Society of Rural Physicians of Canada

Société de la médecine rurale du Canada

www.srpc.ca/Releases.html  -  877-876-1949

News Release:                          For Immediate Release                   29 May 2009

Rural Doctors Converge On Hazelton

Hazelton, B.C. - Today marks the opening of a major rural medical meeting in Hazelton BC.  The Society of Rural Physicians of Canada (BC Chapter), in conjunction with UBC, BCMA, and the BC Ministry of Health are sponsoring their 11th Annual medical education conference in Hazelton.  This event brings together rural physicians from across Canada to focus on specific rural health issues.  This year’s theme is Aboriginal Health.  “Hazelton is delighted to welcome our physician colleagues to share the experience in our northern community” stated Dr George Deagle, local conference Co-organizer.  “We have numerous speakers and rural medical leaders attending from BC, Alberta, Ontario and Quebec. A few notable attendees are Dr Darlene Kitty, current secretary of the Indigenous Physicians of Canada and Executive Member of the SRPC, who came from Cree Nation of Chisasibi to present several sessions on Aboriginal cultures and health;  and Dr Peter Newbery, long time Hazelton physician (now retired), former President of the Canadian College of Family Physicians and recipient of the Order of Canada”.  Hazelton has enthusiastically welcomed the visitors, with local school children providing art to decorate the meeting space and numerous community members helping to organize the meeting.  “This is a good experience for Hazelton and a good experience for the SRPC” said Dr John Soles, President of the SRPC-BC Chapter.  “Being here educates us in the history of rural medicine in this province and the long tradition of service in the United Church Hospitals in BC.  We gain exposure to local culture as well as exciting educational sessions.  Hopefully it helps the community to know there are still physicians committed to rural and northern health services who seek learning to deal with specific community health issues.”

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Contacts:

Dr George Deagle

250-842-8331

Dr John Soles

250-674-1286

About the Society of Rural Physicians of Canada

The Society of Rural Physicians of Canada (SRPC) is the national voice of Canadian rural physicians. Founded in 1992, the SRPC's mission is to provide leadership for rural physicians and to promote sustainable conditions and equitable health care for rural communities. On behalf of its members and the Canadian public, SRPC performs a wide variety of functions, such as developing and advocating health delivery mechanisms, supporting rural doctors and communities in crisis, promoting and delivering rural medical education, encouraging and facilitating research into rural health issues, and fostering communication among rural physicians and other groups with an interest in rural health care. The SRPC is a voluntary professional organization representing over  3,000 of Canada's rural physicians and comprising 5 regional divisions spanning the country.

Reference http://www.srpc.ca