The 6th Tumbler Ridge Medical Conference, co-hosted by Northern Health and the Rural Coordination Centre of BC (RCCbc), took place from July 5th to 7th at the Trend Mountain Hotel and Conference Centre in Tumbler Ridge, BC. This family-friendly event attracted 120 participants, including physicians, pharmacists, residents, medical students, nurse practitioners, and nursing staff from Prince George, Tumbler Ridge, Quesnel, Chetwynd, Vanderhoof, Dawson Creek, Fort St. John, and other northern communities. The weekend offered a mix of Continuing Medical Education (CME), networking opportunities, and enjoyable recreational activities.
The conference aimed to highlight the unique opportunities in rural healthcare and attract new healthcare professionals to the Peace Region. Attendees benefited from presentations by a talented array of speakers from BC and Alberta, covering topics such as First Nations experiential learning, suturing techniques, environmental health, and heart failure management. A key focus was placed on the potential remission of Type 2 diabetes, with Tumbler Ridge serving as a pilot project location. Many sessions emphasized hands-on practical skills, including ultrasound and CPR training.
Jayleen Emery, the Rural Continuing Medical Education (RCME) Community Coordinator for Northern Health and RCCbc, co-hosted the event alongside Dr. Tamara Pacholuk, a family physician at the Tumbler Ridge Health Center and clinical lead for the Northern Health Virtual Primary and Community Care Clinic, and Dr. Charles Helm, a well-known family physician in Tumbler Ridge, a Fellow of the College of Family Physicians of Canada, and a faculty member at the University of British Columbia.
In addition to the scheduled activities, attendees took advantage of networking opportunities during breaks, visiting booths with representatives from the newly-formed South Peace Division of Family Practice, the Tumbler Ridge Global Geopark, Northern Health Physician Quality Improvement, Doctors of BC, Northern Health Recruitment, the Institute for Personalised Therapeutic Nutrition, and RCCbc. The Saturday evening ‘Feast’ at Lions Flatbed Creek Campground, supported by the District of Tumbler Ridge, featured live music and local delicacies, creating a memorable conclusion to the event.
Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many appreciating the blend of education and recreation, as well as the chance to connect with colleagues. The conference not only boosted the local economy but also positioned Tumbler Ridge as a unique Canadian conference destination.
The success of the 2024 Tumbler Ridge Medical Conference serves as a template for future events, continuing to support and inspire healthcare professionals in northern BC.
To learn more about the Tumbler Ridge Medical Conference, visit the webpage. For questions on how to get involved next year, contact [email protected].
