Watch the Video: 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award Montage
We invite you to honour the careers and contributions of four extraordinary rural physicians who received this year’s Award of Excellence in Rural Medicine – Lifetime Achievement.
These physicians have cared for their communities with humility, dedication, and heart. Each of them has helped shape what rural healthcare looks like in BC—through advocacy, education, mentorship, and deep relationships with patients and colleagues. Their stories are as varied as the places they call home, but what they share is a commitment to showing up, over and over again, in service of others.
Dr. Jeff Beselt – Kwadacha, Tsay Keh Dene, and Campbell River
For over two decades, Dr. Jeff Beselt has provided consistent, compassionate care in the remote northern communities of Kwadacha and Tsay Keh Dene—both a ten-hour logging road drive from the nearest hospital. His presence has brought not only medical stability, but also trust, cultural humility, and advocacy at every level of the system.
Whether co-leading peer support through RCCbc’s RUDi pathway or flying into community on a military aircraft during a medevac crisis, Dr. Beselt shows up when it matters most. His work is grounded in relationships, cultural safety, and a deep understanding of the realities rural and Indigenous communities face when seeking care.
Dr. Bruce Hobson – Powell River and Duncan
Dr. Bruce Hobson’s career spans full-scope family practice, provincial leadership in continuing medical education, and the development of tools that have changed how rural physicians learn, connect, and support each other.
As Director of Program Standards at UBC CPD and a long-time contributor to This Changed My Practice, he has helped shape the landscape of professional development in BC. He also helped lead the creation of the Health Data Coalition and the Rural Coaching and Mentoring Program (CAMP), supporting hundreds of rural colleagues in their own journeys. He brings wisdom, humour, and care to every part of his work.
Dr. Garnett Tarr – Osoyoos and Oliver
As Chief of Staff at South Okanagan General Hospital, Dr. Garnett Tarr has not only cared for his community but helped mentor and guide the next generation of rural physicians. His influence reaches beyond Osoyoos and Oliver—through thoughtful leadership, a commitment to rural medical education, and a patient-centred approach that puts kindness first.
Known equally for his professional integrity and his gentle sense of humour, Dr. Tarr creates spaces for others to grow. His long-standing support for learners, colleagues, and patients alike has built stronger, more connected teams across the region.
Dr. Karen Forgie – Sechelt and the Province of BC
Dr. Karen Forgie has been a powerful advocate for family medicine and rural communities in British Columbia. Based in Sechelt for most of her clinical career, she has also led system-wide change through her leadership with BC Family Doctors and her contributions to provincial initiatives, including fee modernization and quality improvement.
Known for her strategic insight and grounded leadership, Dr. Forgie combines high-level systems thinking with an unwavering commitment to community. Her work has helped reframe how rural practice is seen, valued, and supported—both in policy and in practice.
These four physicians represent the spirit of rural generalism and the power of staying connected—to people, place, and purpose. We are honoured to celebrate their contributions and share their stories.
Resident Leadership Award – Dr. Yonabeth Nava de Escalante
While the Lifetime Achievement Award celebrates decades of service, the Resident Leadership Award recognises the early impact of a physician beginning their journey in rural practice. Dr. Yonabeth Nava de Escalante, a first-year resident at the Chetwynd Rural Immersion Site, is one of the inaugural participants in UBC’s innovative full-time rural residency stream. Known for her initiative, academic excellence, and patient-centred approach, Dr. Nava de Escalante has already launched community-based quality improvement projects and demonstrated a deep commitment to system change. Her leadership and humility are setting a strong foundation for a career in rural medicine.
Want to learn more about the other 2025 award recipients?
Read our feature on the Nisga’a Valley Health Authority, recipients of this year’s Rural BC Community Award.
