Stories

Tenacious rural family physician praises training after going from ultrasound novice to ultrasound star

Learn how Dr. Ioana Lupu, one only of two family physicians supporting the ER in the community of Fort Nelson, revolutionized patient care using point of care ultrasound during the COVID-19 pandemic. Expressing gratitude for her acquired skills, Dr. Lupu aspires to extend training opportunities to physicians in rural and remote hospitals for enhanced medical proficiency.

Rural Divisions of Family Practice Meet with SFU Medical School

Input from rural physicians is being sought for SFU’s new medical school. The consultation has already got underway, with members of the Network of Rural Divisions group underscoring the importance of placing medical students in rural communities during a recent meeting of the network with the interim dean and vice-dean of the new school, Drs Roger and Sarah Strasser.

MaBAL pathway gives rural providers just-in-time support for maternity cases

Real-Time Virtual Support (RTVS) is giving rural communities more equitable access to maternity and delivery services and helping rural providers feel supported along the way. The Maternity and Babies Advice Line (MaBAL) was launched in August 2020. It is a 24/7 support line for rural providers who want to talk to Family Doctors with perinatal care experience

Notes on Thriving: How to say no

In this installment, Dr. Tandi Wilkinson explores the importance of learning to say no or yes intentionally and in alignment with our body’s wisdom. By tuning into the sensations that arise when considering a request, we can gain insight into whether our response serves and nourishes us or perpetuates unconscious patterns of behavior.

WCGH Perinatal team building through Postpartum Escape Room

The West Coast General Hospital (WCGH) Perinatal team has implemented a postpartum escape room as a team-building and skill-development initiative. Participants must solve a simulated postpartum hemorrhage scenario, and the portable and adaptable nature of the escape room allows for future use and expansion to other healthcare settings.

Notes on Thriving: The gift

Introducing “Notes on Thriving,” a new monthly wellness column from the Thriving Project. In this edition, Dr. Anna Reid shares her transition from a medical career to retirement and the impact of a traumatic incident. This experience triggered a deep emotional response, leading to a newfound urgency to process grief and embrace self-compassion, ultimately resulting in a transformative gift of vitality and a fresh start.

UBC Family Medicine Interest Group: Rural Shadow Initiative Pilot Weekend Report

The UBC Family Medicine Interest Group (FMIG) organized a new program that allowed pre-clerkship medical students to shadow rural family physicians for a weekend in March. Ten UBC students had remarkable experiences shadowing Drs. Nancy Yao, Angela Logan, and Colleen Black in Gibsons, Campbell River, and Princeton.

Notes on Thriving: About Time

Introducing “Notes on Thriving,” a monthly wellness column from the Thriving Project, aimed at supporting and enhancing the wellness of rural healthcare practitioners in British Columbia. In this installment, Dr. Tandi Wilkinson shares the importance of balancing personal interests with new opportunities and encourages others to prioritize their time by seeking input from loved ones and considering what truly matters to them.

Rural eMentorship BC broadens rural students’ horizons

The Rural eMentoring British Columbia helps rural high school students prepare for their future with the support and advice of a post-secondary student mentor. Learn about how Xzander has benefited from the Rural eMentoring British Columbia, an initiative of the Rural Education Action Plan program, by gaining insights into the university experience and diverse career paths.

Notes on Thriving: A complicated gratitude

Introducing “Notes on Thriving,” a new monthly wellness column from the Thriving Project. In this edition, Dr. Shireen Mansouri, a family physician, GP oncologist and Compassion Cultivation Teacher, bravely explains the complicated gratitudes that she developed during her 10-year treatment for breast cancer. She also shares some helpful resources for anyone suffering from trauma and in need of healing.

The Edge of Care film premieres

Healthcare in rural, remote and Indigenous communities will be under the spotlight when a new film premieres on April 12. The Edge of Care follows the story of community leaders, elders, artists, knowledge keepers, medical trainees and physicians as they work together to deliver equitable healthcare to the most remote and rural communities in British Columbia.

Research supports & funding for rural physicians

Surgeon Dr. Henry Jiang recently received a $10,000 research grant with the support of dedicated Vancouver Island rural research staff. Rural physicians can access these supports to apply for the spring intake of the same grant, due April 30.

Card showing RTVS as a Quality Award winner.

RTVS named 2023 BC Quality Award winner

Real-Time Virtual Support (RTVS) pathways have won a 2023 BC Quality Award. The virtual care pathways, that include both patient-facing and provider-facing supports, have been chosen as a Strengthening Health and Wellness winner for the 2023 awards presented by the BC Patient Safety and Quality Council.

Notes on Thriving: Grief and joy

Introducing “Notes on Thriving,” a new monthly wellness column from the Thriving Project, aimed at supporting and enhancing the wellness of rural healthcare practitioners in British Columbia. In the first installment, Dr. Tandi Wilkinson shares her personal journey with grief and joy, along with valuable resources that have helped her along the way.

RCCbc grant kickstarts virtual palliative care education for rural providers

A $10,000 grant from the Rural Coordination Centre of BC was used to help bring more awareness of best practices in palliative medicine to rural Nepal. Learn how the grant funded training forNepalese practitioners on palliative care in rural and remote areas,

Trauma case highlights critical role of Real-Time Virtual Support

It’s not every day that a rural doctor freshly out of residency is tasked with managing a critically injured patient on their own. But for new physician, Dr. Nicki Gabers, it’s definitely something she’s starting to get accustomed to.

RSON supports pediatric anesthesiologist visit

A visit from a pediatric anesthesiologist to a rural hospital site has paved the way for enhanced learning opportunities. Thanks to funding from the Rural Surgical and Obstetrical Network (RSON).

RCCbc launches new online home for rural doctors & other network partners

RCCbc is delighted to announce the launch of its new website with a fresh new look and enhanced content, navigation and functionality.

Virtual doctors and learners team up to support rural communities

An innovative collaboration between Real-Time Virtual Support (RTVS), Northern Health and on-the-ground nurses and physicians is supporting the stability of care in Fort Nelson.

New RCCbc wellness initiative aims to get rural providers thriving

The Thriving Project supports and enhances the wellness of rural healthcare providers in British Columbia. It fosters connections and builds a community of practice, which they can draw upon for learning, support, solace and inspiration.

RTVS given surge line boost

A variety of factors has led to an uptick in usage of Real-Time Virtual Support (RTVS) peer support pathways this summer – and as a result temporary funding was approved to bring in a second RUDi (emergency) physician when the on-call RUDi doctor and RTVS team face higher call volumes.

“Inspiration to generations of physicians in BC” appointed to Order of Canada

Interesting, creative character who served his community with enthusiasm, commitment and social responsibility It was these traits, among many others, that earned Dr. Granger Avery his appointment as a Member to the Order of Canada in June.

Rural critical care pathway lead joins RTVS family

Real-Time Virtual Support is extending a warm welcome to Dr. Scot Mountain, who is joining the team as a new pathway lead. The pathway has been named Rural Outreach in Critical Care and Internal Medicine (ROCCi).

Peace of mind for healthcare workers helping children

Providers in rural, remote and Indigenous communities are commending the support they are getting from Pediatricians who are members of the Real-Time Virtual Support team. The pediatric pathway – also known as CHARLiE (Child Health Advice in ReaL-Time electronically) has been especially welcomed in communities where there is no pediatric support or gaps in pediatric support.

Educational sessions help empower girls in Nepal

Girls in the Dang region of Nepal are learning about sexual and reproductive health thanks to the University of British Columbia (UBC) Nepal Sexual and Reproductive Health Education (SRHE) project, which aims to empower youth and improve the overall health of adolescents. Funded in part by the Rural Coordination Centre of BC’s (RCCbc) Rural Global Health Partnership Initiative (RGHPI).

Survey gives clearer picture of PoCUS use

Launched in the fall of 2021, the survey was designed to determine how this practice-changing, innovative technology is being used throughout the province. Surveys were sent to over 1,000 rural clinicians, who answered questions about POCUS education, how it is being used and how often, and what supports might be required to improve comfort and safety.

BC Rural Health Conference: A place to reconnect in May 2022

Rekindling ties can bring benefits to our lives. So why not take time to rekindle your rural health connections or—even better—make new ones at the 2022 BC Rural Health Conference (RHC 2022) this spring? Join the Rural Coordination Centre of BC (RCCbc) on May 13–15, 2022, for this unique and dynamic rural medicine conference.

RTVS brings much-needed support during pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact rural and remote regions in northern BC at a disproportionate rate compared with the rest of the province. Help being offered by Real-Time Virtual Support (RTVS) physicians – available 24/7 over Zoom – has been welcomed with open arms. And physicians are reporting that RTVS is having an impact on outcomes and helping to alleviate the challenges of rural medicine during the pandemic.

MaBAL team helps rural nurses get comfortable with maternity skills

Nurses in 100 Mile House were able to learn new skills after taking part in a virtual simulation led by the MaBAL (Maternity and Newborn Advice Line) team. The pilot simulation and education session was part of an ongoing effort to give rural healthcare workers who may deal with pregnancy and newborn cases more opportunities to connect with colleagues, ask questions and get extra support.

New peer support team to help isolated rural medical providers

Dr. Blair Stanley vividly remembers the challenging incident that made him rethink the medical field’s culture of stoicism…

Sessions on PoCUS aim to create community of learners

Rural healthcare providers are benefiting from some Point of Care Ultrasound guidance at drop-in sessions led by Dr. Virginia Robinson. The virtual sessions are run through Real-Time Virtual Support Zoom rooms and is an opportunity for anyone to join and learn about what an impactful diagnostic aide ultrasound can be in a rural setting.

BC Rural Health Research Exchange (BCRHRx) videos now available

A broad spectrum of research was on display when the Rural Coordination Centre of BC hosted the BC Rural Health Research Exchange. The event which took place on Nov. 23 featured a total of 30 presentations by more than 40 researchers. The event was supported by the Joint Standing Committee on Rural Issues and the BC Emergency Medicine Network.

Rural Personal Health Record project puts patients at centre of health journeys

We sat down with Jess Rothenburger, Rural Personal Health Record Project Manager, to learn more about personal health records, the Rural PHR project which enable patients to easily access and manage their medical records, as well as his motivation for joining the project and its vision for the future.

Drone transport initiative gets off the ground in Northern BC

The official launch of the University of British Columbia (UBC) Faculty of Medicine’s Remote Communities Drone Transport Initiative, a pilot project funded by the 2020 TD Ready Challenge, took place on October 13, 2021, aimed at improving health equity in rural, remote and Indigenous communities.

Duncan ER team puts teamwork at heart of their care

An Emergency Department team on Vancouver Island decided to do whatever it took to ensure the care they provided the community could continue—and that the team at the centre of it was functioning at its best. To help with this, they accessed Quality Team Coaching for Rural BC.

Research sheds light on how health coaching and mindfulness integrate into rural primary care

A research paper published in the Oxford Academic Family Practice Journal provides insight into why the health coaching and mindfulness—which have been used in the community of Gibsons and the wider Sunshine Coast since 2013—have been so helpful to patients like Pederson. 

Grant breathes new life into Ghana’s biomedical equipment infrastructure

With a $10,000 grant from RCCbc’s Rural Global Health Partnership Initiative, Drs Hadfield, Dr. Akaateba the Canadian Medical and Biological Engineering Society, and the Ghana Health Service are breathing new life into the country’s biomedical equipment infrastructure.

Better connected: How low-orbit satellite internet can pave way for health equity

Advantage of implementing a low-orbit satellite internet, such as Starlink, has the potential to make a big impact on rural healthcare, says a general practitioner in Valemount. Especially in a place like British Columbia, which has challenging geography.

Bear Horne creates new Real-Time Virtual Support logo

A new logo has been created for RTVS to help ensure more people become aware of the pathways and can benefit from their services. This logo created by Coast Salish artist Douglas (Bear) Horne, shares the meaning behind the logo and his journey as an artist.

Rural Site Visits team on the road again

The Rural Site Visits team is visiting all 202 rural, remote, and First Nations communities in BC that are covered by the (RSA) to learn their perspectives on healthcare delivery. The team are eager to get back on the road and into communities when it’s safe to do so, following a long hiatus caused by COVID-19.

RCCbc honours National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

RCCbc’s RISE (RCCbc for Inclusion, Social Justice and Equity) Reference Group is launching a new progress report to keep RCCbc, and our partners, accountable to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action to advance reconciliation.

Handheld ultrasound devices delivering faster, more accurate diagnoses

Point-of-care ultrasound supercluster project equips 50 rural physicians with handheld ultrasound devices & training. In exchange, the images provides quality assurance and a provinicial reference of the development of an artificial intelligence database.

Virtual physicians help keep Dawson Creek’s Emergency Room open

This Rural Health Innovation brings community members from Fraser Health, First Nations, the municipal government, Divisions of Family Practice, and community organizations to work together and consult with the greater community to determine on which issues to focus.

“Rural Health Innovation Station”: The story of Hope

In this month’s Rural Health Innovation, community members from Fraser Health, First Nations, the municipal government, Divisions of Family Practice, and community organizations worked together and consulted with the greater community to determine on which issues to focus.

Real-Time Virtual Support program featured at national conference

Real-Time Virtual Support team members, Dr. John Pawlovich, Dr. Kendal Ho, Dave Harris, Dr. Brydon Blacklaws, and Helen Novack Lauscher, showcased their work to national audiences at the CAEP National Grand Rounds.

Rural doc helping to bring rural health research to the fore

Dr. Ilona Hale, Director of Rural Scholars Program, provides rural clinicians with the opportunity to develop scholarship and leadership skills—and, ultimately, get them started in the field of rural research.

“Bring an open heart”: Cultural safety training inspires physician journey

Cultural safety is paramount to our work. We sat down with Dr. Blair Stanley to find out how the Cultural Safety Workshop with Cultural Safety Facilitator, Harley Eagle impacted his perspective on racism and his practice, as a physician.

RCCbc receives Pacific Northwest Spirit Award for excellence in partnership

The Rural Coordination Centre of British Columbia was honoured to receive a Pacific Northwest Spirit Award for Partnership from the Pacific Northwest Division of Family Practice in October 2020.

Collaboration leads to CME airway course developed for COVID 19

Rural healthcare providers collaborate and pave way for new CME airway management course developed for COVID-19 patients and offered training access to rural physicians during COVID-19 cases surge in rural British Columbia.

Innovative e-coaching enables rural FPAs to standardize canal block technique

Innovative e-coaching allows rural sites to find creative ways to use their technology to enhance their knowledge in adductor canal blocks for patients receiving anterior cruciate ligament surgery.

Groundbreaking work of Rural Site Visits project highlighted in BMJ Open

New research led by the Rural Coordination Centre of BC (RCCbc) aims to address that discourse and provide an easier way for policymakers to plan health service improvements that will meet community needs and incorporate community-specific solutions.

“Stitching Together” through the Pandemic: Community of Rossland Provides #Masks4All Citizens

As COVID-19 started knocking on BC’s door last Spring, the rural community of Rossland banded together to keep it out. Residents started #Masks4All Rossland, a grassroots campaign to promote mask wearing to protect one another—and to provide residents, particularly vulnerable seniors, with cloth masks.

“Like Calling a Friend”: Rural Healthcare Providers Encouraged to Use Real-Time Virtual Supports

When a woman going into cardiac arrest presented to a rural health centre with a massive overdose of beta blockers, the attending physician immediately contacted a Real-Time Virtual Support (RTVS) pathway.

Northern Medical program drives good health home to truckers

Medical students from the Northern Medical Program are changing this. The students set up pop-up clinics at truck stops to check truckers’ blood pressure, sugar levels and more. In return, students receive real-life, hands-on medical experience.

Introducing Our New Monthly Feature: Innovation Station

This month, we’re introducing a new feature in our newsletter, called “Innovation Station”. It’s our chance to tell you about one of more than 100 (and counting) innovations—creative solutions—that rural British Columbia (BC) communities have developed to address local healthcare challenges.

Tenacious rural family physician praises training after going from ultrasound novice to ultrasound star

Rural Divisions of Family Practice Meet with SFU Medical School

MaBAL pathway gives rural providers just-in-time support for maternity cases

Notes on Thriving: How to say no

WCGH Perinatal team building through Postpartum Escape Room

Notes on Thriving: The gift

UBC Family Medicine Interest Group: Rural Shadow Initiative Pilot Weekend Report

Notes on Thriving: About Time

Rural eMentorship BC broadens rural students’ horizons

Notes on Thriving: A complicated gratitude

The Edge of Care film premieres

Research supports & funding for rural physicians

RTVS named 2023 BC Quality Award winner

Notes on Thriving: Grief and joy

RCCbc grant kickstarts virtual palliative care education for rural providers

Trauma case highlights critical role of Real-Time Virtual Support

RSON supports pediatric anesthesiologist visit

RCCbc launches new online home for rural doctors & other network partners

Virtual doctors and learners team up to support rural communities

New RCCbc wellness initiative aims to get rural providers thriving

RTVS given surge line boost

“Inspiration to generations of physicians in BC” appointed to Order of Canada

Rural critical care pathway lead joins RTVS family

Peace of mind for healthcare workers helping children

Educational sessions help empower girls in Nepal

Survey gives clearer picture of PoCUS use

BC Rural Health Conference: A place to reconnect in May 2022

RTVS brings much-needed support during pandemic

MaBAL team helps rural nurses get comfortable with maternity skills

New peer support team to help isolated rural medical providers

Sessions on PoCUS aim to create community of learners

BC Rural Health Research Exchange (BCRHRx) videos now available

Rural Personal Health Record project puts patients at centre of health journeys

Drone transport initiative gets off the ground in Northern BC

Duncan ER team puts teamwork at heart of their care

Research sheds light on how health coaching and mindfulness integrate into rural primary care

Grant breathes new life into Ghana’s biomedical equipment infrastructure

Better connected: How low-orbit satellite internet can pave way for health equity

Bear Horne creates new Real-Time Virtual Support logo

Rural Site Visits team on the road again

RCCbc honours National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Handheld ultrasound devices delivering faster, more accurate diagnoses

Virtual physicians help keep Dawson Creek’s Emergency Room open

“Rural Health Innovation Station”: The story of Hope

Real-Time Virtual Support program featured at national conference

Rural doc helping to bring rural health research to the fore

“Bring an open heart”: Cultural safety training inspires physician journey

RCCbc receives Pacific Northwest Spirit Award for excellence in partnership

Collaboration leads to CME airway course developed for COVID 19

Innovative e-coaching enables rural FPAs to standardize canal block technique

Groundbreaking work of Rural Site Visits project highlighted in BMJ Open

“Stitching Together” through the Pandemic: Community of Rossland Provides #Masks4All Citizens

“Like Calling a Friend”: Rural Healthcare Providers Encouraged to Use Real-Time Virtual Supports

Northern Medical program drives good health home to truckers

Introducing Our New Monthly Feature: Innovation Station

Rural doc helping to bring rural health research to the fore