Network of Rural Divisions

The Network of Rural Divisions enables physician leaders and executive directors from 20 rural Divisions of Family Practice in British Columbia (BC) to connect and engage in a safe space. Members share successes and challenges experienced in their communities, or by healthcare providers and the Divisions, as well as potential solutions to challenges. The Network provides a unique opportunity for members to learn from others’ diverse, but common, rural experiences, bridging multiple geographic regions and health authorities, and bringing rural Divisions together to create a common understanding and community.

Achievements & Impact

Created a safe space for Divisions to share information and conversation in the initial days of the pandemic

Met with BC Ministry of Health and Doctors of BC representatives to respond to COVID-19

Hosted virtual “lunch and learns” with guest speakers

Established an egalitarian space for open dialogue

Looking ahead

Network of Rural Divisions Overview

In 2020–2021, the Network of Rural Divisions acted as a lifeboat for members, who came together virtually as equals in an extremely challenging and unprecedented time in healthcare, to share information and conversation, and lift each other up. From April to June—the early days of the pandemic in which there was great fear, uncertainty, and many unknowns—the Network held weekly hour-long meetings on Thursdays with all 20 Divisions. These meetings were very well attended, consistently attracting between 30 and 40 people, including one to two physicians and/or executive directors from all Divisions.

During this time, early in the pandemic, the Network was asked to include guests in its early morning meetings. Representatives from the Ministry of Health and Doctors of BC General Practice Services Committee attended the meetings to help understand and inform the work needed to stand up COVID-19 assessment and testing centers, and to develop and implement needed processes.

In June, Network members felt that fewer meetings were necessary and, therefore, met monthly throughout the summer with an open agenda. By September and October, it became apparent that the early morning meeting time was limiting attendance; therefore, the Network added a virtual “lunch and learn” session via Zoom once a month. This opportunity created space for invited guests to speak with the group about relevant topics. Guests included representatives from the Rural Coordination Centre of BC, Doctors of BC, Rural Innovation Centre, First Nations Health Authority, and even the presidents of Doctors of BC.

Throughout the year, the Network’s meetings have not only been informational, but conversational, by ensuring equal time for information sharing and question and answer exchanges. Members continued to value discussion and understanding, rather than only the dissemination and absorption of information.

In the coming year, the Network of Rural Divisions will continue providing a place for safe and open dialogue for all rural Divisions across the province. It will also continue asking members for feedback on meeting topics and discussions to ensure it is useful and engaging. The Network may also explore its role in rural health advocacy.

How have we shown or built resilience in BC during a challenging year?

“Resilience is the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties and toughness. The process of developing resilience is equal parts of the challenge, and the journey through. Without the challenge, there is no need to develop toughness, but without the journey, there is not a path through it. The Network of Rural Divisions creates time and space for leaders, physicians, and Divisions to journey through together. The culture of the group was that of equity, openness, and transparency. We held our agendas very loosely and could adapt based on weekly and monthly needs. We ensured that we were reflecting the voices of our Divisions, our members, and our communities, and not leading our own agenda. We valued each other, each of our experiences and challenges, while coming to solutions together. We built resilience together, through a journey of sharing our fears, our challenges, our joys and our solutions.”

Drs. Brenda Huff and Josh Greggain
Medical Leads, Network of Rural Divisions, RCCbc

Team Members: Paul Kendal, Kim Williams, Anne Lesack