Okanagan South
Site Information
Number of Residents: 5 CMG, 1 IMG
Location: Penticton, Summerland and Oliver/Osoyoos, BC
Community: 90,000
Hospital: Penticton Regional Hospital and South Okanagan General Hospital
Curriculum Type: Block, Longitudinal FP
R2 Elective Time: 12 weeks
Site Director Message
Okanagan South/snpintktn UBC Family Practice Residency Program is based in Penticton, and serves a population of 90,000. This expands to 110,000 in summer with vacationers and agricultural workers, Penticton’s two primary industries.
Established in 2016, our site expanded to 6 residents this year. We are small enough that you will be a “first in line” learner. We are a RURAL program, with five months of rural placements. Teaching is by family doctors primarily in their home offices and clinics (eg addictions, maternity, WIC, Foundry). We have close relationships with our specialists, and train in Penticton Regional Hospital and South Okanagan General Hospital. New this year is a Critical Skills lead, coordinating acute and emergency skills, with a new SIM room and POCUS.
Penticton is a great place to live, play, work and raise a family. We support our residents to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Please see our 2-min video of residents having fun at work and at play:
Dr. Robin Masson and Dr. Tarinder Grewal, Interim Co-Site Directors
About
Contact:
murali.venkataraman@ubc.ca
Click here to view the site presentation.
Learn more about the City of Penticton here. Further details on activities are here.
Lead Resident Message
Lead Resident Message
Penticton is a stunning city of 33,000 nestled between Okanagan and Skaha Lakes. With 200+ vineyards, mountain biking, climbing, ski hills, and endless water sports, it’s no wonder the region attracts athletes, vacationers, and physicians alike.
Program Highlights
Our program is known for its collegial, knowledgeable, and welcoming community. From the moment you join, local physicians and residents embrace you, ensuring a smooth transition through social and administrative support. Our program administrator, Kristen Hart, has earned multiple awards for her dedication to learners.
Learner Opportunities
Now in its seventh year, our program offers a unique, learner-centered model. With only family medicine residents on site, you’re first in line for procedures, deliveries, and surgical assists—often with a one-to-one teacher ratio. We emphasize education over service, supported by monthly SIM sessions, a strong POCUS curriculum, and experiences at the award-winning Martin Street Outreach Clinic. Flexibility allows you to pursue specific areas of interest.
Continuity of Care
Spending your first year and much of your second in Penticton allows you to build meaningful relationships with patients and physicians. Weekly family practice clinics ensure continuity of care and the chance to refine your long-term management skills.
Neighbouring Opportunities
Residents gain valuable experience in nearby communities such as Princeton, Oliver, and Keremeos, as well as in larger centres like Kelowna and Vernon. Training also includes work with marginalized populations at the Penticton Indian Band, Foundry Centre for youth, and Martin Street Outreach.
New Hospital Facilities
Our $312M hospital, completed in 2019, is equipped with MRI, CT, 3D Cardiac ECHO, and more. Dedicated UBC space offers call rooms, lockers, showers, a resident lounge, SIM lab, and on-site library support—ensuring both comfort and growth throughout training.
See you (virtually) at CaRMS!
From the Lead Residents,
Dr. Milan Hartmann and Dr. Nicole Stachura