The Vancouver Clinic

In 1936, Dr. John Brougher, a gynecologist, invited Dr. Frank Boersma, a family practitioner, to join him in his practice. The two provided medical care to the local community from an office in downtown Vancouver. To expand their thriving practice, they were joined by a surgeon in 1937 and a pediatrician in 1939. The group selected The Vancouver Medical and Surgical Center as a name for their practice. The name was officially shortened to The Vancouver Clinic in 1941, and Vancouver Clinic in 2018. Vancouver Clinic expanded steadily, adding both clinicians and patients. The clinic outgrew its original office suite, as well as its own building created in 1956. It also outgrew additions to that property and the space available at four houses purchased in the vicinity. In 1978, with between 25 and 40 new patients joining the clinic each day, the clinic found itself at a crossroads. Vancouver Clinic leaders responded by building a substantially larger facility close to PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center. That building on 87th Avenue became the largest facility for private practice in the county.