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.

The Rural Locum Social Gathering at the BC Rural Health Conference, 2024

Achievements

Hosted a Rural Locums Social Gathering

During the 2024 BC Rural Health Conference in Whistler, the Rural Locum Initiative hosted a gathering for rural BC locums, recent medical graduates, experienced physicians and rural leaders to connect in-person.

The social event proved popular with 55 pre-registrations, plus additional attendees on the day. This space provided an opportunity for locums to share their experiences and connect with those interested in exploring opportunities to locum in rural and remote communities in BC.

Collaborated with Provincial Partners

During 2024, project members worked with JCC and Ministry of Health colleagues on the development of a Provincial Locum Program.

The team also collaborated with Emergency Care BC in the development of their Rural ED Locum Program, which is now the Emergency Physician Response Team.