Great news for Colwood residents: a fourth family physician joined the Colwood Clinic team this summer, bringing international medical training, a strong commitment to community-based care, and a deep interest in improving access to primary health care.
Dr. Swathi Ravinuthala was born in Ireland and grew up in Newfoundland before studying medicine at the Medical University of Lublin in Poland.
As a family physician, Dr. Swathi will be part of a growing team focused on connecting Colwood residents with primary care close to home.
“I was drawn to the Colwood Clinic model because it is a real attempt to find a solution to the lack of accessibility to primary care,” said Dr. Swathi. “I love being around problem solvers and people who want to find solutions.”
Dr. Swathi feels deeply aligned with the Clinic’s mission and the clinic team’s patient-centred approach.
“They care, and they care deeply,” she said. “The lens through which all problems are viewed is focused on how we can benefit our patients and how we can support them in the best way possible.”
Her areas of interest include health inequities, medical teaching, dermatology, and sexual health. She describes herself as naturally curious and looks forward to contributing to the development of the clinic alongside the Colwood medical team.
Beyond the clinic, Dr. Swathi says Colwood’s natural beauty, amenities, and mild coastal weather helped make the move feel like the right fit. Her first impressions of Colwood, the West Shore, Victoria, and Vancouver Island have been entirely positive.
“There’s such a great culture around engaging with and protecting nature here that I want to learn from,” she said. “I really value nature and community — they’re crucial for our well-being — and I look forward to delving into what the Island has to offer.”
About the Colwood Clinic
The City of Colwood opened the Colwood Clinic in January 2025 to help address the need for family physicians in the community. With a population of approximately 23,000 people, Colwood found itself without a single family physician offering care in the community. When 69 per cent of Colwood residents identified having a family doctor as their highest priority in the 2023 Life in Colwood Survey, Colwood Council took action.
Colwood Council and staff worked with the Ministry of Health, Island Health, and other partners to establish a municipal health care model. The City leases clinic space and recruits family physicians as municipal employees, with doctor and clinic staff salaries funded by provincial revenues through the Ministry of Health.
The model is designed to support doctors as part of a collaborative team, allowing physicians to focus on patient care while the City manages clinic administration. The approach offers physicians a supportive work environment with a focus on well-being, team-based practice, and community impact.
Colwood residents who need a family doctor should ensure they are registered with the BC Health Connect Registry to be considered for attachment to the Colwood Clinic as capacity becomes available. Get all the details at www.colwoodclinic.ca
Media Contact
Sandra Russell, Manager of Communications & Engagement
srussell@colwood.ca
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