Lower Sunshine Coast Welcomes New Family Physicians and Nurse Practitioners

[SECHELT, July 30, 2026] – The Sunshine Coast Division of Family Practice is excited to announce two new family physicians, with two additional family physicians and one nurse practitioner expected to arrive this fall. 

“We’re thrilled to welcome these new providers to the Sunshine Coast,” said Division Board Co-Chairs Dr. Ruby Yee and Dr. Julie Baxter.  

“Their arrival will add much-needed capacity and stability to local primary care and give more people the opportunity to build an ongoing relationship with a family physician or nurse practitioner. We’re grateful they have chosen to make the Coast their home.”  

The new providers are a part of ongoing primary care recruitment efforts to attract family physicians and nurse practitioners from Canada and beyond. 

The first new physician to join Arbutus Medical Clinic this summer was Dr. Jonathan Tuffin, who relocated from Middlesbrough, UK. 

“What I’m most looking forward to working here on the Sunshine Coast is continuity of care with my patients. It has been difficult to provide that in the UK as the system struggles,” said Dr. Tuffin. 

“I’m from a rural area, so it made sense for me to continue my work in a rural area. I think the best thing about it will be to become part of the community, and I’m here to do my best for my patients.” 

Arbutus Medical Clinic also welcomed Dr. Matt Forbush from rural Ohio in July.  

David Cook, Practice Manager at Arbutus Medical Clinic, said the arrival of new physicians is vital to the health of our community. 

“For too long, too many patients on the Sunshine Coast have been left without a family care provider. This creates uncertainty and stress for patients and additional pressure on our hospital and emergency services,” said Cook. 

“The work of these physicians and nurse practitioners will not only improve the lives of their patients but also strengthen healthcare throughout the Coastal community.” 

Residents who do not have a family physician or nurse practitioner are encouraged to sign up for the Health Connect Registry. The provincial registry connects patients with available primary care providers in their community.  

Residents can register online at healthlinkbc.ca/find-care/health-connect-registry or by calling HealthLink BC at 8-1-1.  

New patients will be accepted through the Health Connect Registry and should not contact clinics directly. When a family doctor or nurse practitioner in the community becomes available, the attachment coordination team and clinic will contact registrants by phone, email, or letter. The intake process may include an introductory appointment with the provider.  

About the Sunshine Coast Division of Family Practice: 

The Sunshine Coast Division of Family Practice represents physicians who serve the communities along the lower Sunshine Coast from Earls Cove to Egmont, Pender Harbour, Madeira Park, Halfmoon Bay, Sechelt, Davis Bay, Wilson Creek, Roberts Creek, Gibsons, Langdale, and Port Mellon.  

Together, Division members work to improve local primary care, increase local physicians’ influence on healthcare delivery and policy, and provide professional support for physicians. Membership is open to all doctors practicing or recently retired on the Sunshine Coast, including specialists and locums. 

We acknowledge with deep gratitude that we live, work and play on the unceded homelands of the shíshálh (Sechelt) and Skwxwuì7mesh (Squamish) Nations. 

Contact information: 

Julia Cook
Strategic Communications Lead, Sunshine Coast Division of Family Practice
jcook@scdivision.ca 

Please contact the Division directly for any additional information or interviews with providers, clinics, or our Board.