Does “Advisory Committee” really mean “lots of work”?

No. You are in the driver's seat. GPs and NPs involved in Division committees generally find their roles to be high level, providing direction, core expertise, and connections. Staff and contractors do the leg work, including drafting agendas, taking minutes, organizing meetings, doing research, and evaluating progress.

You attend critical meetings to inject the GP/NP voice. You govern; staff "do." Project
Advisory Committees typically meet quarterly, or less. Key consultants may only be individually contacted once or twice a year for specialized input, or with a request to attend
one key meeting.

Some exceptions exist, such as instances where a member wishes to contribute a substantial amount of time to ensure change is furthered. Project Physician Leads may have a more high-touch relationship with Project Managers, reviewing their work regularly; this amount of input is by choice, and compensation for this time is provided.
 

A particular Division priority really matters to me, what role can I play?

 

Key Consultant

A Key Consultant is an individual with a passion and expertise in a particular issue, but has a lack of time for, or interest in governing a project through committee work. This person puts their name forward to be consulted on projects of their choice.

Time commitment: This position has a minimal time commitment. There may be a few
one-on-one meetings or small group meetings to attend over the course of a project.
 

Project Advisory Committee Member

Project Advisory Committees are made up of individuals with a passion for change in the
project foci. These members may be called on to informally speak to and seek input from
colleagues in their community. They are interested in learning more about a complex
issue, and advising the work of a project manager.

Time commitment: This committee meets quarterly or less, either in-person or virtually
using GoToMeeting. Members may choose to support the project in additional ways.
 

Project Physician Lead

There is a Project Physician Lead for every one of the Division Strategic Initiatives. The
lead chairs the advisory committee that is working on the project. This person is
responsible for supporting the other committee members and engaging with the work in a productive fashion. The lead also shares in the supervision of project manager(s) associated with their project.

The lead sets meeting agendas with the project manager. The person works outside of the committee meeting to provide guidance and direction to the work being done.

The lead is the key connection to advance deliverables on the project within the GP community.

Leadership skills are an important quality to possess in this role. They must be able to
communicate the work to a variety of audiences, be diplomatic, politically savvy and
constantly evolve their understanding of how system change occurs. Project Physician
Leads are supported by the Division’s Physician Lead, and executive staff.

Time commitment: Varies depending on the work being done on the project, and the
interest of the individual in the role.
 

How am I compensated?

The Divisions funding structure is negotiated through the Physician Master Agreement. All Division members who do committee, board, or project work are paid sessional fees as per current FPSC rates.
 

Do you want to be a change driver for better primary health care in the Kootenay Boundary?

 

Click here and tell us your area of interest