Rural Locums Initiative

Networking, relationship-building, and creating a new “home” for locums working across rural BC are the activities that drove the Rural Locums Initiative this past year.

“Rural Locum Home”, an online community in Slack, was established to bridge the communications gap that many locums experience in their transient roles. Since its inception, the virtual community has become the go-to platform for over 39 locums (and counting) to network and share locum-relevant information and resources. This includes other RCCbc programs and initiatives, such as the Real-Time Virtual Support program, and continuing medical education/continuing professional development funding opportunities.

The networking efforts of Dr. Zeke Steve, the medical lead for the Rural Locums Initiative, with numerous physician leaders, helped increase awareness about the Rural Locum Home. In addition to raising awareness about Rural Locum Home, Dr. Steve began advocating for locum-specific issues after accepting a role on the Medical Advisory Committee at University of British Columbia Continuing Professional Development.

In the coming year, The Rural Locum Initiative will continue to raise awareness and uptake of Rural Locum Home, particularly amongst residents and new-to-practice physicians. New resources will be developed and shared with community members to build the community’s usefulness—and the platform will be used as a basis for developing new locums programs in BC, such as growing resident preceptorship opportunities for locums.