January is wrapping up, and as we lean into 2025, it’s the perfect moment to reflect on the stories and milestones that made 2024 truly remarkable. At the Rural Coordination Centre of BC (RCCbc), we find inspiration in the everyday brilliance of rural healthcare providers—those who brave icy roads to reach patients, who turn challenges into opportunities, and who remind us why rural health is a mindset: collaborative, resourceful, and deeply connected.
Key Milestones of 2024
National Rural Health Week 2024
From October 21 to 25, RCCbc partnered with the Society of rural Physicians of Canada and celebrated the dedication and impact of healthcare providers in rural communities across Canada. The week highlighted the unique rewards of rural practice and showcased stories from healthcare professionals nationwide.
Formalizing International Partnerships
In 2024, RCCbc and Rural Doctors Network (RDN) of Australia strengthened their global strategic partnership, united by a shared vision for system transformation through social accountability and a focus on health equity at The Network: Towards Unity for Health (TUFH) conference.
During the BC Rural Health Conference, RCCbc honoured the City of Dawson Creek, Dr. Robin Routledge (Lifetime Achievement), and Dr. Svetlana Hadikin (Resident Leadership) for their outstanding contributions to rural healthcare. Winners were recognised for their innovation, dedication, and impact, with awards including plaques, cash prizes, and conference registration.
Launch of ROCCi (Rural Outreach in Critical Care and Internal Medicine)
This Real Time Virtual Support pathway launched in October, provides real-time assistance to rural healthcare providers, enhancing care across BC.
Indigenous Medical Education Gathering (IMEG) 2024
The BC Indigenous Physicians Network’s 2024 Indigenous Medical Education brought together Indigenous students, residents, physicians, health professions including Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Midwifery and non-Indigenous allies to build community and advance Indigenous health and wellness with land-based healing.
The First Rural POCUS Congress
Ahead of the BC Rural Health Conference, RCCbc hosted the Rural POCUS Congress in partnership with UBC CPD. The full day event focused on enhancing proficiency in point-of-care ultrasound use, supporting learners to increase confidence in using POCUS in a rural setting through live scanning stations to provide hands-on skills building.
Groundbreaking Research Contributions
In 2024, RCCbc members continued to push the boundaries of rural health research. Among the most-read publications on our site were:
Use of Point-of-Care Ultrasound in Rural British Columbia
Exploring how ultrasound is transforming healthcare delivery in rural settings.
Psychological Preparedness for Adverse Events
Supporting resilience in rural healthcare providers.
The Motivations and Experiences of Specialists Providing Outreach in Rural Operating Rooms
Highlighting the dedication and commitment of specialists.
Evaluating Rural Health Outcomes: A Methodological Approach
Advancing population-level insights to address rural health challenges.
Informal Peer Support for Rural Doctors
Emphasizing the importance of relationships in sustaining rural practitioners.
Moments That Captured Our Imagination
The media spotlight shone brightly on rural healthcare throughout the year. Highlights included:
Hot Off the Press: A Patient-Led Vision for rPHR
Have you seen the video yet? It’s a moving glimpse into how rural patients are leading the way in reimagining healthcare through digital tools. Their vision for the future inspires us all.
Drone Transport of Medications
Phase two of the Drone Technology Initiative (DTI) is a multi-year, community-led project focused on designing scalable drone operations to enhance rural and remote healthcare delivery, expand partnerships, and explore climate resilience applications, with guidance from Stellat’en First Nation and Fraser Lake, and support from UBC’s new research cluster.
Virtual care on the front lines
How Real-Time Virtual Support is helping to save lives and transform healthcare for remote, rural and Indigenous communities across B.C.
Premier’s Award Finalist Video
Celebrating innovation, this short post and video highlighted the impact of RTVS pathways, which continue to enhance care for rural healthcare providers and patients alike.
Spotlight Stories
Some stories from 2024 stand out as particularly inspiring:
Discovering a Calling: A Physician’s Journey into Mindfulness
Dr. Rahul Gupta’s journey showed the transformative power of mindfulness in healthcare.
Transforming Collaboration: Quality Team Coaching for East Kootenay Pathology
Leadership and trust reshaped team dynamics and improved patient outcomes.
Celebrating Innovation and Community at the 2024 Rural Health Conference
This event was a gathering of minds, celebrating rural health and fostering learning.
As we move further into 2025, the lessons and memories of 2024 remind us of what’s possible when we work together. Each milestone was a testament to the dedication, creativity, and commitment of the RCCbc community.
What were your highlights from 2024? We’d love to hear your reflections and stories—let’s continue building a future where rural healthcare thrives. Connect with the communications team at [email protected].
