Important Updates - March 1, 2026
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Primary care providers, new additions to the clinic, and more flexible lab booking options
Dear Patients,
As we all get ready for spring, we’d like to share some important updates with you. Most of these updates are positive and exciting; however, one change will directly affect the unrestricted shared-care model you’ve been used to—where you could book with any provider at any available time (Dr. Joubert or Nurse Corsie).
PRIMARY PROVIDER BOOKINGS
New regulations around primary providers
Recent changes to primary care funding in BC mean that, going forward, it’s important that patients book appointments with their designated provider.
Patients who have been with Wesmed since the beginning, will have Dr. Joubert as their primary provider.
Recently, Dr. Matt Madsen decided not to continue in family practice, and will be focusing his career on emergency and urgent care medicine. Nurse Practitioner Lisa Corsie in our clinic has agreed to assume the role of primary care provider for Dr. Madsen’s patients. We notified all affected patients of this change through a message in their patient portal.
As of March 1, 2026, in keeping with the new rules, going forward, our patient portal will only allow patients to book regular appointments with their primary provider. Existing bookings are not affected by this change.
There are a few exceptions to the rules:
In ensuring that you continue to get the best possible care we can offer, urgent appointment slots (the red emergency appointment button on the patient portal) will provide you with the first available provider in our clinic - whether they are your primary provider or not. We kindly ask that you do not abuse this option as a way to reach a different provider.
Women’s health matters (pap tests, contraception, menopause care, vaginal concerns, etc.) can be booked with NP Lisa Corsie if you prefer a female provider.
Men’s health matters (prostate concerns, erectile dysfunction, testosterone-related concerns, etc.) can be booked with Dr. Joubert if you prefer a male provider.
Mental Health Support
Wesmed welcomes social worker, Jodi Tung, as part of our care team for mental health support. Jodi is a qualified and very experienced professional social worker. You can read more about Jodi here. Counselling with Jodi is free to all Wesmed patients. She is bookable on our patient portal under the new mental health section. Jodi is available for both in-person and video appointments. We encourage you to book with Jodi for your counselling needs.
Clearing the perceptions around nurse practitioners and social workers
Nurse Practitioners (NP) are not to be confused with other types of nurses. They are qualified professional primary care providers. NPs can prescribe medications, order and interpret blood tests and imaging, and manage the full range of common primary care concerns. In practical terms, an NP can do everything a family doctor can do except surgery.
Modern social work has evolved from mainly crisis intervention, into a frontline profession focused on counselling, mental health support and helping people navigate complex life challenges with practical resources and compassionate care. Caring for one's mind is just as important as caring for the body, and mental health support is a vital part of 21st-century healthcare.
We are a teaching clinic
Wesmed is proud to be a teaching clinic. We highly value medical education and the training of our next generation of providers. From time to time, you may see medical students, residents, NP students, or international physicians working with our team. These individuals are closely supervised, and your care remains our top priority. You are always welcome to let us know if you prefer not to have a candidate involved in your visit.
Support for more labs
Our clinic now aligns with all labs in Penticton and surrounding areas, so your lab requisitions can be completed at the location that works best for you. Here are common booking options: