomed the first associate physicians (APs) to the region, with the goal of hiring more to support primary care in Northern facilities.
Associate physician is a licensure class created by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC (CPSBC) in 2023. APs can work in emergency departments, operating rooms, and support in-patient care. They are not independent practitioners and work with a level of autonomy approved by a supervisory physician.
Role of an associate physician
APs can play a major role within patient care teams and compliment physicians’ primary care duties. Under physician supervision, they can:
- Admit patients, conduct patient histories and physical examinations, and order and interpret diagnostic tests.
- Support daily patient management and review patient progress.
- Develop and evaluate care plans, prescribe and manage medications, and assist in referrals.
- Perform procedures such as wound care, suturing, and inserting IV lines.
- Assist in surgical procedures.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date medical records, document patient assessments, treatment plans, and progress notes.
- Educate patients and families about their conditions, treatment plans, and any necessary lifestyle changes.
- Collaborate with the healthcare teams to develop and implement discharge plans, ensuring a smooth transition home or to the next care setting.
Dawson Creek welcomes APs
Dr. Aderemi Oyedeji, Chief of Staff at Dawson Creek District Hospital (DCDH) and support physician for the local APs is pleased with the addition of APs to the DCDH primary care team.
He shared, “The addition of APs supporting our emergency room, and working directly with patients, allows the family doctors to spend more time in their clinics, allowing more time and support for primary care patients. We’re able to provide more services within the community through the various clinics because the family doctors can do more clinic work. The addition of APs has helped immensely to keep our emergency department running and has been a benefit to our primary care staff, patients, and to the community.”
Highlight - Dr. Agu
One of the first APs to join NH in Dawson Creek is Dr. Chukweubuka Agu. His decision to join the DCDH team in 2024 stemmed from his wish to be part of a work force with a sense of relevance and a strong team effort. The variety in patient interactions, fast pace, being part of a collaborative team, and connection to community are why he enjoys his AP role the most.
Dr. Agu graduated from Ebonyi State University College of Health Sciences Nigeria in 2012. After completing his postgraduate internship, he fulfilled a return-of-service commitment in a very remote and rural community in Nigeria. It was during that time that his interest in rural medicine was ignited. Later, working in urban centres allowed Dr. Agu to reflect on both experiences, and he realized that rural practice offered a deeper sense of purpose, relevance, and human connection.
The winding path of aspirations
Connection to community and a rural health focus made Dawson Creek the perfect fit for Dr. Agu.
Dr. Agu shared his thoughts on why Dawson Creek works so well for him. “Dawson Creek and District Hospital said yes to my aspirations. I was offered an opportunity that aligned perfectly with my passion, and I began working there as an Associate Physician in general practice, a role I deeply enjoyed. It turned out to be one of the most fulfilling roles of my career. The experience of practicing acute care in a rural generalist setting brought immense professional satisfaction.”
He continued, “What I found in Dawson Creek was more than just a job—it was a supportive and collegial environment. People rarely walked past without a warm smile that brightened the day. Surprisingly, I felt a stronger sense of belonging, cultural connection, and community in this rural setting than I had in city life. My journey may have taken a winding path, but every step brought me closer to discovering where I truly belong. Rural medicine in Northern Health, BC is not just a job—it’s a way of life that offers meaning, purpose, and community. I encourage other physicians who are seeking more than just clinical work to explore this path. The rewards, both personal and professional, are profound.”
Being a part of the community is integral to Dr. Agu’s success in living and working in Dawson Creek.
“I joined the soccer group for outdoor soccer in the summer and the indoor soccer during winter,” he said. “I participate actively in the hospital social events, attend community events, and I play table tennis with friends on the weekends. These give me a sense of community, a sense of belonging, and a good work-life balance. In addition, it helps me appreciate the diverse cultures in Dawson Creek and continue to improve my cultural awareness, humility, and sensitivity.”
The journey continues
Dr. Agu is now continuing his Northern Health career journey by working on the Practice Ready Assessment (PRA) program. The PRA program provides an accelerated pathway to licensure for international medical graduates (IMGs) who have already completed their residency and practiced independently abroad. Once his PRA training is completed, Dr. Agu will return to practice in Dawson Creek.
Northern Health is hiring more APs and hopes to fill these vacancies. Anyone interested in working for Northern Health as an associate physician can visit NH associate physician postings or reach out to NH Recruitment.
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