In New Brunswick today, many residents struggle to find a family physician because of physician shortages and high demand. According to health system data, tens of thousands of New Brunswickers lack a regular primary care provider. A 2024 election report estimated that around 160,000 people in NB do not have a family doctor or nurse practitioner.
Here’s how to navigate the system in 2025 — steps, tips, and realistic expectations.
The main route now is the NB Health Link registry, which replaced the older “Patient Connect NB” registry. Through this program, you register your name and contact information to be matched with an available family doctor or nurse practitioner.
When you register, you may also be offered appointments with providers in the NB Health Link network while waiting for a regular provider. This helps bridge gaps in access to primary care.
You can contact your local health region office or local medical society to inquire whether physicians in your area are accepting new patients. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of New Brunswick also maintains a public directory of licensed physicians — it may help you see which doctors are practicing near you and whether they have open practices.
Note: Many practices are full or have long waiting lists.
If you haven’t secured a family doctor yet, walk-in clinics or nurse practitioner–led clinics serve as alternatives. These clinics often accept patients without a rostered provider and can handle basic care, prescriptions, and referrals. Over time, some of these clinics may transition patients into long-term care arrangements.
Word of mouth helps. Ask friends, neighbours, coworkers, or community groups if they know doctors accepting new patients. Sometimes practices open up slots when someone moves or retires.
Because demand is high and supply is constrained, registration and matching may take time. Wait periods vary by region. The health registry may assign you to a provider outside your immediate area. While waiting, use NB Health Link’s interim services or walk-in clinics.
If your address, phone number, or situation changes (e.g. you move), update the registry. Otherwise, you may miss being matched to a provider. Keep an eye out for calls or messages after registration.
A family physician (or sometimes a nurse practitioner) is your primary contact for regular care: preventive checkups, management of chronic conditions, referrals to specialists, vaccinations, prescriptions, and general health guidance. They coordinate your health across multiple needs.
A significant share of NB residents currently lack a family doctor, placing pressure on emergency departments and walk-in clinics.
Access isn’t evenly distributed — rural zones often have fewer available providers, so you may need to travel or accept a provider farther away.
Even with registration, same-day or next-day appointments may not always be available.
Some practices “close to new patients” or prioritize their existing roster before accepting more.
Register with NB Health Link immediately — this is the primary pathway.
Check local physician directories or medical society listings to identify nearby doctors.
Use walk-in clinics or NP clinics in the interim.
Ask community members about doctors accepting patients.
Stay patient and persistent — the system is strained, but persistence pays off.
Having a family doctor matters — it improves continuity, preventive care, and coordination. Start early and follow up.
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational and general guidance purposes. It is based on known New Brunswick health system practices as of 2025. Policies, provider availability, wait times, and registry operations may change; always confirm with official provincial health sources.
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