BC Rural Health Awards recognize physician innovation, collaboration
Two rural BC physicians and three community organizations in Fort St. John have been recognized for their accomplishments and contributions to rural medical practice by Rural Coordination Centre of BC (RCCbc).
The physicians were honored for contributions that elevated the health and well-being of their respective communities. Dr Leta Burechailo received the Award of Excellence in Rural Medicine: Innovation for her preventive and primary care work with at-risk youth in Powell River. Dr Nicole Ebert received the Award of Excellence in Rural Medicine: Lifetime Achievement for her contributions to primary and obstetrical care in Vanderhoof, along with her work as clinical faculty for UBC’s Department of Family Practice rural residency program, and her numerous leadership and administrative roles.
The North Peace Division of Family Practice/Northern Health/the City of Fort St. John were joint recipients of the Rural BC Community Award for their collaborative work in handling the 2013 primary care crisis in Fort St. John. This group of physicians, local government officials, and health authority representatives developed strategies to recruit and retain new physicians and implement new models of service delivery to provide appropriate health care for their community. Read more about North Peace Division’s work in the May issue of the BCMJ (www.bcmj.org/gpsc/team-based-care-northern-bc-north-peace-division-journey-integrated-model-care).
Each year, RCCbc recognizes rural physicians within a themed category as well as acknowledging long-term practitioners who have shaped and served their communities for more than 15 years. Recipients were selected by a committee of representatives from RCCbc and the University of British Columbia.