Our Story

ESTABLISHED
IN 1989
TO REPRESENT
FAMILY
DOCTORS
IN BC

BC Family Doctors - Our Story

And to Build an Environment Where Family Doctors Thrive.


The Society of General Practitioners of BC (SGP) has a robust history of standing for the needs of family physicians and their patients. In 2020, after 30 years as SGP, we became BC Family Doctors to better reflect our community and support our purpose of building an environment where all family doctors thrive.

We believe that whether you provide longitudinal community-based family medicine, hospitalist medicine, addiction medicine or maternity care, we are all family doctors

Whether you did a rotating internship or have a CCFP designation, we are all family doctors

Our commitment to our patients and our expertise in primary care unites us all.


1989 The Society of General Practitioners of BC (SGP) is founded

1997 SGP successfully gains ownership of obstetrical delivery fees through advocacy within the BCMA.

This allows delivery fees to be determined by family doctors, thereby better supporting women giving birth.

BC Family Doctors - Our Story

1999 SGP encourages family doctors to participate in Reduced Activity Days (RADs).

The closure of family doctors' offices was key to the successful end of fee pro-rationing to pay for the increased utilization of MSP.

2001 SGP proposes the creation of the General Practice Services Committee (GPSC) with the purpose of working collaboratively with government to strengthen full-service family practice and patient care in BC.

2002 SGP encourages withdrawal of services by family doctors in response to failed negotiations after the government voided a binding arbitration award.

SGP President, Dr. David Atwell:
"Lead, follow or get out of the way."

2005 Advocacy at GPSC for creation of delivery incentives and a Maternity Network fee stabilizes the number of FPs delivering babies

2006 SGP successfully argues for increased portion of macro-allocation award after the 2006 Physician Master Agreement. This results in a further narrowing of the income disparity between family doctors and specialists.

2011 Creation of fees to allow family doctors to bill MSP for unrelated conditions assessed at the same visit as a WCB and ICBC service.

BC Family Doctors - Our Story

2017-2018 Doctors receive new funding for Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) fees and Opioid Agonist Treatment (OAT) fees as a result of SGP actions.

2020 SGP rebrands as BC Family Doctors.

We are your Specialists in Primary Care

BC Family Doctors