Keeping families well for over 75 years
Welcome to our North Burnaby medical clinic, with family doctors providing primary health care for all ages
Norburn Medical Centre is a group of family doctors who provide full-service medical care to patients living in North Burnaby, Metro Vancouver and beyond. Our patients run the entire age spectrum from babies to centenarians. More about Our Medical Clinic →
**We are not a walk-in clinic**
A range of services is available, including obstetrical care, medical acupuncture, minor procedures, and childhood immunizations. Find out more about our Medical Services →
Notice to Patients
No notices currently
Medical Clinic Telephone Hours
Hours:
Monday – Friday – 8:00 a.m. – 5: 00 p.m.
Saturday/Sunday – Closed
Please note we are closed on all Statutory Holidays, including Easter Monday and Boxing Day.
Phone: (604) 299-2677
Fax: 604-298-6656
Medical Clinic Appointments
Services at our Medical Clinic
The staff physicians at Norburn Medical offer various medical services for the whole family. We provide medical care right from infancy, and throughout the lifecycle. Learn about our medical services →
All Ages Primary Health Care
Maternity & Obstetrical
Preventive Medicine
Minor Surgeries
Other Therapies
Supportive Counselling & Palliative Care
History Timeline
Did you know that Norburn Medical has been around for over 75 years? Interested in our history, including that of the North Burnaby landmark our office is in? Travel back in time with our History Timeline. Full Timeline →
1926: the Regent Building is Born
On a chilly Friday night during the height of the Roaring Twenties, Famous Players opened the impressive Regent Theatre on Hastings Street in burgeoning North Burnaby. It was January 8th, 1926 when the first moviegoers arrived at the new edifice. Due to dwindling attendance, which has been attributed to the popularity of a new home-based medium called television, the theatre closed its doors in 1957, and the building was sold in 1958. Decades later, the building existed as a grocery retail outlet when a restoration project was begun. By 2010, the restoration had progressed to the point that the building’s current brick facade was in place.
1946: The Birth of Medical Associates
Medical Associates originated in February 1946 when Dr Gerald L. Smith opened an office for the practice of Medicine and Surgery at 3915 East Hastings Street, North Burnaby, BC. In July 1946, Dr John F. Arthur joined Dr Smith in a partnership. They had been roommates for a brief period in 1935 while at medical college in Winnipeg and had met again in Vancouver in 1940 when Dr Smith examined Dr Arthur at a recruiting centre for entry as a Service Medical Officer in the Canadian Military. The two had been in touch frequently during the war when they were both Service Medical Officers in the R.C.A.F.
Canadian Pacific Railway contract
During the partnership, Medical Associates had a Canadian Pacific Railway contract to attend to employees in North Burnaby. For this contract the doctors received the grand sum of $50 per month, plus four rail passes per year to anywhere in Canada. Dr Arthur had an arrangement to carry out three VD clinics a week and Dr Smith was the Medical Director of the BC Government Employees Medical Service for 10 years. The doctors kept up with these agreements for many years since only 10% of patients had medical insurance at that time and Social Assistance and Old Age Pensioners only received 50% reimbursement for medical appointments.
1949: Dr William Lovegrove joins
In 1949 Dr William Lovegrove joined the partnership but maintained his practice at this office on Renfrew Street tin Vancouver for several months. During 1946 – 1952, prior to the opening of the Burnaby General Hospital, hospital beds were few and may patients with Heart Failure, Pneumonia, Rheumatic Fever, and assorted medical problems were looked after at home with house calls. During the Influenza epidemics it was not unusual for the physicians to have 6-9 home calls to do in an evening.
Early 1950s: Obstetrics became a large part of the practice
Obstetrics became a large part of the practice during the late 40’s and early 50’s, the era of the “Baby Boom”. During that period, it was usual for the three doctors to deliver 250 babies per year. Dr Arthur who had an interest and special skills in Obstetrics, delivered the most maternities. Dr Lovegrove was more inclined to the medical side, whereas Dr Smith was interested in surgical, so they had a pleasant collaboration. The doctors worked 60 hours a week and all had young families, devoted and helpful wives and some time for relaxation. In 1950, they hired a full-time Laboratory Technician and although space was very restricted, they found the Technician a great aid both for the doctors and for patients, as the closest lab was in central Vancouver or one of the hospitals.
Learning Centre
Our resource section offers information from a list of healthcare resources that are designed for your overall well-being. As well as preventative health care tips for a long and healthy lifestyle. View Our Resources →
Learning Centre
Online Medical Resources
Healthy Lifestyle
Healthy Eating
Maternity & Newborn Care
