Pemberton, Powell River docs honoured for Excellence in Rural Medicine
Dr. Jel Coward, Pemberton’s former medical director, and Powell River family doc Dr. David May were recognized for their accomplishments and contributions to rural medical practice at the Rural Coordination Centre of BC’s (RCCbc) Rural Emergency Continuum of Care (RECC) medical conference in Prince George June 9. (Unfortunately, Dr. May was unable to attend.)
The physicians were honoured for contributions that greatly elevated the health and well-being of their respective communities.
Dr. Ross Brown, Co-Senior Medical Director for VCH-Coastal, isn’t surprised Jel received such an honour.
“Jel is truly an inspirational and dedicated rural doc. He clearly demonstrates compassion and dedication for his patients far beyond expectations,” says Ross. “Whether it’s on his weekly ‘fly-in’ visits to the Tipella, Skatin and Samahquam First Nations communities, caring for patients in Pemberton or being on the road with his wife and educational partner Dr. Rebecca Lindley delivering The CARE Course throughout British Columbia, he is always focused on delivering and improving the health of B.C.’s rural and remote patients.”
Pemberton life
Jel, who has worked in Pemberton with his wife Dr. Rebecca Lindley for 15 years, was humbled to receive the Award of Excellence in Rural Medicine.
“B.C. and Canada have much to be proud of in the rural generalism we enjoy from teams of rural care providers,” says Jel, who describes Pemberton as a jewel of a place. “It is these teams that we should truly honour and value.”
Jel has high praise for the entire Pemberton inter-professional health team from lab, to mental health, to x-ray, to public health, to home care nursing, to administrative staff and the emergency department nurses.
“There is a ‘community’ feel and a feeling of ‘this is our place, and we care about it and its’ people’. Rural health care in small communities is well placed to foster and develop such investment in people and communities. We have been lucky to have had the opportunity to be a part of that in Pemberton.”
As folks in Pemberton already know, Jel and Rebecca are moving on. But they leave knowing the community is in good hands thanks to Drs Nick Fisher, Jim Fuller, Andrew Finnegan and Tony HoChen as well as Nurse Practitioner Erica Vanzanten and RN Lynne Currie.
Moving on
“It is not without heavy hearts that we are moving on, but there is much to be done elsewhere,” says Jel.
Rebecca and Jel will continue their work with the RCCbc and as directors of The CARE Course (an interprofessional rural emergency education program that visits rural communities). Their work with the Rural and Remote Division of Family Practice will also continue.
“Supporting and growing rural health care is important for the rural people of BC. It is a privilege to serve this cause. It has also been a privilege and honour to serve the numerous First Nations communities and to build the visiting outreach program to the reserves. It is a delight to know that Pemberton physicians are committed to continuing this work into the future, serving alongside the nurse practitioner, providing care and support to our First Nations friends.”
Powell River’s David May
David is a full service family doc who has been working in Powell River for 25 years. He is also an anesthetist and has a consulting practice in palliative care and chronic pain. Unfortunately, VCH News has been unable to catch up with David.
For more information on the Rural Coordination Centre of B.C, click here.