BC Rural Health Conference & Awards

The annual British Columbia (BC) Rural Health Conference (RHC) creates an intimate learning space for new and veteran rural physicians and allied health professionals to network, share knowledge, and update and learn new skills. During the conference, RCCbc presents the BC Rural Health Awards to recognize and honour rural doctors and communities for their inspiring contributions to improving the health of rural British Columbians. The conference is planned and executed in collaboration with the University of British Columbia Continuing Professional Development and funded by the Joint Standing Committee on Rural Issues.

The RCCbc team at BC RHC 2023 in Whistler, BC

“A "must attend" for me each year. My people! 😊”

BC RHC 2023 attendee

Achievements

Rural Health Conference success in Whistler

The 2023 BC Rural Health Conference (RHC) was hosted on the unceded traditional territories of the Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and Lilwat7úl (Lil’wat) Nations, also known as Whistler, BC, from June 2-4, 2023.  A sold-out crowd of close to 400 attendees (participants, speakers, exhibitors and staff) enjoyed the conference filled with rural relevant CME, networking opportunities and wellness activities.  

Awards recognized rural health stars

RCCbc’s Rural Health Awards were presented at RHC. We were pleased to recognize Drs Charles Helm, David May, Robert Fox and Trina Larsen-Soles as our Lifetime Achievement recipients. The BC Rural Community Award was presented to the District of Sicamous.

The Lifetime Achievement award is given to a BC rural physician to recognize an extraordinary body of work and service provided over the span of a career. The BC Rural Community award is given to one BC RSA community to recognize the work being done to support local rural healthcare service delivery.

Read the backgrounder about the 2023 BC Rural Health Award winners and watch the award videos.

Explore the numbers

400 Attendees

Close to 400 attendees (participants, speakers, exhibitors and staff) enjoyed the RHC.

4 Awards

Four Rural Health Awards across two categories were given out.

44 Sessions

RHC attendees had the opportunity to choose from more than 40 rurally relevant sessions.

Making a Difference

Media Backgrounder: 2023 BC Rural Health Award Winners

Media Release: 2023 BC Rural Health Award Winners

Plans for the Future

RHC will return to Whistler from May 24–26, at the Whistler Conference Centre. At the event, we will be presenting our Lifetime Achievement and Community awards, as well as a new category – the Resident Leadership Award.”