For rural, remote, and First Nations healthcare providers across BC, Real-Time Virtual Support (RTVS) has become a trusted source of real-time clinical support, mentorship, and connection. Today, we’re excited to announce that Dr. Scot Mountain is stepping into an expanded leadership role as Medical Co-Lead of RTVS, bringing his deep expertise in rural medicine, internal medicine, and critical care to guide the program’s future. 

A Rural Specialist Dedicated to Virtual Care 

Scot has spent more than 15 years practicing in rural, resource-limited settings, giving him firsthand knowledge of the challenges rural healthcare providers face—from limited specialist access to the complexities of providing acute care with fewer resources. 

For the past three years, he has been instrumental in developing and leading the RTVS ROCCi pathway (Rural Outreach in Critical Care and Internal Medicine), ensuring rural physicians can consult with specialists in real time when they need it most. Now, he joins Dr. John Pawlovich in shaping the strategic direction and sustainability of RTVS. 

“We need to do two things,” says Scot. “We need to solidify the incredible value in the services we’ve already built, and we need to look to the future to fill the gaps that still exist. There’s so much potential to expand and strengthen RTVS, ensuring it continues to support rural healthcare providers and communities for the long term.” 

What’s Next for RTVS? 

Since its launch, RTVS has helped rural physicians, residents, nurse practitioners, nurses, midwives, and first responders access friendly and culturally safe clinical support at the click of a button. The program continues to evolve to meet the needs of rural, remote, and First Nations communities, with expanded services and strengthened support for providers. 

The program currently offers: 

Instant Access peer pathways, including: 

• RTVS RUDi (Emergency) – 24/7 emergency physician support, with double coverage on weekdays. 

• RTVS CHARLiE (Pediatrics) – 24/7 pediatrician support for rural and remote providers. 

• RTVS MaBAL (Maternity & Newborns) – 24/7 FP-OB (Family Physician with Obstetrics) support for maternity and newborn care. 

• RTVS ROCCi (Critical Care & Internal Medicine) – Internist an intensivist support available 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. PT, seven days a week. 

• RTVS VERRa (Virtual ER) – New for fall 2024, this pathway expands virtual physician coverage to support rural emergency departments, ensuring dedicated virtual physician backup for nurses and on-call physicians. VERRa replaces the former RUDi_MRP service. 

Quick Reply pathways, available weekdays during business hours for specialist case consultations in Dermatology, Neurology, Oncology, Rheumatology, myofascial pain, Thrombosis and Point of Care Ultrasound. 

The RTVS Consultation to Conversation (C2C) 2.0 program allows specialists to connect virtually with rural patients and their rural primary care providers to collaboratively address patients’ healthcare needs. 

Scot’s vision for RTVS goes beyond sustaining what’s already been built—he is focused on expanding access, strengthening funding, and ensuring RTVS continues to evolve based on the needs of rural communities. 

“We hear stories every day—stories of rural providers who had nowhere else to turn and found the support they needed through RTVS. Those stories matter. They show why this program is essential, not just in numbers but in real human impact.” 

Scot officially stepped into his Medical Co-Lead role on February 1, 2025, and we are excited to see where his leadership takes RTVS in the coming years. 

Want to learn more about RTVS? Visit the RTVS webpage.  

Have a story about how RTVS has supported you? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at communications@rccbc.ca.