09/11/2026
NEWS RELEASE
September 11, 2026
Recruitment Success Continues in Grand Forks as Medical Clinic Adds Third Physician in Just One Year
[Grand Forks, B.C.] – Grand Forks continues to see positive results from its physician recruitment efforts following the City’s partnership with the Grand Forks Medical Clinic. As a result, the community remains on track to provide all residents in Grand Forks and the surrounding region with access to a family physician by December 2026. The City of Grand Forks, in partnership with physician Dr. Mark Szynkaruk, is announcing another doctor will be joining the town’s medical clinic. Dr. Neil Thurley, a recent graduate of UBC’s St. Paul’s Hospital family medicine residency program, will be joining the clinic this fall, bringing the total medical staff to five physicians and one nurse practitioner.
Dr. Thurley's recruitment is the result of a unique collaboration designed to strengthen local health care services and improve access to primary care for residents. Through the partnership the City of Grand Forks, Regional District of Kootenay Boundary Area C Director Grace McGregor, the Christina Gateway Community Development Association, Electoral Area D Director Linda Kay Wiese, and Electoral Area E Director Sharen Gibbs have joined forces with the Grand Forks Medical Clinic to cover the clinic's hard costs. By removing these financial pressures for incoming physicians, the 18-month agreement makes it easier to attract and retain medical professionals in the community while expanding access to care for residents. The agreement requires participating physicians to provide emergency room coverage at the Boundary Hospital and support full-time clinic operations Monday through Friday, helping ensure consistent and reliable services, including support for residents living in long-term care. These services benefit residents throughout the Boundary region, including neighbouring communities that rely on the hospital, physicians and primary care services for their ongoing health needs.
This program was initiated by Dr. Szynkaruk, who approached Council in the fall of 2025 asking for help as the clinic was facing the loss of two of their five physicians. Council approved a 12-month pilot program in December 2025 and then extended it for a further six months until the end of May 2027.
Dr. Szynkaruk spoke to the program’s success stating that “The Mayor, Council, and the people of Grand Forks took a leap of faith by supporting this very unique proposal. Grand Forks is now known as the place where new physicians can actually afford to set up practice. We went from being just another small town with a physician shortage crisis to a sought-after destination for doctors who want both a rewarding career and a life in a welcoming town.”
Dr. Thurley joins a team of medical professionals dedicated to providing comprehensive care throughout the community. Drawn by the opportunity to work alongside experienced and supportive colleagues, Dr. Thurley chose Grand Forks as the ideal place to begin a medical career. The community's strong commitment to health care and welcoming atmosphere made the decision an easy one. Dr. Thurley looks forward to getting to know patients, building meaningful relationships, and becoming an active part of the community.
