Our Vision

Progressive, fulfilled, healthy family physicians who are empowered and equipped to practice optimal primary care in support of healthy communities across the East Kootenay.

Our Mission

To empower and support family physicians as they work to optimize the health and wellness of their patients.

Who we are

We are a team of people committed to listening to, learning from, and advocating on behalf of physicians. Our goal is to cultivate a collective of engaged, creative family doctors leading improvement and supporting each other.

Our board of directors is composed of seven members, including an accountant, a retired nurse/health care manager, a retired social worker/social sector executive, and a clinic manager, as well as three physicians. Our  12 professional staff and numerous contractors come from different backgrounds and bring diverse skills sets – many have deeps roots in the health care industry. All of us share a passion for  healthy communities. Together, along with our partners and led by the members, we are committed to better, more integrated, more effective primary care in the region.

The East Kootenay Division of Family Practice represent family physicians in Cranbrook, Creston, Elkford, Fernie, Golden, Invermere, Kimberley and Sparwood. We want each place to be a vibrant community in which physicians can find their niche, excel in areas that reflect their skills and interests, and feel happy, supported, and successful, while enjoying both life and work.

What we do

The Division gives family physicians the opportunity to drive the change they want to see. Divisions are an initiative created and driven by family physicians. We have a deep understanding of, and respect for, family physicians’ needs and challenges, and we have the ability and determination to influence positive change. Backed by the strength of numbers, the EK Division is the collective voice of regional primary care.

Representing the needs and objectives of our physician members, The East Kootenay Division of Family Practice works with the Ministry of Health, Ktunaxa Nation, and Interior Health to identify gaps that exist in patient care in local East Kootenay communities and develop solutions to meet that community’s needs.

What began in 2012 as an all-physician board with 74 members, 1 staff and 1 program has grown 136 members strong across the region with 12 full and part time staff, as well as another half dozen contract project coordinators, working on 41 regional programs to support the unique heath care needs of our communities. The board of directors has evolved to include not only physicians but community leaders.

Meet the Board