Media Releases

Shawville, March 21, 2024 – The Society of Rural Physicians of Canada (SRPC) proudly announces the 31st Annual Rural and Remote Medicine Conference, to be held from April 18th to April 20th, 2024, at the Edmonton Convention Centre, Edmonton, Alberta.

Themed "Rural Health Resilience: Navigating Sustainability for Stronger Tomorrows," this year's conference will address critical challenges faced by rural healthcare systems nationwide. With a focus on sustainability, healthcare professionals will explore innovative strategies to overcome obstacles and develop resilient healthcare models tailored to the unique needs of rural communities.

Key highlights of the conference include:

Insightful Discussions: Engage in thought-provoking conversations on the sustainability of healthcare delivery in rural areas.

Hands-On Sessions: Participate in practical sessions showcasing best practices and innovative solutions.

Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow healthcare professionals, policymakers, and stakeholders to foster collaboration and share insights.

Special Awards Dinner: April 19th, from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm we will honor individuals and organizations for their exceptional contributions to rural healthcare in Canada.

For more information about the conference, including registration details, please visit https://ruralandremoteconference.ca

To view the program details, sessions, and speakers, visit https://ruralandremoteconference.ca/program/.

Media Contact:

For media inquiries or to request interviews with conference organizers or speakers, please get in touch with Diana Chavez, Marketing Officer at SRPC Canada, at dianac@srpc.ca or 819-647-7054 ext. 5.

About SRPC:

The Society of Rural Physicians of Canada (SRPC) serves as the national voice of Canadian rural physicians. Since its founding in 1992, SRPC's mission has been to champion rural generalist medical care through education, collaboration, advocacy, and research. SRPC is committed to addressing the unique healthcare needs of rural communities across Canada.

Dr. Sarah Lespérance, Senator Mohamed-Iqbal Ravalia, Dr. Ruth Wilson and Dr. Trina Larsen Soles

On May 4, 2023, the Society of Rural Physicians of Canada (SRPC) hosted a National Summit on Equitable Access to Medical Transport in Rural Canada at the Wabano Center for Aboriginal Health in Ottawa, Ontario. It was an invitational meeting which gathered individuals from various jurisdictions involved in patient transfer, including those directly responsible for developing policy. Those in attendance included Indigenous organizations, rural patients with lived experience, transport providers, administrative and policy decision-makers, rural healthcare providers, and other key stakeholders.

In 2021 the SRPC, in collaboration with the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC), released a Call-to-Action Statement on Rural Patient Transfers. Following the statement’s release, the SPRC’s goal has been to develop a strategic action plan with priority recommendations and concrete deliverables. This plan will help identify partners for action, confirm commitment for implementation, and identify roles for those directly involved in policy development and delivery of transport care.

The Summit gathered key partners to identify strategies for the delivery of rural transport care to ensure equitable access and high-quality healthcare for Canadians living in rural and remote areas. Participants shared innovative practices from across Canada and discussed specific action items that will further inform the SRPC’s work in developing a national patient transport action plan.

Common themes emerging at the Summit included the value of strategic partnerships and relationships to co-create solutions and the need to reduce or remove jurisdictional barriers.

“A national transport strategy and standards, when paired with national licensure, are essential to improve the quality of healthcare services and health equity for rural and Indigenous communities,” stated Dr. Sarah Lespérance, President of the SRPC. “From the energy, passion, humility and innovation shown by all our partners attending the summit, it is clear that the time is now to move forward with this important work.”

Developing strategies for more effective patient transfers requires cooperation and collaboration at a pan-Canadian level. The SRPC is committed to working with our partners to develop a clearly defined action plan that will support the implementation of the Call-to-Action Statement.

The SRPC would like to acknowledge and thank our partner organizations offering support for the Summit, including:  Rural Coordination Centre of BC, HealthCare Excellence Canada, Ornge, Health Standards Organization, and Canadian Institute for Health Information. The presence of patient partners to bring the voices of those with lived experiences with rural transport care was graciously facilitated by the Canadian Medical Association and HealthCare Excellence Canada.

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 vision is excellent health care close to home for all rural Canadians with a mission of championing rural generalist medical care through education, collaboration, advocacy and research.

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, promoting and delivering continuing 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 with over 2500 members representing rural physicians spanning the country.

 

Contact

Society of Rural Physicians of Canada

info@srpc.ca

877-276-1949

Shawville, QC., March 31st, 2023.

The Society of Rural Physicians of Canada (SRPC) is excited to announce the 30th Annual Rural and Remote Medicine Course, taking place on April 20-22, 2023, at the Scotiabank Convention Centre in Niagara Falls. The event will bring together rural practitioners from across the country to share their experiences and knowledge on rural generalist care, with an emphasis on education, collaboration, advocacy, and research.

The Rural and Remote Medicine Course is a teaching and mentoring event aimed at preparing the next generation of rural practitioners. Plenary speakers will provide their expertise on rural generalist care, including international best practices, national perspectives, and the latest advances in rural care. Attendees can expect to leave the event with newfound confidence and a wealth of knowledge.

This year's program features an impressive lineup of speakers and workshops from across Canada. With a focus on practical skills and innovative approaches, attendees will have the opportunity to explore emerging trends in rural generalist healthcare. From improving diagnostic skills to promoting patient-centered care, the workshops at this year's event will provide valuable resources for rural practitioners of all levels.

The SRPC is the national voice of Canadian rural physicians, committed to promoting rural generalist care through education, advocacy, and research. With a mission to champion rural generalist medical care, the SRPC has been at the forefront of advocating for the needs of rural communities across Canada. The Rural and Remote Medicine Course is an important part of the organization's efforts to support and empower rural practitioners across the country.

As always, the Rural and Remote Medicine Course will provide a unique opportunity for rural practitioners to connect, learn, and share their experiences. From hands-on workshops to engaging lectures, the event promises to be an unforgettable experience for all who attend.

For more information about the event and how to register, please visit the SRPC website at www.srpc.ca/rr2023

For more information contact:

Diana Chavez
Marketing Officer
Society of Rural Physicians of Canada
dianac@srpc.ca
819-647-7054 ext.5

Facebook: theSRPC
Twitter: @SRPCanada
Instagram: @the_srpc
LinkedIn: society-of-rural-physicians-of-canada

The Society of Rural Physicians of Canada launches funding for training to improve health care access in rural settings

Shawville, Que., March 22, 2023: Equitable access to health care is a growing concern for rural, remote and Indigenous communities, and today the Society of Rural Physicians of Canada (SRPC) is addressing the issue with the launch of the National Advanced Skills and Training Program for Rural Practice. The goal of the program is to support recruitment and retention and reduce physician shortages in the most underserved communities in Canada.

The SRPC, the national voice of Canadian rural physicians, has received funding to support and fund practicing rural physicians, including international medical graduates and those in their first year of practice. The training will increase their skill sets based on the needs of rural, remote, and Indigenous communities, and reduce the need for patient transport out of communities to receive health services.

“Health care needs in rural areas are unique, extending beyond comprehensive primary health care,” said Dr. Sarah Lespérance, president of the SRPC. “Equitable access for these communities includes offering services such as emergency care, anesthesia, obstetrics, surgery, palliative care and mental health. A segment of the current rural physician workforce is not fully equipped to offer all the many services required,” continued Dr. Lespérance. “This program will change that.”

Dr. Gavin Parker, a family physician in Pincher Creek, Alta., is a member of the new program’s Expert Advisory Committee. “Challenges in recruitment and retention of physicians due to lack of ongoing skills training have had a negative impact on service delivery in rural and Indigenous communities,” he said. “The pandemic and its resulting physician shortages have furthered healthcare inequities for these communities. With enhanced skills provided by this program, physicians will be better able to serve rural population needs, and improve rural physician attraction and retention.”

Rural physician application
Rural physicians are encouraged to apply for funding to participate in skills training. They will identify their own training needs and select or develop learning opportunities to meet their needs. Once accepted in the program, the rural physician will receive a daily stipend to cover income loss, locum coverage and preceptor costs in addition to reimbursement for travel and accommodation. More information and the application can be found here.

The SRPC is part of a consortium entitled Team Primary Care: Training for Transformation which intends to accelerate health system reform needed to adopt the broad delivery of comprehensive primary care. Team Primary Care, co-led by the College of Family Physicians of Canada and the Canadian Health Workforce Network in partnership with over 65 health professional and educational organizations across Canada, is an interprofessional project of the Foundation for Advancing Family Medicine funded by Employment and Social Development Canada.

For further information, please contact:
Kristen Kluke
kristenk@srpc.ca
Or call: 416-484-9214

FB: facebook.com/theSRPC
Tw:@SRPCanada
IG: @the_srpc

About The Society of Rural Physicians of Canada
The Society of Rural Physicians of Canada is the national voice of Canadian rural physicians. Founded in 1992, the mission is championing rural generalist medical care through education, collaboration, advocacy and research. The mandate is to support rural physicians and communities, and enhance access to high quality care, close to home. The Society of Rural Physicians of Canada has a history of engagement in education and capacity-building projects, and these activities are core to the organization’s current activities.

About Team Primary Care
Team Primary Care - Training for Transformation is a unique and timely initiative that aims to accelerate transformative change in the way primary care practitioners train to work together. To do so, it brings together an extensive network of partners to enhance the capacity of interprofessional comprehensive primary care (CPC) through improved training for practitioners, supports for teams, and tools for planners and employers.

La Société de la médecine rurale du Canada lance le financement d’un programme de formation pour améliorer l’accès aux soins de santé dans les milieux ruraux

Shawville, Québec, 22 mars 2023: L’accès équitable aux soins de santé est une préoccupation croissante pour les communautés rurales, éloignées et autochtones. Aujourd’hui, la Société de la médecine rurale du Canada (SMRC) s’attaque donc au problème avec le lancement du Programme national de formation et compétences avancées pour la pratique rurale. L’objectif du programme est de réduire les pénuries de médecins en appuyant leur recrutement et leur maintien en poste dans les collectivités les plus mal desservies du Canada.

La SMRC, la voix nationale des médecins ruraux du Canada, a reçu du financement pour soutenir et financer les médecins ruraux en exercice, y compris les diplômés internationaux en médecine et ceux en première année de pratique. La formation permettra d’accroître leurs compétences en fonction des besoins des collectivités rurales, éloignées et autochtones, et de réduire la nécessité de transporter les patients hors des collectivités pour recevoir des services de santé.

« Les besoins en soins de santé dans les régions rurales sont uniques, allant au-delà des soins de santé primaires », a déclaré la Dre Sarah Lespérance, présidente de la SMRC. « L’accès équitable pour ces collectivités comprend l’offre de services tels que les soins d’urgence, l’anesthésie, les soins obstétriques, la chirurgie, les soins palliatifs, et les soins de santé mentale. Un segment de l’effectif actuel de médecins en milieu rural n’est pas entièrement équipé pour offrir tous les nombreux services requis », a poursuivi la Dre Lespérance. « Ce programme va changer cela. »

Le Dr Gavin Parker, médecin de famille à Pincher Creek, en Alberta, est membre du Comité consultatif d’experts du nouveau programme. Le recrutement et le maintien en poste des médecins sont difficiles en raison du manque de formation continue. Ceci a eu un impact négatif sur la prestation des services dans les collectivités rurales et autochtones », a-t-il déclaré. « La pandémie et les pénuries de médecins qui en ont résulté ont aggravé les inégalités en matière de soins de santé pour ces communautés. Grâce à l’amélioration des compétences offertes par ce programme, les médecins seront mieux en mesure de répondre aux besoins de la population rurale et d’améliorer l’attrait et la rétention des médecins ruraux. »

Demandes par les médecins ruraux
Les médecins ruraux sont encouragés à présenter une demande de financement pour participer à la formation en compétences professionnelles. Ils détermineront leurs propres besoins de formation et identifieront ou créeront des opportunités d’apprentissage pour répondre à leurs besoins. Une fois leur demande acceptée pour participer au programme, le médecin rural recevra une allocation quotidienne pour couvrir la perte de revenu, une couverture de suppléance et les frais de précepteur, en plus du remboursement des frais de déplacement et d’hébergement. Vous trouverez plus de renseignements et le formulaire de demande ici.

La SMRC fait partie d’un consortium appelé « Équipe de soins primaires : Former pour transformer », qui vise à accélérer la réforme nécessaire du système de santé afin d’adopter la prestation à large échelle de soins primaires complets. Équipe de soins primaires, co-dirigée par le Collège des médecins de famille du Canada et le Réseau canadien des personnels de santé en partenariat avec plus de 65 professionnels de la santé et organismes d’éducation partout au Canada, est un projet interprofessionnel de la Fondation pour l’avancement de la médecine familiale financé par Emploi et Développement social Canada.

Pour de plus amples renseignements, veuillez communiquer avec :
Kristen Kluke
kristenk@srpc.ca
Ou appelez au : 416-484-9214

FaceBook : facebook.com/theSRPC
Twitter : @SRPCanada
Instagram : @the_srpc

À propos de la Société de la médecine rurale du Canada
La Société de la médecine rurale du Canada est la voix nationale des médecins ruraux du Canada. Fondée en 1992, la mission défend les soins médicaux généralistes en milieu rural par l’éducation, la collaboration, la défense des intérêts et la recherche. Le mandat principal de la SMRC est de soutenir les communautés et les médecins en milieu rural et d’améliorer l’accès à des soins de haute qualité, près de chez eux. La Société de la médecine rurale du Canada est depuis longtemps engagée dans des projets d’éducation et de renforcement des capacités, et ces activités sont au cœur des activités actuelles de l’organisation.

Équipe de soins primaires : c’est quoi?
« Équipe de soins primaires : Former pour transformer » est une initiative unique et opportune, qui vise à accélérer le changement transformateur dans la façon dont les praticiens de soins primaires se forment à travailler ensemble. Pour ce faire, elle réunit un vaste réseau de partenaires afin d’améliorer la capacité de soins primaires complets (SPC) interprofessionnels grâce à une formation améliorée pour les praticiens, au soutien des équipes et aux outils pour les planificateurs et les employeurs.

Shawville – Jan. 23, 2023

The Society of Rural Physicians of Canada (SRPC) welcomes the Government of Ontario’s announcement regarding physician mobility. The SRPC has been advocating for national licensure as a critical element that will reduce barriers and improve access to healthcare in Canada.

Canada’s healthcare system is in crisis and the mobility of healthcare professionals across jurisdictions must be addressed. We are encouraged by this news from Ontario and recent announcements by the Atlantic provinces regarding a move towards a regional licensure process. However, changes need to be implemented to recognize the credentials of healthcare workers registered in all provinces and territories.

The SRPC believes that national licensure would promote and support access to care for patients and coverage for providers in rural and remote regions, where care often relies on providers and systems that span provincial and territorial borders. We urge the federal and provincial governments to further their actions to enable a national approach to licensure.

Canadians need access to healthcare practitioners and a national licensure would allow health care professionals to work anywhere in Canada.

October 11, 2022

All across Canada, doctors, nurses, paramedics and other healthcare providers are working hard to keep hospitals, and emergency departments open.  This summer, many emergency departments in small hospitals have had to close. You should be able to access care when and where you need it, especially in an emergency.

• Visit the SRPC's Health Human Resources (HHR) Resource page
• Click here to download a template letter to personalize and send to your local and provincial leaders. 

Position Statement  July 2022

Access to health care in rural communities

Having equitable access to health care is an ongoing challenge for rural, remote, and Indigenous communities in Canada. The physician workforce available to serve these communities is inadequate due to the lack of a comprehensive health human resource (HHR) plan that would enable rural physicians to commit to practising, teaching, and living in these areas over the long term. Health care needs in rural areas go beyond comprehensive primary care. Recent Canadian Medical Protective Association data show that between 20% and 30% of family doctors who identify as rural family physicians/general practitioners include a broader range of services in their scope of work than non‐rural physicians.ⁱ Rural generalist physicians provide emergency care and hospital in‐patient care as part of their core services, and they participate in networks of care that deliver anesthesia, obstetrical, surgical, palliative, population health, and home care services. These components must be part of an HHR plan for rural populations. However, while many programs have been implemented to recruit and support rural physicians, barriers¹ still exist that hinder their ability to expand rural generalist care in Canada.²ⁱⁱ

Read the full Statement: Enhancing Canada’s Rural Physician Workforce Through Effective Health Human Resource Planning.

July 2022

Today we are issuing an urgent call to action for health care system improvements in support of comprehensive primary health care.

There is a crisis in family medicine and in the delivery of comprehensive primary care which has left over 4.6M Canadians without a family doctor, and with many people unable to access timely care.

Read the full Statement: Call to Action Comprehensive Primary Health Care.

Un urgent appel à l'action pour améliorer le système de soins de santé et favoriser des soins de santé primaires complets.

June 29, 2022

As identified by the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC), the Society of Rural Physicians of Canada (SRPC) recognizes the importance of training family physicians who practice comprehensive, socially accountable medicine to meet the needs of the peoples of this land. Canada’s rural and remote physicians are known for their generalist skills and already embody many of the key attributes that the CFPC hopes to instill in all of its residency graduates.

To accomplish this, the CFPC is proposing post-graduate family medicine education reform to meet the Residency Training Profile (RTP), developed through work that members of the SRPC participated in. The Outcomes of Training Project (OTP) includes a recommendation to increase the duration of family medicine training to three years from two years to meet the curriculum goals of the RTP. The SRPC is committed to collaborating with the CFPC and its OTP.

We have heard the concerns of members with respect to these changes. We too share concerns,  however we also see opportunities. As an organization whose mandate is to champion rural generalist medical care, we plan to use our expertise to enhance rural medical education, developing more robust, resilient, and broadly-skilled teams of practice for our communities.

Read the full Statement: SRPC Statement on the College of Family Physicians of Canada’s Outcomes of Training Report