Feb 3, 2026 – MEDIA RELEASE – Grand Forks takes bold action through an innovative partnership to secure medical doctors to local practice
NEWS RELEASE
Grand Forks takes bold action through an innovative partnership to secure medical doctors to local practice
[Grand Forks, B.C.] – Today, the City of Grand Forks, in partnership with physician Dr. Mark Szynkaruk, are announcing a new doctor, Dr. Gary Sandhar, who will be joining the town’s medical clinic, ensuring continued essential medical services for local residents.
A bold and innovative partnership between the City of Grand Forks and Dr. Mark Szynkaruk — known locally as Dr. Mark— is directly responsible for Dr. Sandhar’s recruitment. Another doctor and a medical practitioner are in the process of committing to relocating to Grand Forks later this year. This partnership has turned the tide in addressing a looming medical crisis following recent physician departures that have left the clinic with just one full-time and two part-time doctors, both nearing retirement.
The strategy to address the physician shortage in Grand Forks has involved working with neighbouring municipalities and regional districts to better understand the medical staffing problem and needs.
Last fall, Dr. Mark wrote to Grand Forks Council advising of the pending departure of a second medical clinic physician and offered a solution to the problem.
The innovative pilot program will see Grand Forks will cover up to $125,000 of the clinic’s “hard” costs for 2026. This includes rent, utilities, and licences, costs which are usually shared by the clinic’s doctors. These hard costs become a heavier burden when the clinic is not fully staffed, and can be seen as a risk by potential new physicians evaluating a new practice opportunity.
The program provides financial certainty for new practitioners, ensuring their overhead is manageable as they establish their practices. In return, recruited professionals commit to practicing in Grand Forks, supporting long-term care patients, and maintaining emergency room privileges which is critical for keeping the hospital’s ER open. They will also receive valuable mentorship as they begin their family medicine career. Once fully staffed, the clinic will support 7,500 patients, providing each resident of Grand Forks a family doctor.
Dr. Sandhar will be taking over Dr. Liu’s patients and practice following their recent departure and will be joining Drs. Mark Szynkaruk, Walderman Brussow, and Heinrich Brussow at the clinic.
Grand Forks is a small and scenic city of approximately 4,100 people located at the confluence of the Granby and Kettle Rivers in Kootenay-Boundary Regional District in south-central British Columbia. Grand Forks is known for its pristine environment and true four-season climate, and is the gateway to abundant outdoor recreation including camping, hiking, biking, golf, and skiing. Grand Forks offers affordability, a high quality of life, and a strong commitment to healthy living.
2026-02-03 – News Release City of Grand Forks – Physician Announcement
