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.

Achievements

Gathering to Strengthen Relationships and Share Rural Perspectives

The annual in-person Network of Rural Divisions gathering created a space to strengthen relationships, reflect on shared successes and challenges, and explore common priorities for rural physicians, communities, and Divisions. The event centred connection before content, reaffirming that trust and relationships are the foundation of effective rural health systems.

On the second day, the gathering welcomed Josie Osborne, Minister of Health; Debra Toporowski, Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Health; Kevin Brown, Executive Director, Physician Services and Co‑Chair of the Joint Standing Committee on Rural Issues (JSC); Kelly McQuillan, Executive Director, Primary Care Planning and Implementation Oversight; Ally Butler, Assistant Deputy Minister, Health Services Integration Division and Co‑Chair of the Family Practice Services Committee (FPSC); and Carolyn Rudden, Director of Rural Physician Services and Vice Co‑Chair of the JSC. Together, the group shared a dialogue focused on rural healthcare priorities and opportunities for collaboration.

A key theme throughout the gathering was rural generalism—recognizing its unique value, understanding its role in community well‑being, and identifying ways to better support generalist expertise in rural and remote settings. Minister Osborne acknowledged the need to reduce inequities and reaffirmed her commitment to building strong, ongoing relationships with rural partners.

The Network looks forward to continuing these discussions and supporting the innovative work emerging in communities across the province. As one participant reflected, “Rural isn’t a deficit — it’s a place of innovation.”

Trusted Partners in Rural Collaboration

The Network continued to strengthen its role as a trusted partner and connector within the rural health system. This year, they were invited by Family Practice Services Committee (FPSC) partners to host focus groups on the new payment model, along with revisions to the inpatient care program and the measurement and monitoring framework. These sessions ensured rural perspectives were clearly represented in each process.

The Network also provided input to the FPSC Divisions Learning Session (DLS) and worked closely with partners to enhance the design and facilitation of collaborative meetings. Through this work, the Network continues to serve as the relational backbone of rural health collaboration in BC, helping to keep rural voices central in provincial dialogue and decision‑making.

Explore the numbers

10 early morning sessions

In 2025, the Network hosted ten 7 am sessions, bringing together 59 health leaders from 20 Divisions, RCCbc, and Doctors of BC. Together, they dedicated more than 280 hours to collaborative discussion and shared problem‑solving.

7 Lunch and Learn Sessions

The Network hosted seven Lunch & Learn sessions, bringing together 44 members and physician leaders to explore rural care pathways, virtual support through RTVS Peer Pathways, and updates on the Rural Voices initiative, RCME program, and FPSC frameworks.

50 Participants

In May 2025, 50 participants and partners from RCCbc, Doctors of BC, JSC, and FPSC came together to strengthen relationships and rand renew the shared commitment to rural collaboration and system transformation.

Making a Difference

“Leading with connection and relationships builds the trust that sustains our work. At our in‑person gathering, Minister of Health Josie Osborne joined a circle that included dog parents, beekeepers, “try‑athletes”, aspiring grandparents, and one self‑proclaimed “excellent husband.” The value that came out of that meeting was immeasurable.”

Dr. Sari Cooper, FPSC Co‑Chair

Plans for the Future

The Network of Rural Divisions will continue to provide space for rural Divisions to connect, strengthen relationships, and share insights with system partners. In 2026, alongside quarterly opportunities for Divisions to engage with FPSC and JSC leadership, the Network will explore establishing a rural perspectives table to inform policy, program, and funding decisions, ensuring that rural and edge community voices remain central throughout the process.

Building on this momentum, the Network will work with partners to understand the conditions that support true co‑creation of rural solutions that are grounded in local expertise and built to last. They will continue evolving from simply holding space to becoming a trusted convener, relationship steward, and problem‑solving partner, while maintaining the integrity of a collaborative relationship with the Ministry of Health.

In May 2026, the Network will again bring together Division of Family Practice leaders and system partners to deepen relationships, celebrate successes, explore shared challenges, and identify common priorities that advance rural physicians and communities across BC.