Image: Supplied by Doctors of B.C. / Dr. Josh Greggain begins his one-year term as president of Doctors of B.C. The former Chilliwack resident devoted 18 years of his medical practice serving Chilliwack, Hope and Fraser Canyon with Fraser Health, including Indigenous, underserved and rural communities.
Dr. Joshua Greggain

Former Chilliwack-area physician, Dr. Joshua Greggain, begins work as president of Doctors of B.C.

Jan 31, 2023 | 11:00 AM

VICTORIA — Dr. Joshua Greggain left an indelible mark in the eastern Fraser Valley by caring for Indigenous, underserved and rural populations in Hope and the surrounding communities.

Dr. Greggain devoted 18 years of his life practicing medicine in Chilliwack, Hope and the Fraser Canyon with Fraser Health before relocating to Vancouver Island in 2021.

He’ll have an even bigger portfolio to manage over the coming year as he embarks on a one-year term as president of the Doctors of B.C. Dr. Greggain’s term officially began January 1, 2023.

“It’s an honour to serve our profession and our association at this time,” Dr. Greggain said. “There are many new things happening in 2023, including the new physician master agreement, the longitudinal family practice payment model, and new leaders at Doctors of B.C., as well as the Premier’s office. It is a great time to look to the future and transform the health system that we know has been burdened for the last several years.”

He plans to hit the ground running as the clock starts ticking on his brief tenure. He says he’s realistic about what he can and cannot accomplish.

“I want to be a part of a significant transformation going forward. With the new opportunities I mentioned earlier, we have a chance to really shift the landscape of healthcare in the province, and I want to be a catalyst for it,” Dr. Greggain said. “Single-handedly, I will not be able to change primary care, OR waitlists, ER overcrowding, or lack of access to specialist services. However, if I can help catalyze our organization and our profession to work together with communities and health partners, the future is bright and ripe for progress.”

Since leaving Hope in the summer of 2021, Dr. Greggain has been primarily doing rural locums, including across all five geographic health authorities in the province. He worked in outpatient clinics in Sechelt, Valemount, and Campbell River, as well as hospital and ER work in each of those locales. On top of his busy schedule, he recently completed a master’s degree through McGill University, the International Masters in Health Leadership.

He’s also conducting virtual work with RTVS, or Real-Time Virtual Support, whereby rural providers like physicians, medical residents, nurse practitioners, and nurses support the work of healthcare teams over Zoom or through a phone call, and are available around the clock. He still works occasional urgent care clinics in downtown Victoria.

“This year I will maintain some of those things, including rural locums – the first one in Hope and subsequently Port Hardy,” Dr. Greggain said. “However, I will limit them as the role of president has many responsibilities, including meeting and engaging with colleagues across the province.”

While his work will inevitably bring him all over the province, it’s the eastern Fraser Valley that resonates with him for a very special reason.

“My wife and I first came to Chilliwack in July 2003 for my residency,” Dr. Greggain said when asked if he still kept ties with the Chilliwack area. “Those 18 years in the region, my practice, and leadership roles in Hope means our roots run deep. With the utilization of virtual connections and chat groups with FCH physicians and NPs, at times it feels as if I’m as connected as ever. Recently, I was even able to present to the Chilliwack Division of Family Practice virtually from my home in Victoria, in my role as president. I also still maintain connections with several people and elders from the Indigenous communities I worked in. This includes my friend, Elder Gracie Kelley, who will drum and give the Territorial Acknowledgement at our inauguration and awards night this weekend (Jan. 28). These are some of people that I have learned amazing things from over my career, and want to ensure I have the privilege of their ongoing friendship and connection. With my 18 years of experience in Chilliwack, Hope, and the Fraser Canyon in Fraser Health, I hope to bring a particular version of optimism and enthusiasm: the doctor from Hope, who comes with hope.'”

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