Find a Family Doctor in Nanaimo, BC

Nanaimo is the second-largest city on Vancouver Island with a population of approximately 110,000. Located on the island's east coast, it serves as a regional healthcare hub for central Vancouver Island under Island Health. Nanaimo Regional General Hospital provides acute care for the surrounding area. Like many mid-sized BC communities, Nanaimo faces a persistent family doctor shortage. The city's growing retirement-age population has increased demand for primary care, while recruiting physicians to the island remains challenging. Island Health operates UPCC services in Nanaimo to help address urgent care needs and connect unattached patients with primary care providers. Nanaimo residents should search mydoctorbc.ca for local clinics and expand their search to nearby communities like Ladysmith, Parksville, and Qualicum Beach. The central island area has a mix of family practices, walk-in clinics, and community health centres. Registering with Health Connect Registry is especially important in Nanaimo, as new physician recruitment is ongoing and registry patients are matched as providers begin accepting patients.