Rural

The Rural Training Program was implemented in 1982 with the main objective of training residents interested in practicing in non-urban communities upon graduation. To date, more than 200 residents have graduated from the program; 70% of whom are practicing in rural communities in BC, Canada, and internationally (many with Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders).

In this carefully designed program, residents spend their first year based in the beautiful Okanagan Valley. The majority of rotations occur in the Kelowna General Hospital; some rotations, such as first year family practice are completed in practicing physicians' offices in and outside of Kelowna. During this time, residents are given the option of living together in one of two cost effective resident houses located near the hospital. This gives residents a unique opportunity to share both their learning and their living experiences with one another, as well as build strong, lasting friendships with future colleagues.

During the second year of training, residents complete either two four-month rotations or one eight-month rotation, and a variety of electives in rural/remote communities in BC, and the Northwest Territories. In these communities, residents work alongside experienced rural preceptors who provide education and role modeling of remote and rural practice. International elective rotations are also encouraged.

Research has demonstrated that the best candidates for such a program are those who are looking for adventure and exciting medicine in a non-urban full spectrum family practice community. Candidates also take keen interest in the recreational and outdoor potential of rural communities. Such "rational risk takers" stand out from the average based on their activities, experiences and attitudes. Students interested in rural based training should seriously consider applying to the Rural program. The best promoters for the Rural program are the current residents and grads. We would be happy to link you with these colleagues if you wish to communicate with them directly. Otherwise have a serious look at our website and feel free to contact us (details on website) with any questions you may have.

**This program will prepare you to practice in non-urban and international settings while stressing the importance of balancing personal needs with professional commitment.

Dr. Lynne Tereposky
Rural Site Director

Dr. Marlowe Haskins
Associate Rural Site Director

With thirteen positions available for incoming residents, the Rural Family Medicine Program attracts friendly candidates with many diverse interests. The Rural program is unique in its amount of flexibility, adaptability, breadth of experience, and responsibility. The program provides training in the core aspects of medicine, while allowing residents to enhance their skills in areas of interest. Our entire faculty and support staff are approachable, available, and supportive, and encourage communication and problem solving at multiple levels.

The first year is based out of Kelowna, and offers excellent rotations in ICU, pediatrics, internal medicine, orthopedics, family medicine, obstetrics, and emergency medicine. Residents also have the opportunity to spend time throughout the year with family practice preceptors or specialists based on their interests. Our academic half days are well structured, interactive, and relevant. Because family practice residents are the only full time residents in Kelowna, this program provides residents with excellent access to procedures and hands on skills. As a learning based program, residents are able to tailor their schedule to suit their learning needs. Typically our group of residents are keen and ready for a bit of adventure. The first year provides an opportunity to really get to know your fellow residents and faculty. Generally residents are able to enjoy extracurricular activities together in their spare time, including skiing, biking, wakeboarding, skateboarding, surfing, kiteboarding, running, paddling, and more. Each year the groups form strong friendships that continue into practice in rural and remote areas.

The second year provides a choice of many diverse rural training sites throughout British Columbia, and one training site in the Northwest Territories, where residents do two four month rotations of full service family medicine. When in rural communities during the second year, we network through monthly teleconferences and bi-annual retreats. A one month trauma or emergency medicine elective is available in the second year, which can be done internationally. Furthermore, residents are encouraged to pursue individual interests including initiatives in international health, women's health, and wilderness medicine to name a few.

Many subsidized supplementary training courses are offered in our program. These include Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS), Advanced Life Support for Obstetrics (ALSO), Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP), Essential Surgical Skills Course (ESSC), and ACLS recertification. There are also conference days and resident funding which can be put towards additional conferences or courses such as the Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Department Targeted Ultrasound (EDTU) or Airway Management in Emergencies (AIME), among others.

From air-evacuating medical emergencies above the Arctic Circle to perfecting fish hook removal techniques in the Queen Charlotte Islands, the adventures abound and we'd love the opportunity to welcome you to the rural family!

For more information about the resident experience, please contact

Doug Page, R2, Chief Resident of the Rural Family Medicine Program.
Email: dougbrianpage@gmail.com