Supports for rural physicians: We want to hear from you
What can RCCbc do to improve and increase supports for rural physicians?
Dr. Kirstie Overhill, the Rural Coordination Centre of BC’s (RCCbc) lead for mentorship, would like to start a discussion about the types of physician support(s) that exist so that attendees are cognizant of the breadth and depth of discussion that will be taking place in Penticton.
“We know that [physicians] want to support each other,” says Overhill, “but we need to understand the different ways of doing it, and what might be the best approach to take under certain circumstances. We don’t necessarily have a good understanding of physician support at this point.”
Overhill has drafted a discussion document, “Support programs for rural physicians, including mentorship” (PDF – download it now) that defines several types of physician supports, including:
- mentorship (formal and informal)
- peer support
- coaching
- leadership
- counseling
- role modelling
- educational programs
She invites all physicians to review “Support programs for rural physicians, including mentorship” and to weigh in with comments, suggestions, opinions, and anecdotes to help shape the discussion that will take place at the 2014 RECC conference. Please forward your comments to Sharon Mah, Communications Manager.
Provincial Group
A provincial Rural Mentorship Committee – consisting of health authority members, educators, and rural practitioners – is being stewarded and co-chaired by Ms. Kelly Gunn and Dr. Geoff Payne of the Northern Health Authority.
