Saturday, June 7
Saturday is all about high-impact learning and practical insights. Dive into rapid-fire lectures covering the latest clinical updates, then engage in interactive Ask-Me-Anything sessions, which repeat so you can attend two different topics. Whether you’re seeking expert guidance on dermatology, geriatrics, pain management, or emergency care, this day is designed to equip rural clinicians with case-based strategies and real-world solutions tailored to rural practice.
7:15 AM - 8:30 AM Breakfast
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⏰ Time: 8:30 a.m. – 8:50 a.m.
🌟 Conference Opening
Kick off the conference with a welcome and opening from a representative of the Lheidli T'enneh First Nation.
8:50 AM - 10:30 AM Rapid-Fire Lectures
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Speakers: Dr. James Card & Kevin Brown
🛠 Learning Objectives
Identify key policy and guideline updates from the Joint Standing Committee (JSC) that impact rural clinical practice.
Examine how JSC recommendations impact funding, resources, or service delivery in rural healthcare settings.
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Speaker: Dr. Tim Olmstead (Prince George)
🛠 Learning Objectives
Recognize the key signs and symptoms of compartment syndrome and review diagnostic techniques, including pressure measurement and clinical assessment.
Discuss management strategies for acute and chronic compartment syndrome.
Identify complications associated with delayed diagnosis or mismanagement of compartment syndrome.
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Speaker: Dr. James Toft
🛠 Learning Objectives
Apply a structured approach to rapidly assess asthma severity in a resource-limited rural emergency setting.
Identify the first-line pharmacologic interventions for acute asthma exacerbations and their appropriate dosing.
Recognize when to escalate care or transfer patients based on response to initial treatment and available resources.
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Speaker: Dr. Ian Schokking
🛠 Learning Objectives
Identify medications to consider stopping in rural long-term care.
Discuss straightforward and patient-centered approaches to safely taper or stop medications.
How to get the most out of your MOST form when setting goals of care.
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Speakers: Coming soon
🛠 Learning Objectives
Coming soon!
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📍 Location: Exhibitor & Poster Hall
☕ Grab a refreshment and explore the latest in rural healthcare innovation.
Take this dedicated time to dive into the latest research and innovations in rural healthcare. Browse insightful posters, engage with exhibitors, and connect with experts driving change in the field.
👀 What to Expect:
🔹 Discover cutting-edge rural health research through engaging poster presentations
🔹 Connect with exhibitors showcasing new tools, resources, and initiatives
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Speakers: Dr. Terri Aldred and Tarah Reese, NP - Prince George, BC
Learning Objectives:
Provide an overview of core principles and practices of cultural safety and humility and Indigenous specific anti-racism
Highlight current practice standards and what resources are available for Indigenous patients in BC
Review recommendations on how to continue the journey of CSH & ISAR work
11:10 AM - 11:40 AM Ask-Me-Anything (Choose one)
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Speaker: Dr. Allison Gregory – Vancouver, BC
🩺 Ask Me Anything: Dermatology
Let's discuss your most burning dermatology questions! Just some of the topics we can review are:
Is this rash dangerous?
Recognizing red flags for life-threatening skin conditions.
Acne in adults: When should you think beyond the typical treatment?
Eczema or something else?
Differentiating common inflammatory skin conditions.
Drug eruptions: Identifying and managing common medication-related skin reactions.
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Speaker: Dr. Ian Schokking – Prince George, BC
🩺 Ask Me Anything: Geriatrics
Bring your geriatrics questions to this interactive session! Just some of the topics we can review are:
Is memory loss always dementia? Recognizing reversible causes of cognitive decline.
Navigating care in long-term care facilities: Managing medical issues and optimizing quality of life.
Polypharmacy pitfalls: Strategies for deprescribing in complex patients.
Managing frailty in rural settings: Leveraging community resources, telemedicine, and virtual geriatric consults.
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Speaker: Dr. Tim Olmstead - Prince George
🩺 Ask Me Anything: Orthopedics
Let's discuss your most burning orthopedics questions! Just some of the topics we can review are:
Casting Essentials: Key techniques, updates, and things you don’t want to miss.
ER Packaging for Ortho Trauma: What to do before transfer to optimize patient outcomes.
Sports Medicine Tips: Managing common injuries like patellar dislocation and more.
Post-Injury & Rehab in Rural Communities: Practical recommendations for recovery and ongoing care.
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Speaker: Dr. Christine Kurz - Prince George
🩺 Ask Me Anything: Plastics
Let's discuss your most burning plastics questions! Just some of the topics we can review are:
Hand Injuries in Primary Care: Examining tendon vs. nerve injuries.
Facial Traumas: Managing common injuries like nasal fractures and lip lacerations.
Bite Wounds & Infection Risk: Management strategies and when to escalate care.
Scar Management & Prevention: Evidence-based tips for minimizing long-term cosmetic impacts.
11:45 AM – 12:15 PM Ask-Me-Anything (Choose one)
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Speaker: Dr. Allison Gregory – Vancouver, BC
🩺 Ask Me Anything: Dermatology
Let's discuss your most burning dermatology questions! Just some of the topics we can review are:
Is this rash dangerous?
Recognizing red flags for life-threatening skin conditions.
Acne in adults: When should you think beyond the typical treatment?
Eczema or something else?
Differentiating common inflammatory skin conditions.
Drug eruptions: Identifying and managing common medication-related skin reactions.
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Speaker: Dr. Ian Schokking – Prince George, BC
🩺 Ask Me Anything: Geriatrics
Bring your geriatrics questions to this interactive session! Just some of the topics we can review are:
Is memory loss always dementia? Recognizing reversible causes of cognitive decline.
Navigating care in long-term care facilities: Managing medical issues and optimizing quality of life.
Polypharmacy pitfalls: Strategies for deprescribing in complex patients.
Managing frailty in rural settings: Leveraging community resources, telemedicine, and virtual geriatric consults.
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Speaker: Dr. Tim Olmstead - Prince George
🩺 Ask Me Anything: Orthopedics
Let's discuss your most burning orthopedics questions! Just some of the topics we can review are:
Casting Essentials: Key techniques, updates, and things you don’t want to miss.
ER Packaging for Ortho Trauma: What to do before transfer to optimize patient outcomes.
Sports Medicine Tips: Managing common injuries like patellar dislocation and more.
Post-Injury & Rehab in Rural Communities: Practical recommendations for recovery and ongoing care.
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Speaker: Dr. Christine Kurz - Prince George
🩺 Ask Me Anything: Plastics
Let's discuss your most burning plastics questions! Just some of the topics we can review are:
Hand Injuries in Primary Care: Examining tendon vs. nerve injuries.
Facial Traumas: Managing common injuries like nasal fractures and lip lacerations.
Bite Wounds & Infection Risk: Management strategies and when to escalate care.
Scar Management & Prevention: Evidence-based tips for minimizing long-term cosmetic impacts.
12:15 PM - 1:40 PM Lunch Break
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📍 Location: Foundry Prince George – 1148 7th Ave., Prince George, BC Foundry is a short walk from the convention centre.)
💰 Fee: FREE
🏥 Tour Overview:
Discover Foundry Prince George, a welcoming, youth-friendly space that provides mental health and substance use support, primary care, peer support, and social services for young people aged 12-24. This tour offers an inside look at the new downtown location, showcasing the integrated, holistic support services available to help local youth and families thrive.
1:40 PM - 3:00 PM Plenary Rapid-Fire Lectures
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Speaker: Dr. Devan Reddy – Prince George, BC
🛠 Learning Objectives
Identify high-impact, low-complexity pain management strategies that can be easily implemented in a rural setting.
Select appropriate non-opioid pharmacologic options for chronic pain with limited access to specialist support.
Apply a brief, structured approach to assessing and addressing psychosocial factors that influence chronic pain in rural patients.
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Speaker: Dr. Tarneer Johal – Prince George, BC
🛠 Learning Objectives
Review common causes of abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB).
Examine non-hormonal, hormonal, and surgical management options for AUB.
Determine when referral to an OBGYN is necessary and when AUB can be safely managed in primary care.
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Speaker: Dr. Danielle Piche – Hazelton, BC
🛠 Learning Objectives
Review the current RTVS system, including available services and how to connect with virtual specialists for emergencies, maternity care, pediatrics, chronic pain management, critical care, and internal medicine.
Discuss how to integrate RTVS seamlessly into rural practice in new and creative ways, such as leveraging virtual support for high-stakes situations, reducing unnecessary transfers, and improving workflow efficiency.
3:00 PM - 3:20 PM Coffee Break
3:20 PM - 4:20 PM Plenary Rapid-Fire Lectures
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Speaker: Dr. Margot Parkes - Prince George
🛠 Learning Objectives:
Examine the significance of cumulative environmental impacts on rural family practice– from coronary arteries to mental health.
Evaluate the health co-benefits (double dividends) of integrating planetary health principles into rural practice, emphasizing the interconnectedness of people, place, and planet.
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Speaker: Sian Shuel – Fraser Valley, BC
🛠 Learning Objectives:
Recognize signs and symptoms suspicious for common cancers
Initiate a workup for patients presenting with suspicious signs and symptoms
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Speaker: Linda O’Neill – Prince George, BC
🛠 Learning Objectives:
Identify key principles of trauma-informed care and their relevance to daily clinical interactions.
Apply simple communication strategies to create a safer and more supportive environment for patients.
Recognize common signs of trauma responses in patients and adjust care approaches to minimize unintentional harm.
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Speaker: Dr. Allison Gregory – Vancouver, BC
🛠 Learning Objectives:
Review treatment options for actinic keratoses, with a focus on the benefits and limitations of field therapy.
Identify the characteristics that make a patient a suitable candidate for field treatment.
Demonstrate effective use of 5-fluorouracil alone or in combination with calcipotriol.
Develop strategies for setting patient expectations and managing common side effects.
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BC STUDENT, RESIDENT AND PRECEPTOR SOCIAL EVENT
Date: Saturday, June 7
Time: 4:45pm – 6:00pm
Location: Prince George Conference Centre
This is a private event by invitation only
Hosted by Rural Education Action Plan (REAP)
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📅 Date: Saturday, June 7
⏰ Time: 6:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
📍 Location: The Exploration Place Museum + Science Centre
💰 Fee: FREE
🚍 Transportation: Ongoing shuttle service provided to and from the Prince George Conference Centre.
🎉 Social Event Overview:
This year’s Welcome Reception will take place at The Exploration Place Museum + Science Centre. Connect with your peers over delicious food and drinks while exploring the museum’s unique and engaging galleries. Discover exhibits that showcase life during Prince George’s early settler days, the impact of diverse post-contact settler groups on Indigenous communities and the landscape, and how these histories have shaped the region socially, culturally, and environmentally. In addition, we will celebrate the 2025 Rural Health Award winners and nominees throughout the evening.✨ Enjoy an evening of connection, conversation, and discovery!