Rural Locums Initiative

The Rural Locums Initiative centralizes and shares information and resources among locums. It also enhances supports to ensure more physicians are comfortably incorporated into the locum pool.  The availability of this pool supports recruitment, retention, and resilience in rural British Columbia.

Achievements

Increased remuneration

In 2023, the project advocated for increased remuneration for rural locums. This helps rural sites remain competitive in the recruitment of locums in an ever-changing landscape.

Information gathering

2023 saw ethics approval and continued work on a province-wide study of locum access in mid-sized rural communities as an extension of a pilot study completed in 2022. The original study, focusing on Campbell River and Comox, looked at access to locum coverage in rural communities not covered by Locums for Rural BC, especially with respect to time away for parental leave. 

New Opportunities

Provided opportunities to learners interested in locuming in rural BC for further immersive experience through the Resident-Locum Matching Program. 

Partnership Work

In 2023 the initiative worked with the JSC Subcommittee on locum issues to discuss compensation, recruitment, and retention. Additional collaboration with REAP continues to address issues regarding student travel and accommodation offsets for resident electives.

Plans for the Future

For 2024 the Rural Locum Initiative plans to complete a study of locum access in mid-sized communities and publish the results. 

During the BC Rural Health Conference in May 2024, the initiative will host a Rural Locum Gathering, providing space to connect with peers and those interested in learning more about rural locuming. Looking ahead to 2025, the project anticipates a relaunch of the Rural Locum Forum with planning beginning in 2024. The Rural Locum Forum is designed as an opportunity to bring people together to discuss issues and opportunities related to working in locum environments.

Team Members

Click on a team member to explore which other projects they have contributed to in the past year.

Ezekial Steve

Lead, Rural Locums Initiative

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