NewsFlash

New Coordinator for the Western Interior Chapter

Welcome Tawanda Hatendi to the Rural and Remote Division of Family practice as Chapter Coordinator for our Western Interior communities.  Many thanks to our past Chapter Coordinator, Chellie Dickinson, for her many contributions over the years and for supporting the Division and Western Interior Physicians through the transition.

Welcome to the Merritt Physicians

The Division is proud to announce a new Chapter in our Division.  Warm welcome to physicians Patrick Goetz, Morgan Lyttle , Don McLeod,  Duncan Ross and Drew Soderberg. We look forward to supporting them in the important work ahead relating to Patient Medical Home and Primary Care Network development!

2019 Quality Awards

2019 Quality Awards recognize projects within the four areas of care along with four inspiring individuals – those working within the health care system, as well as patients, caregivers or family members. Read on to learn more about the eight award categories and how winners will be recognized!

The deadline to submit nominations is Sunday, July 15, 2018. Have questions? Contact them at awards@bcpsqc.ca or 604.668.8210.

But I Don’t Do Maternity Care! Workshops for Family Physicians Who Don’t Do Deliveries

UBC CPD and the Vancouver Division of Family Practice have developed seven Mainpro+ accredited workshops titled But I Don’t Do Maternity Care! Workshops for Family Physicians Who Don’t Do Deliveries. Workshops are for family physicians who see pregnant patients in their practice and include presentations on key recommendations, case discussions, practical resources, and tips on workflow and billing.  If you are interested in hosting a workshop in your community, please contact cpd.vdofp@ubc.ca or visit this page for more information, including the complete workshop topics list.

Clearwater Collaborative Services Committee (CSC) Underway

Within the Rural & Remote Division of Family Practice, six Chapters are underway with developing Collaborative Services Committees (CSC).

CSCs provide a forum for partners to discuss issues of concern for patient care outcomes, co-determining priorities and co-designing local solutions. Additional representation from patients and others in the community may also be involved.

One of the first wave of Chapters involved include the Clearwater Chapter where local family physicians are collaborating with Interior Health and community partners.

Dr. John Soles, Physician Lead, Clearwater Chapter, shares his perspective on the role of the partnership. “Excellent health care close to home for all those living in our rural communities –  it is only through the collaboration of physicians, Divisions of Family Practice, the Health Authority, communities, and many others that we will be able to achieve this goal.  That is what the CSC is for.”

The Clearwater CSC is working through their Terms of Reference and taking time to make sure it reflects the unique needs of Clearwater.

They’re also in the process of reviewing data available to them through the various committee members including physician panels, patient populations, socio-economic data, social determinants of health and disease, as well as programs and services currently offered in the community. Through this process, gaps in patient care and provider supports are emerging and beginning to form the workplan for the group.

“We’re very fortunate that we already had some very strong relationships in our community. For any community getting underway with the development of their CSC, collaboration and trust is the real key – take time to build relationships,” says Laura Soles, Clearwater Chapter Coordinator.

It’s still early stages for the Clearwater CSC; however, if your Chapter is just getting underway with your first or second CSC meeting, feel free to contact Laura Soles at 250-674-3810 or email lsoles@divisionsbc.ca for more information.

Both Pam and John share how much they love practicing rural medicine. They both say it’s way better than any other kind of practice. “It’s so interesting and so rewarding. You are a true generalist and also get to be very involved in the community hospital,” shares Pam.

Fast forward 32 years, now in retirement-relaxation mode, John and Pam reflect on their years of rural practice and a community they love being a part of.

They are sad to be losing the relationships with their patients and helping people through the years. “Some of our patients have been with us for our entire practice,” says Pam. “But the most wonderful aspect of our transition is that we are welcoming two excellent physicians – Dr. Celina Horne and Dr. Lincoln Foerster,” says Pam.

“They worked for us last summer and everyone loved them,” says John. “We never thought a couple would take over our practice and now here we are! We were only searching for about a year. We thought it would take years upon years to find a replacement. Celina and Lincoln came along and they were perfect!”