PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Primary care reform in a rural context

Lespérance, Sarah MD, CCFP, FCFP, FRRMS¹

Calls for reform to primary care are growing, as our health system cannot support the status quo. Here in New Brunswick, many rural communities have lost physicians, and it has been impossible to find a replacement. They leave due to retirement, but also due to heavy administrative and financial burdens, frustration with fracturing of care, and lack of control over system issues. Workloads are unsustainable and there are no locums to provide relief. Like many, I find myself telling several patients a day that my practice is full and that I cannot accept new patients. This is particularly painful to do in a rural area, as access to other options for primary care is so limited. Those who have lost their family physician have, at best, access to episodic care with providers who do not embrace a holistic view of the patient and their problem. As a result, missed diagnoses and late presentations for conditions are a too-common occurrence we see in our work in emergency departments, operating rooms, or labour and birth units. However, we already are doing too much, and cannot take on more. We must do things differently.

A shift to team-based care is critical, and we need robust systems to support each other. However, a rural ‘team’ may look different from an urban-based one. Perhaps, co-location will not work, and we may need a network type model of care, using technology to enhance communication and collaboration. Ensuring all providers work to the top of their scope of practice, investing in dedicated, funded time for case management, and expanding the types of health providers on teams, may all be considerations. As rural generalists, our role extends beyond the office, and this must be part of workforce planning and remuneration. Finally, we must accept we may not be the most appropriate provider to perform every service.

Solutions may also include enhancing practice-eligible routes of training and enhanced pathways for internationally educated health professionals to enter the workforce. We must develop the supports needed for individuals to integrate within teams and communities, assuming roles as mentors or supervisors, but perhaps also confronting some uncomfortable realities regarding bias and racism.

Beyond this, it will be critical that our training programmes continue to prepare graduates to have the specific, unique skills required to practice in rural and remote regions of this country. And finally, we must continue our advocacy work, particularly with respect to reducing administrative burdens and *national licensure (*see page 13). With this, we can develop the teams needed to continue to provide high quality care close to home, in all parts of this country.

Lespérance, Sarah MD, CCFP, FCFP, FRRMS1. Primary care reform in a rural context. Canadian Journal of Rural Medicine 29(1):p 5, Jan–Mar 2024. | DOI: 10.4103/cjrm.cjrm_54_23

The official journal of the Society of Rural Physicians of Canada 

Volume 29, no. 1, Winter 2024

In this Issue 

• Pan-Canadian licensure: potential impact on rural physicians
• Assessing new-patient attachment to an integrated, virtual care programme 
• Informal peer support for rural doctors
• The Occasional frostbite

Read it Now

The Society of Rural Physicians of Canada (SRPC) is currently seeking applications for two Executive Committee member-at-large positions, and we invite you to consider applying for these roles. Alternatively, if you know of a fellow SRPC Physician member who would be an excellent fit, we encourage you to nominate them.

This is an excellent opportunity to make a significant impact on rural healthcare in Canada. By joining the SRPC Executive Committee, you can contribute to our mission of improving healthcare access and outcomes for rural communities.

The Executive Committee provides strategic direction and leadership to the organization, ensuring alignment with the SRPC's strategic plan.

Expectations - Time Commitment:

• Bi-monthly Zoom meetings
• Attendance at Spring (in-person) and Fall (virtual) Council meetings
• Collaborating with the SRPC Executive to identify and prioritize issues

Term Details: The Executive positions are for a 2-year term, eligible for renewal once.

How to Apply: To apply, please submit the following to jennak@srpc.ca by Monday, Feb 26th:

1. Expression of Interest (EOI) in Microsoft Word or by email (max 250 words), endorsed by one SRPC member in good standing. 
2. Curriculum Vitae.
3. Applicants must be active physician members of the SRPC.

For further information or inquiries, please contact Jenna Keindel at jennak@srpc.ca.

Important Dates: Nomination letters and EOIs must be received by Monday, Feb 26th.

The Nominations & Awards Committee will carefully review all submissions and select the most suitable candidates.

Thank you for considering this opportunity to contribute to the future of rural healthcare. Together, we can make a difference!

We hosted "Indigenous Experiences in the Colonial Medical System" on January 30th, 2024 with guest speaker Sandra Bender. The recording and slides have been added to our Indigenous Health page.

Please visit the SRPC's Indigenous Health page to watch any of our previous sessions. https://www.srpc.ca/indigenous_health

• Indigenous Approach to Trauma Informed Care – ACEs the Engine Behind Intergenerational Trauma
  
  
• Moving Towards Cultural Safety, Reconciliation, and Anti-racism.
  
  
• Indigenous Approach to Trauma Informed Care – ACEs the Engine Behind Intergenerational Trauma
  
  
• Determinants of Illness for Indigenous Women
  
  
• The Legacy of the Residential School System & Impacts on Health
  
  
• Understanding the Context of Healthcare for Indigenous Peoples in Canada
  
  
• Jordan, Joyce, and Justice: Decolonizing Healthcare for Indigenous Children and Youth

Additional recourse: Recommended books on traditional Indigenous health practices. Decolonizing Wellness by Dalia Kinsey Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer You are the Medicine by Asha Frost Held by the Land: A Guide to Indigenous Plants for Wellness by Leigh Joseph Medicines to Help Us: Traditional Metis Plant Use by Christi Belcourt It's All About the Land by Taiaiake Alfred The Science of the Sacred: Bridging Global Indigenous Medicine Systems and Modern Scientific Principles by Nicole Redvers Decolonizing Therapy by Jennifer Mullan Medicine Unbundled by Gary Geddes Sacred Medicine: A Doctor's Quest to Unravel the Mysteries of Healing by Lissa Rankin Mother Earth: Plants for Health and Beauty by Carrie Armstrong

Find everything you need to know about the 31st Annual Rural and Remote Medicine Conference

April 18 - 20, 2024 - Edmonton, Alberta | Edmonton Convention Centre

Visit the rural and remote conference web site
 

ABOUT

Peer-to-peer Education on essential topics like emergency care, obstetrics, pediatrics, Indigenous health, palliative care and rural research.

Primary Focus: Rural Practice at the heart of this conference lies a dedicated focus on rural practice, where we explore solutions and strategies for a sustainable and thriving healthcare landscape in remote areas.

With Workshops and Speakers from Across Canada you’ll leave with increased confidence in various aspects of rural practice, from managing ADHD to mastering procedures like chest tube insertion, providing compassionate palliative care, and teaching medical students and residents.

 

REGISTRATION RATES

Early Rates – October 1st to November 30th, 2023
Regular Rates – December 1st 2023 to February 29th, 2024
Late Registration Rates – March 1st to April 20th, 2024

ACCOMMODATIONS - Hotel & Travel

The SRPC has arranged discounted room rates at three hotels. All three hotels offer a reserved room block, ensuring availability until March 15, 2024, or until the room block reaches full capacity. To ensure your stay, we recommend making your reservation without delay to avoid potential disappointment.

 

FAMILY

Non-Medical partners are welcome to attend our conference! Enabling them to participate in meals, plenaries, and general interest sessions. Childcare Services Free on-site during the conference hours!

EXHIBITORS

As an exhibitor or sponsor, you will be at the forefront of a vibrant community of rural healthcare professionals. You’ll have the chance to showcase your products and services, engage with dedicated doctors, and contribute to the advancement of rural medical practice.

ADD-ON COURSES

In collaboration with R&R, SRPC is excited to extend an invitation to additional add-on courses. These courses are scheduled either before or after the main conference, allowing you to make the most of your time with us. Each course provider oversees their own registration and cancellation policies. If you ever need to withdraw from a course, please reach out to the respective provider directly. We’re here to make your learning journey seamless and enjoyable.

Hey SRPC Students and Residents,

As many of you already know, we will be hosting the 31st Annual Rural and Remote Medicine Conference in Edmonton from April 18-20 2024. This conference allows rural physicians, rural residents, and medical students the opportunity to come together and learn about current trends in rural medicine, work opportunities in rural communities across Canada and develop professional networks!

Each year the R & R Medicine Conference hosts the Co-Presenter program. This program allows for medical students and residents to be matched with a presenter to help co-present on a specific topic. Possible roles may include introducing the topic, assisting with developing the presentation, presenting portions of the talk, and facilitating group discussions. Student/Resident co-presenters will receive their choice of either a $200 honorarium, 1 free day at the conference, or 1 night's stay at a hotel.

The deadline to apply is December 23rd, 2023.

Terms and conditions of the Co-Presenter Program

Co-Presenter Program Expression of Interest form

Funding / Registration Details for R&R 2024

2024 - Co-Presenter Team:

• Jessica Bennett*, R&R Student Committee Co-Chair, MS2, University of Alberta
• Taylor Hammond*, R&R Student Committee Co-Chair, MS4, NOSM
• Rachel Howlett, R&R Resident Committee Chair, R2, Memorial University of Newfoundland
• Jessica Kainth, R&R Co-Presenter Subcommittee, Xavier University School of Medicine
• Aria Rezapour, R&R Co-Presenter Subcommittee, MS3, University of British Columbia
• Faith Wierenga, R&R Co-Presenter Subcommittee, MS2, University of Alberta

SRPC'S Annual Rural Awards

The Society of Rural Physicians of Canada has created awards to recognize and celebrate the exceptional accomplishments of its dedicated and enthusiastic members. Every year, we honour individuals and organizations that have made remarkable contributions to support, maintain and advocate for rural healthcare in Canada. 

Our objectives are to: 

• Acknowledge our members for their rural community projects 
• Provide opportunities to pay tribute to those members who serve rural communities 
• Showcase the significance of rural healthcare in Canada 
• Offer a platform to demonstrate the impact of members’ work in rural communities

We strongly encourage you to submit nominations for outstanding colleagues, mentors, and peers. Our esteemed awards committee will meticulously review each nomination to select the most deserving winners. We value your input and eagerly await your nominations.


Our prestigious rural awards are given to SRPC Members, with a few exceptions: The Keith Award, The Rural Education Award, and The Rural Health Champion Award, which may be presented to Non-Members. 


To verify your membership status or the membership status of your nominee, and for any questions or eligibility reviews, please contact Jenna Keindel at jennak@srpc.ca

Deadlines for nominations

January 31st each year for:

• Medical Student / Medical Resident Leadership Award, Rural Leadership Award, Rural Specialist Merit Award, Rural Heart Award, Rural Mentorship Award, Rural Health Champion Award, and Rural Community Impact Award

NOMINATE A MEMBER HERE

Nominate Your Rural Peers Today!

Nominate a Member Here

SRPC's Rural Service Awards 

The Fellowship of Rural Remote Medicine of the SRPC (FRRMS), Lifetime Member Award, Rural Long Service Award (RLSA), and Rural Service Award (RSA) are all earned awards. Your eligibility is based on SRPC membership, years of service, and whether you have registered for the upcoming R&R conference.

The Nominations and Awards Committee looks at who is registered for Rural & Remote by February 29th and takes their data from the SRPC Membership Profile to determine who meets the criteria for each of these awards.

Be sure the ‘Please Review - To Qualify for SRPC Awards at R&R’ section of your profile is up to date.

You must be registered for Rural & Remote by February 29, 2024.

Click on the button below to log in and be sure your SRPC Profile is up to date.

EDIT YOUR PROFILE

Questions About Awards?
Contact Jenna Keindel
Administrative Officer
jennak@srpc.ca

Are you a dedicated physician ready to impact Canadian rural healthcare? SRPC seeks individuals to join our Council, helping enhance rural community healthcare. Your expertise and commitment will drive real change!

Standing Committee Chairpersons Needed:

1. Indigenous Health: Advocate for the health and well-being of Indigenous communities in rural areas. (This role is reserved for an Indigenous physician)
   
2. Nominations and Awards: Recognize outstanding contributions within our community.
3. Rural Surgery: Promote advancements in rural surgical care.
4. First 5 Years in Practice: Support early-career physicians in rural practice.
5. Research: Drive innovative research initiatives to enhance rural healthcare.

Provincial and Territorial Representatives Needed:

• Nova Scotia
• Quebec
• British Columbia
• Manitoba
• Ontario

Role as a Representative: Act as a vital link between SRPC members and the SRPC Council. You will be the primary contact for discussing current issues and ensuring the voice of your province or committee is heard.

Term Details: Representatives serve a 3-year term, renewable once. Executive positions have a 2-year term, renewable once.

Volunteer Time Commitment: Approximately 16 hours/year—1 full-day Spring Council, 4-hour Fall Council, and 2-4 1-hour Zoom committee meetings.

How to Apply:

Important Dates: All nominations and EOIs must be received by Friday, December 15th, 2023.

The Nominations & Awards Committee will carefully review all submissions and select the most suitable candidates.

Apply today or contact Jenna Keindel for more information: jennak@srpc.ca

The Society of Rural Physicians of Canada (SRPC) wishes to comment on the successful passing of the four member‐proposed motions at the College of Family Physicians of Canada's (CFPC) Annual Meeting of Members (AMM) on November 1st, regarding transparency, governance, and a pause in plans to transition to a third year of family medicine residency training.

It is clear by the number of online participants at the AMM, as well as the number of proxy votes, that there is significant and genuine concern regarding the impacts and unintended consequences of a shift to a third year of residency training that is shared by many family physicians. The same concern has been expressed by medical students, residents, and other organizations over the past few months.

Recognizing these votes are non‐binding, the SRPC expresses its hope that the CFPC Board will carefully reflect upon the outcomes of the AMM and consider actions that provide a path forward to address the issues raised, including the need for an additional year of training as the best solution to enhance the number of physicians practicing comprehensive family medicine across this country.

The SRPC remains unwavering in our commitment to advocating for high‐quality rural medical education, and our members include rural teachers and leaders, who are experts in comprehensive, generalist education. While we continue our efforts to ensure that the concerns of rural physicians and communities are heard, we also confirm our commitment to work with the CFPC on this issue. If we can truly collaborate with the CFPC and other stakeholders, we can plan and design a curriculum that improves the health of all Canadians.

For media inquiries, please contact:

info@srpc.ca

877‐276‐1949

The official journal of the Society of Rural Physicians of Canada 

Volume 28, no. 4, Fall 2023

In this Issue 

• Clinical courage of COVID-19
• Use and barriers of PoCUS
• Reduced length of stay after colorectal surgery
• The Occasional intravenous lipid emulsion therapy
  
  

Read it Now