Physicians practicing medicine in rural, remote, and northern communities often provide a broader of care for their patients

 

Dr. Gavin Parker, a physician who works in Pincher Creek, Alberta, illustrates his experience, saying:

 

“This week, I have been involved in delivering babies, I work at a GP anesthetist so I’ve done anaesthesia for surgery, and I’ve looked after in-patients in hospital. I have taken care of patients in the emergency room; some were quite sick but have had to go to the ICU. In addition to maintaining a full office based family practise where I think my youngest patient is about a week and my oldest patient is 104 years old and everything in between”

 

Its instances like this that has led to the Society of Rural Physicians of Canada to launch a new program that provides training to rural physicians based on the needs of the communities they serve.

 

The goal of the National Advanced Skills and Training Program for Rural Practice is to support recruitment and retention and reduce physician shortages in underserved communities in Canada.

 

The full interview can be heard this afternoon at 12:40 and 5:10 on Thompson Today.