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? Rural doctors and other healthcare providers from across and beyond BC are invited to join the Rural Coordination Centre of BC (RCCbc) on May 13–15, 2022, for this unique and dynamic rural medicine conference.
For the first time since the start of the pandemic, RHC 2022 will be held in-person at the Penticton Lakeside Resort on the shores of scenic Okanagan Lake, on the lands of the Syilx (Okanagan) People. If you can’t make it in person, RCCbc is also offering registration for access to the recorded sessions post-conference.
As always, RHC 2022 will offer scores of CME learning opportunities, which participants have come to expect. The conference is accredited for up to 11.5 Mainpro+ / MOC Section 1 credits. In addition to plenary and breakout sessions, RHC participants who wish to enhance their skillsets will benefit from hands-on workshops on mindfulness, basic suturing, eye exam hacks, cultural safety, and saying “no” with joy, along with five pre-conference courses: HOUSE-OB, HOUSE-EM, CASTED: Emergency, and The CARE Course.
Although CME is a major component of RHC 2022, the biggest advantage to attending this event is the chance to connect with new and established rural health colleagues during the conference and at its numerous social and networking events.
Dr. Stuart Johnston
On Friday evening, a Welcome Reception will be held at Time Winery, and on Saturday evening, participants can enjoy dinner at Poplar Grove Winery or Neighbourhood Brewing. Wellness opportunities, including yoga and meditation, will also be offered throughout the weekend. And complimentary childcare will be provided during conference hours.
Other unique features for RHC 2022 include a special session on Friday afternoon to showcase unique rural health innovations—grassroot models, programs, approaches, and workarounds developed by rural community members—that improve rural citizens’ health and wellbeing
Dr. Stuart Johnston
Following that on Friday afternoon, RCCbc will honour the phenomenal work of BC’s rural physicians and communities during a special 2022 BC Rural Health Awards ceremony. Finalists and recipients will be recognized and celebrated in the following categories: The Award of Excellence in Rural Medicine – Lifetime Achievement, and the Rural BC Community Award. An Above and Beyond recognition will also be celebrated at the ceremony.
For rural locums—and recent medical graduates, experienced physicians, and rural leaders—a networking event will be held to share experiences and ideas for innovations. Participants will discover the advantages of rural locuming and become part of a unique community of rural health professionals.
Registration for the BC Rural Health Conference, including pre-conference courses and hands-on workshops, is now open. Space is limited, so register now to avoid disappointment. And join the RHC 2022 conversation on RCCbc’s social channels to start building connections by tagging @RCC_bc and using the hashtag #RHC2022.