Leaving the city for a slower pace of life may seem like a dream for many professionals, but for physicians considering a shift to rural practice, the decision involves more than just lifestyle. It’s about impact, support, and a renewed connection with community care. At Pender Harbour Health Centre, physicians like Dr. Catherine Bazilli have found all of this and more.

Photo Credit: @glamouraspirit_

A Community-Rooted Practice with Real Impact

Dr. Bazilli spent over 30 years practicing in North Vancouver, balancing a demanding clinic workload, hospital responsibilities, and the challenges of solo practice. In 2022, she relocated permanently to Pender Harbour, a place she had visited since childhood and where her family had deep roots. What began as a short-term offer to help cover gaps in care has grown into a fulfilling role as one of the Centre’s most valued physicians.

“I had planned to just help with prescriptions and lab work until the new doctor arrived. That doctor never came,” Dr. Bazilli explained with a smile. She now works multiple days a week as part of a deeply connected team, serving a senior population with complex health needs.

A Team-Based Model That Works

One of the most transformative aspects of her transition was experiencing what true team-based care looks like. Unlike her previous clinic, which had limited allied health support, the Pender Harbour Health Centre offers access to a wide network of professionals including nurses, pharmacists, a dietitian, a counsellor, and more. This model allows physicians to focus on what they do best, while patients benefit from comprehensive, coordinated care.

For example, a pharmacist may spend a full hour reviewing a patient’s medications and lab work before consulting with Dr. Bazilli. “Instead of me spending an hour and maybe not getting very far, I get a referral summary and options. It’s incredibly efficient and the patients love it,” she shared.

From wound care to chronic disease management, the clinical support from nurses and allied staff ensures that even routine issues are handled with speed and attention, freeing up physicians to focus on the big picture.

Facilities, Support, and Balance

The Health Centre Primary Care Wing is currently undergoing a full renovation. To better support physicians and patients alike, PHHC is investing in a major renovation of its Primary Care Wing. The upgrades include new equipment, improved air conditioning, and refreshed, accessible clinical spaces designed to promote comfort, efficiency, and long-term satisfaction in practice.

This, combined with a strong administrative team, allows physicians to simply focus on medicine without the burden of running the business. “I just come in and do my work. I’m not worrying about the phones, the printer, or ordering supplies. That’s all handled,” said Dr. Bazilli.

For doctors used to juggling both patient care and operational duties, this is a significant change. It allows for more meaningful time with patients and a better work-life balance.

Her schedule now includes a mix of in-person and virtual days. While she sees around 20 patients a day, most of whom have complex needs, she also enjoys the space and flexibility to pursue personal interests. Whether it’s singing in the local choir or enjoying time with family, the lifestyle shift has brought a renewed sense of energy and purpose.

More Than a Job: A Valued Role in the Community

Perhaps the most striking difference is how deeply appreciated physicians are in Pender Harbour. In a small community, relationships extend beyond the exam room. “I hear it every day. People stop me to say how grateful they are that I’m here,” she said.

Patients are more understanding about wait times. They recognize the demands of rural care and respond with kindness, not frustration. That appreciation carries through the entire health centre, where staff relationships are built on camaraderie and shared purpose. Staff social events, spontaneous hallway chats, and a culture of mutual respect have created a workplace that truly feels like a community.

Is Rural Medicine Right for You?

Pender Harbour’s population includes many older adults and patients with chronic conditions, making it an excellent fit for physicians interested in complex care and longitudinal relationships. It may not be the best fit for someone who wants to work in paediatrics or focus on acute episodic care.

For new graduates or physicians early in their career, the support structure is particularly strong. “I’ve done a lot of clinical teaching over the years, so I’m very comfortable working alongside someone who’s just starting out,” Dr. Bazilli said. New physicians won’t be alone. They’ll have access to guidance, collaboration, and mentorship from an experienced colleague who genuinely enjoys the challenge and variety of rural practice.

The Sunshine Coast Primary Care Network and surrounding specialists at Sechelt Hospital provide another layer of support. A WhatsApp group keeps physicians connected daily for advice and quick consults, while visiting specialists and an onsite lab help streamline care.

A Welcoming Place to Practise

At its core, Pender Harbour Health Centre offers something that many city clinics cannot: the chance to feel truly valued, supported, and part of something bigger. Here, physicians are not just healthcare providers. They are neighbours, mentors, and community leaders.

If you’re a physician looking to find deeper purpose in your practice, enjoy the outdoors, and contribute to a team that genuinely cares, the coast might be calling.

Interested in learning more about physician opportunities at Pender Harbour Health Centre? Reach out to our team or explore openings here.