Global Strategic Partnership with The Network: Towards Unity for Health

The Global Strategic Partnership with The Network: Towards Unity for Health aims to build on RCCbc’s shared success as co-hosts of the Towards Unity for Health 2022 conference and ensure an enduring legacy for both networks through ongoing close collaboration.

TUFH is an international, intersectoral, and intergenerational organization that fosters equitable community-oriented health services, education, and research, with the goal of improving health both locally and globally. This partnership aligns with RCCbc’s mission and expands its reach in the global health community.

“Our two organizations have clearly emerged from more than just scientific ideas or methods – they embody a genuine commitment to people. What I have learned… is that few people and organizations truly live by the principle of keeping the community at the centre.”

Richard Colbran, CEO of Rural Doctors Network

Achievements

RCCbc at the Ubuntu 2024 Conference

The RCCbc team were grateful to attend the 2024 TUFH Conference in Cape Town, South Africa. The group in attendance included six staff members, six members of RCCbc physician leadership, and two Indigenous partners.

During the conference, the team presented on a number of aspects of RCCbc principles and programing, including:

Co-presenting a workshop on the Partnership Pentagram in Action with the Rural Doctors Network (RDN), and a presentation on the power of partnership by Dr. Ray Markham and his RDN counterpart, Richard Colbran. The latter was highlighted in the closing ceremony as a perfect example of the TUFH ethos. Read more here.
RCCbc shared an exhibitor booth with RDN, and signed a Memorandum of Agreement during the conference. Read more about the ongoing partnership.

Partnership with Rural Doctors Network

During 2024, the RCCbc team co-hosted two Learning Sessions with the Rural Doctors Network, attended by ~15 people from each organization. The sessions were an opportunity for co-sharing and learning around topics of the Partnership Pentagram, understanding our shared colonial history, and reconciliation in action.

Two Australian medical students also visited Canada to undertake a medical placement with Dr. Ray Markham. During their visit, they met members of the larger RCCbc network and attended the Compassionate Leadership Gathering in September.

Co-leadership of TUFH Rural & Remote Community of Practice

TUFH hosts a Global Communities of Practice platform for experts to dialogue and collaborate on projects. This platform provides members the opportunity to share projects, initiate collaborations, and communicate within and across global regions.

In 2024, RCCbc began the co-development of a Rural and Remote Community of Practice within TUFH, in partnership with The National Center for Rural Health Professions, the Rural Doctors Network, and Rural Wonca.

The Community of Practice is working on publishing Global Competency Standards for Health Workers and courses. It is hoped this work will result in more of the health workforce gaining Remote and Rural Health competency.

Explore the numbers

14 Attendees

RCCbc arranged for 14 people to attend TUFH in 2024, including six staff members, six members of RCCbc physician leadership, and two Indigenous partners.

10 Sessions & Workshops

Members of the RCCbc team spoke at 10 sessions during the 2024 TUFH conference, including co-presenting a workshop on the Partnership Pentagram.

Plans for the Future

In 2025, the team will continue to develop RCCbc’s partnership with the Rural Doctors Network through a continuation of learning sessions, TUFH Rural and Remote Community of Practice, and an exploration of other opportunities for collaboration.

The BC node of TUFH Global Exchange For Health program will also be launched in 2025, linking the international TUFH community with partner communities in northern BC. This program is currently in co-development with Takla Lake First Nation and Carrier Sekani Family Services.