Network of Rural Divisions

The Network of Rural Divisions fosters collaboration among Divisions of Family Practice serving RSA (Rural and Remote) communities. By creating safe, inclusive, and respectful spaces for discussion, the Network ensures rural physicians and Division leadership have a voice in shaping healthcare programs, policies, and funding models. Through regular meetings, peer learning opportunities, and direct engagement with system partners, the Network supports relationship-building, innovation, and rural equity in healthcare.

“I just have to say, this continues to be one of my favourite meetings. Getting to spend 7am with all of you, having these conversations that matter for and impact rural—what a wonderful way to start the day.”

Physician Lead

Achievements

Strengthening Rural Physician and Division Leadership Engagement

At a time when many feel grassroots voices are diminishing in healthcare decision-making, the Network continues to hold space for rural Divisions to inform future directions and programs.

By intentionally creating opportunities for connection in a space that feels safe, respectful, and inclusive, the Network supports the bidirectional flow of information with, and conversations between, Divisions and system partners.

Relationships are key to creating strong foundations to move important work forward. Building on the success of the Network’s 7am meetings, and the curious, authentic connections at the annual in-person gathering, a quarterly meeting invitation has been extended to Doctors of BC (DoBC) representatives from the Family Practice Services Committee (FPSC) and Joint Standing Committee on Rural Issues (JSC). This allows for the development and strengthening of relationship and supports the engagement of rural physicians and Divisions in the creation of new programs and funding models, most recently the discussion focused on the development of the comprehensive care payment, which is meant to complement the LFP (Longitudinal Family Physician) funding model and support rural equity.

Building Community Through Regular Connection

Members of the Network continue to express that the 7am connections are one of meetings that they most look forward to.

These early-morning conversations foster deep connections and shared learning among Divisions, physicians, and system partners, along with space to identify opportunities for innovation, alignment, and increased rural equity.

The annual in-person gathering in June 2024 built on this success, offering two days of discussion, relationship-building, and strategic planning.

Explore the numbers

11 7am meetings

During 2024, the Network held 11 7am meetings, engaging 65 health leaders across 20 Divisions, RCCbc, and DoBC, totalling 311 hours of collaborative discussion.

10 Lunch and Learn Sessions

The Network held 10 lunch & learn sessions, bringing together 40 Network members, plus physician leaders and staff to learn about pathways to care and new rural equity-focused models.

53 Healthcare leaders

53 healthcare leaders from across 20 Divisions of Family Practice joined the 2 day annual in-person gathering in June 2024.

Making a Difference

“The relationships built through these conversations are key to moving important work forward. The ability to engage directly with rural divisions and system partners allows us to create meaningful change.”

Network Participant

Plans for the Future

The Network of Rural Divisions will continue to foster space for rural Divisions to connect, build relationships, and inform system partners. Quarterly engagement with DoBC representatives from the FPSC and JSC will continue in 2025, ensuring ongoing collaboration on rural-focused funding models and healthcare programs.

The Network’s annual in-person gathering will take place again in May 2025.