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.

Due to rapid growth, The Vancouver Clinic grew steadily both in numbers of patients and in providers. 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 of decision.

The Vancouver Clinic leaders responded by building a substantially larger facility close by the Southwest Washington Medical Center. The building on 87th Avenue became the largest facility for private practice in the county. Today with two hospitals in the community (Legacy Salmon Creek Hospital opened in 2005), the Clinic has a major facility directly across the street from each hospital.

The Vancouver Clinic today is the largest private multi-specialty clinic in Clark County. Approximately 175 physicians work at the Clinic, as well as nearly 300 other licensed professionals, including medical assistants, nurses, nurse-midwives, physical therapists, and allied health professionals.

Current specialties practiced at the Clinic include Allergy/Immunology, Audiology, Cardiology, Dermatology, Endocrinology, ENT, Family Medicine, Gastroenterology, Hematology, Infectious Diseases, Internal Medicine, Maternal Fetal Medicine, Nephrology, Neurology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Occupational Medicine, Oncology, Orthopedics, Pathology, Pediatrics, Physical Therapy, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Podiatry, Pulmonology, Radiology, Rheumatology, Same Day Services, Sleep Medicine, Sports Medicine, Surgery and Urology.

With some 800 employees overall, The Vancouver Clinic is one of the largest private employers in the region and a powerhouse for the local economy. In 2003, its annual payroll topped $45 million.

The Vancouver Clinic has continued building facilities and adding services throughout the county to serve the rapidly growing population and to remain the region's top private source of healthcare services. Its reputation and dedication for healthcare excellence and collegiality has aided its growth by attracting top-quality providers from around the nation.