Trauma case highlights critical role of Real-Time Virtual Support

It’s not every day that a rural doctor freshly out of residency is tasked with managing a critically injured patient on their own.  

But for new physician, Dr. Nicki Gabers, it’s definitely something she’s starting to get accustomed to.   

That’s why she’s grateful for the help she can get from Real-Time Virtual Support—a physician friend at the click of the button when she needs it.  

RCCbc grant kickstarts virtual palliative care education for rural providers 

A $10,000 grant from the Rural Coordination Centre of BC was used to help bring more awareness of best practices in palliative medicine to rural Nepal.  

The project used the virtual ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) model to train Nepalese practitioners, particularly in rural and remote areas of Nepal, in adult palliative care.  

In order to support the project, providers in Canada applied for the Rural Global Health Partnership Initiative grant administered by RCCbc.  

Rural coffee roundup: Rooftop coffee from Fernie

New to our newsletter line-up is RCCbc's rural coffee roundup! This monthly feature showcases coffee roasters from rural communities across British Columbia, including the coffee we are drinking this month.

Rooftop Coffee Roasters' Bluebird Blend is an exceptional espresso with a perfect balance of rich chocolate undertones and sweet, fruity notes. Our project manager, Tom Skinner said: "It's a must-try for any coffee lover seeking a velvety and delicious shot that hits all the right notes." 

Have a recommendation from  a rural coffee roaster? Send us an email! 

Spotlight on Dr. Bruce Hobson & Aleah Loa

Notes on Thriving: Grief & Joy 

Today, we introduce you to "Notes on Thriving," a new monthly wellness column from the Thriving Project, aimed at supporting and enhancing the wellness of rural healthcare practitioners in British Columbia.

In the first installment, Dr. Tandi Wilkinson shares her personal journey with grief and joy, along with valuable resources that have helped her along the way.

Expression of Interest for Quality Team Coaching For Rural BC 

Quality Team Coaching for Rural BC (QTC4RBC) is a coaching program that empowers teams to regroup and reconnect with their purpose and take steps toward building their desired team culture and advancing their chosen goals. When healthcare teams are able to rekindle joy and meaning in their work, they’re more able to create a positive work environment, optimize their team’s performance, and increase the quality and safety of care for patients. Teams enrolled in the program will participate in: 

1. A one day in-person coaching workshop in your community with an International Coaching Federation certified coach to lay the foundation for coaching towards highly effective teams 

2. Up to four 1.5-hour virtual team coaching sessions in the months following the workshop 

3. Up to three leadership coaching sessions 

QTC4RBC is currently accepting Expressions of Interest from teams wishing to participate in the program in 2023–2024. Please visit rccbc.ca/initiatives/qtc4rbc for more information about eligibility and how to apply. The deadline to submit an Expression of Interest is April 30, 2023. 

Two webinars have been scheduled to provide more information about the program and to answer questions. Register here to receive the details to join. 

• March 7, 12:00 PST  

• March 21, 5:00 PDT 

Visit the website or contact tdeleeuw@rccbc.ca for more information.

Deadline for intake of rural research grants is April 30

Rural Physician Research Support Project
This grant empowers rural physician researchers—or new aspiring researchers—to pursue innovative rural research and knowledge translation projects that help advance rural health in our province. Apply here. 

Rural Global Health Partnership Initiative
This RCCbc grant supports projects spearheaded by rural BC physicians or medical trainees and their partners based in underserved communities in BC, other parts of Canada, or internationally. Apply here. 

The deadline to submit proposals for both grants is April 30, 2023. 

Join the 2023 Healthcare Travelling Roadshow  

The Healthcare Travelling Roadshow was created as a grassroots effort to address rural healthcare workforce shortages. A diverse team of healthcare students from post-secondary institutions across British Columbia travel to rural communities with the aim of introducing high school students to career opportunities.

To participate in one of the 2023 roadshows, healthcare students or recent graduates can submit their applications by March 1, 2023. For more info, visit https://www.unbc.ca/northern-medical-program/healthcare-travelling-roadshow.

Participate in the March edition of RCCbc's wellness conversation series! 

Take part in the free monthly virtual drop-in sessions, run by the Thriving Project, which offers a facilitated space for rural healthcare practitioners to connect and discuss wellness-related topics in the service of activating their collective resilience. 

Topic: Healthcare is crashing! Relaxing into system change using the Two-Loop Model
On Monday, March 6, 2023, at 7–8:30 pm PST, Drs. Rahul Gupta and Bob Woollard will discuss the Two-Loop Model, inspired by looking at the growth and death cycle of living systems and its powerful insights can be applied to how we address the complexity of our rapidly changing healthcare system. Click here to register for the series. 

Join the Indigenous cultural safety webinar series

The Joint Collaborative Committees have prioritized partnering with Indigenous communities and are committed to ensuring Indigenous patients have access to culturally safe healthcare. Join this virtual five-part series, hosted by Indigenous Cultural Safety facilitator, Harley Eagle, which will provide physicians with a deeper understanding of Indigenous cultural safety and trauma-informed practice in healthcare.

Session 5: Tying it all together and continued support
On Thursday, March 9, 2023, at 5–6:30 pm PST, Drs. Terri Aldred, Ray Chaboyer and Tu will speak individual Indigenous Culture Safety (ICS) practices and the direction they give in promoting health and healing for Indigenous communities and patients. Click here to register.   

Upcoming UBC Rural CPD activities

UBC Rural Continuing Professional Development provides up-to-date and relevant medical education for rurally based healthcare providers. Register now for these activities: 

Rural rounds: Rural ER care for youth mental health patients in crisis
Date: Thursday, March 30, 2023, at 8–9 am PDT
Speakers: Dr. Jennifer Russel, Kate Cheung, RN, Elizabeth Partridge, RN, and Robelle Salvador, RN
Click here to register.

Rural POCUS rounds: Third trimester ultrasound: What POCUS can and cannot do
Date: Friday, March 3, 2023, at 12–1 pm PDT
Speaker: Dr. Andrew Kotaska
Click here to register.

Nawh whu’nus’en – We see in two worlds: Trauma-sensitive practices for collectively healing in relationship
Date: Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at 5:30–8:30 PDT
Speakers: Elder Cheryl Schweizer, Dr. Rahul Gupta, N'alaga (Avis O'Brien) and Harley Eagle
Click here to register.
 

Exciting career opportunities await 

RCCbc and our partners are passionate about improving the health of rural people and communities in British Columbia. Check out these exciting job opportunities:  

• Digital systems lead
• People and culture–administrative coordinator
• Senior health economist