Sustaining Pediatrics in Rural & Underserved Communities (SPRUCe)

Sustaining Pediatrics in Rural and Underserved Communities (SPRUCe) is a network that connects community pediatric providers with an interest in supporting and sustaining excellence in pediatric care in rural and remote communities across British Columbia. The goal of SPRUCe is to support those providing rural pediatric care so that provider care gaps are filled, education and mentorship supports are available, and pediatrics residents have a mechanism for exposure to rural pediatric practice and contact with rural pediatricians.

Rural pediatricians, pediatrics residents and UBC Pediatrics faculty at the SPRUCe Social in October, 2025

Achievements

Advocacy Through Data

SPRUCe continued to elevate rural pediatric advocacy through a data-driven initiative that highlights the realities of physician distribution across British Columbia. Two medical students, now pediatrics residents, partnered with the network to analyze publicly available MSP billing data and quantify disparities in pediatrician availability between rural and urban communities. Building on this foundation, SPRUCe collaborated with the General Rural Internal Medicine (GRIM) Network and another student to broaden the analysis to include General Internal Medicine and Psychiatry. Together, they created a province-wide snapshot of how generalist and specialist availability affects rural families.

The findings were incorporated into a manuscript submitted to the BC Medical Journal (published January 2026), providing credible, evidence-based data to support workforce planning and advocacy. By clearly demonstrating gaps in specialist and generalist access, this project has strengthened SPRUCe’s role in informing policy discussions, guiding system-level improvements, and supporting better health outcomes for children and families in rural communities.

Expanding POCUS Training for Rural Pediatricians

Building on the success of their first pediatric-focused ultrasound training, SPRUCe partnered with the UBC Hands-On Ultrasound Education (HOUSE) team to deliver a second point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) course designed for rural pediatric practice. Recognizing that cost can be a major barrier to professional development, SPRUCe successfully secured a $10,000 SPIFI grant through RCCbc to support current trainees and pediatricians new to rural practice in participating with the POCUS course.

The course drew a diverse group of learners, including International Medical Graduates training in pediatrics and pediatricians serving or supporting communities such as Campbell River, Prince George, Terrace, and Fort St. John. Evaluation results showed marked increases in participant confidence, skill, and safe integration of ultrasound into daily practice. By equipping rural pediatricians with this critical diagnostic tool, the initiative is helping improve timely, high-quality care for children and families in under-resourced settings.

Elevating Rural Pediatric Voices Across BC

Over the past year, SPRUCe has strengthened its presence as a trusted voice for rural pediatric care across the province. The network’s collaboration and leadership were recognized in several provincial and academic forums, including participation in the UBC Department of Pediatrics meeting, where Dr. Melissa Paquette presented on behalf of CHARLiE. SPRUCe also contributed to the Department’s Strategic Plan working group focused on expanding capacity for high-quality, equitable care, as well as the UBC Pediatrics Rural Working Group, which supports residents exploring rural pediatric practice.

In late 2025, SPRUCe partnered on a UBC Medicine Strategic Investment Plan application led by Drs. Brett Schrewe and Laura Sauvé. This work brings together data, resources, and mapping efforts with partners such as Child Health BC, the Department of Pediatrics, and CHARLiE/RTVS to inform the development of a provincial child health strategy.

Explore the numbers

3 CME Sessions

During 2025, SPRUCe hosted three accredited virtual CME sessions.

13 Pediatricians

A total of 13 pediatricians took part in a meeting to discuss ongoing challenges in rural practice and to help guide SPRUCe’s direction and provincial priorities.

12 HOUSE Participants

In November 2025, a group of twelve pediatricians attended the HOUSE Pediatric course, with seven receiving support through the SPIFI grant to travel to Vancouver.

2 Research Posters

Two posters supported by SPRUCe were presented at the 2025 BC Rural Health Conference in Prince George.

Project Partnerships

In 2025, SPRUCe continued to build strong partnerships across the province to advance equitable access to pediatric care in rural and underserved communities. Ongoing collaboration with the General Rural Internal Medicine (GRIM) Network supported provincial workforce mapping and MSP data analysis, helping identify current and emerging gaps in specialist services.

The network also worked alongside the UBC HOUSE team to deliver the pediatric point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) course, supported through the SPIFI grant. Close engagement with CHARLiE strengthened connections between pediatric and child health specialists through joint presentations and shared initiatives within the UBC Department of Pediatrics, including participation in the Rural Pediatrics Working Group and the Strategic Plan: Capacity for High-Quality, Equitable Care Working Group.

SPRUCe further expanded its collaboration with Child Health BC, contributing to data consolidation for the UBC Medicine Strategic Investment Plan application. Through the BC Rural Health Conference and the BC Pediatric Society Annual Conference, the network deepened relationships with community partners and resident leaders, supporting the next generation of rural pediatricians. Collectively, these partnerships amplified SPRUCe’s provincial presence and strengthened its role in shaping rural child health planning and advocacy.

Making a Difference

The second annual SPRUCe Social brought together rural pediatricians, residents, and partners for an informal, in-person gathering centered on connection and community. What began as a casual meet-up quickly became a meaningful reminder of the strong network SPRUCe has fostered. Pediatricians from across the province shared experiences of practicing in rural and remote settings, sharing stories of isolation, creativity, and resilience. For younger clinicians and trainees, it was a valuable opportunity to connect with colleagues who understand the unique realities of rural practice and are eager to offer support.

The event highlighted an important truth: connection sustains care. By creating space for rural pediatricians to come together, share experiences, and feel seen, SPRUCe continues to strengthen its foundation and reaffirm its vision as a supportive, province-wide community grounded in shared purpose.

Dr. Pam Newman, a pediatrician working in Terrace, BC, also spoke to the value of taking part in the pediatric-focused HOUSE course alongside other pediatricians working in rural and remote communities across BC:

Plans for the Future

In 2026, SPRUCe will continue advancing their work to strengthen pediatric care in rural British Columbia through the development and implementation of the rural Pediatric Enhanced Education Program (rPEEP). This new initiative will formalize a structured rural pediatric curriculum, expand clinical learning experiences, and foster stronger mentorship connections between early-career pediatricians and those already practicing in rural settings. By supporting physicians who are new to practice or new to practice in BC, rPEEP aims to build long-term recruitment and retention capacity across rural and northern communities.

SPRUCe is also collaborating with two pediatrics residents on a manuscript examining the distribution of pediatricians relative to the pediatric population across each Health Service Delivery Area (HSDA). This research will provide a clearer understanding of pediatric care capacity in BC and help identify areas with the greatest need for support.

Building on past successes, SPRUCe will revitalize its approach to connecting newly graduated pediatrics residents with rural communities seeking recurring locum coverage. Feedback from previous participants highlights the impact of the 2020 SPRUCe match in linking physicians with communities requiring care — many continue to return to places like Comox and Terrace to provide ongoing locum support.

In partnership with CHARLiE, SPRUCe has also submitted an expression of interest to participate in a Compassionate Leadership cohort for rural pediatricians and CHARLiE providers. Looking ahead, SPRUCe will begin planning for another HOUSE-Pediatrics course in 2027 to further strengthen pediatric skills and collaboration in rural practice.