East Kootenay Division of Family Practice

06/17/2026

June 21 | National Indigenous Peoples Day

As we mark the 30th anniversary of National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, we honour the rich histories, enduring cultures, and invaluable contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples. We also acknowledge that meaningful reconciliation requires more than acknowledgement—it calls on us to listen, learn, build relationships, and continuously work towards an equitable health-care system where Indigenous Peoples feel respected, safe, and supported.

In recognition of National Indigenous Peoples Day, we're highlighting the work of Jessica Cashen, Aboriginal Care Navigator with the East Kootenay Primary Care Network. Through advocacy, relationship-building, and a commitment to "meeting people where they are", Jessica helps Indigenous patients navigate the health-care system, connect to services, and access culturally safe care. Learn more about the Aboriginal Care Navigator role and the impact it is having in Creston, B.C.: https://www.ekpcn.ca/news-events/culturally-safe-care-meeting-people-where-they-are

We also encourage physicians, staff, and community members to attend local events, read Indigenous literature, support Indigenous artists, and engage in learning opportunities that deepen understanding and foster meaningful relationships. Looking for ways to participate locally? The Regional District of East Kootenay has compiled information about Indigenous-led celebrations and events taking place throughout the region:
https://www.rdek.bc.ca/about/national_indigenous_peoples_day/

06/10/2026

Have you seen the new MOST video resource?

Developed through the East Kootenay Curiosity, Frailty & Palliative Care project, this video helps patients, families, and health-care providers better understand Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment (MOST) and the important role they play in advance care planning.

The Curiosity, Frailty & Palliative Care project was a successful two-year Shared Care initiative that wrapped up in Spring 2026. It's aim was to embed a palliative approach across the region — one shaped by meaningful conversations between people, their families, and health-care providers to help ensure individuals experience the best possible final chapter of life.

Watch the MOST video here:

This video explains how the MOST (Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment) form in British Columbia starts with one simple question: What matters to you? Lear...

06/05/2026

𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐊𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐲 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐓𝐨𝐩 𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞

The East Kootenay Division of Family Practice is proud to share that we received both awards presented at the 2026 Shared Care Partners in Care Conference.

Among four regional initiatives showcased at the conference, the 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐊𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐲 𝐄𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 received the 𝘗𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦'𝘴 𝘊𝘩𝘰𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘈𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥, recognizing the outstanding quality improvement work delivered by the project team, as voted on by conference peers. The 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐒 (𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 + 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭) 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 received the 𝘊𝘰-𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘪𝘳𝘴 𝘈𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥, recognizing the team's exceptional contributions to improving health care in British Columbia. There was also significant interest in the 𝐄𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐂𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 and the 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐏𝐬𝐲𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭, both of which received positive feedback from attendees and conference organizers.

While we are honoured to receive these awards, we see them as a celebration of the many people and organizations who contributed to this work.

We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to our physician members, collaborators, funders, and partners whose support made these achievements possible. In particular, we would like to acknowledge Shared Care, including our liaison David Hebb, Interior Health, Foundry East Kootenay, School District No. 5, College of the Rockies, Ktunaxa Nation, Ktunaxa Kinbasket Child and Family Service Society, Child and Youth Mental Health Services, as well as the local midwives, allied health professionals (including mental health clinicians and dietitians) and specialist physicians who contributed their time, expertise and passion to these initiatives.

We would like to recognize the physician leads who championed the Shared Care projects showcased at the conference:
Dr. Orits Oshodi, Child & Youth Psychiatrist
Dr. Laura Swaney, Pediatrician
Dr. Jade Jensen, Family Physician
Dr. William Brown, Family Physician
Dr. Moninder Vaid, Internal Medicine Specialist
Dr. Todd Loewen, Family Physician
Dr. Tanya Burch, Family Physician
Dr. Alisa Sangret, Family Physician
Dr. Paula Dubois, Family Physician

The physician leaders are supported by the team at the EK Division, including Jacqui van Zyl, Micheline Nimmock, Liz Fradgley, Melanie Spring, Kirstie Clarke, Caitlyn Flint, Jody Jacob, and more.

View the Eating Disorder storyboard:https://divisionsbc.ca/sites/default/files/61484/Eating%20Disorder%20%2848%20x%2048%20in%29%20%287%29.pdf

View the PROSPERS story board:https://divisionsbc.ca/sites/default/files/61484/SCC_PROSPER_Storyboard_v2.pdf

05/19/2026

Happy BC Family Doctors Day! Today, we celebrate the incredible family doctors who keep our communities healthy and thriving through all stages of life. Want to personally thank your doctor? Send a message of appreciation! https://ow.ly/YcLX50YZRb0

05/19/2026

𝐁.𝐂. 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐃𝐨𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐃𝐚𝐲 | 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟏𝟗

Today we celebrate and thank the family physicians who care for our communities. Family physicians are often there for life’s biggest moments and hardest challenges, walking alongside families through every stage.

In rural communities like the East Kootenay, family physicians wear many hats. They work within complex and evolving systems that require innovation, adaptability, and deep community connection. Rural family doctors are problem-solvers — responding to unique challenges and opportunities with creativity, collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to ensuring people can access care close to home.

Their impact reaches even further, beyond clinic walls.

Across the East Kootenay, family physicians are helping shape the future of health-care — leading quality improvement, mentoring the next generation, informing policy, strengthening local health systems, and advocating for sustainable, accessible primary care for the future. Their leadership helps build healthier, stronger, and more resilient communities.

To all family doctors across the East Kootenay: thank you for your care, your advocacy, your countless unseen hours, and your commitment to creating a stronger future for patients, families, and communities alike.

Happy B.C. Family Doctor Day.
❤️

05/14/2026

The EK Division values the Network of Rural Divisions as a space for collaboration and strong relationships with other rural and remote Divisions, and our partners in the Joint Collaborative Committees.

05/13/2026

Filled with good people, excellent amenities, supportive colleagues, and diverse practice opportunities—set against a backdrop of scenic views and adventures—East Kootenay communities are vibrant places that inspire an authentic life. Here, you can be the main character in your own story.

Interested in a permanent or locum opportunity in Cranbrook, Kimberley, Creston, Golden, Invermere, Fernie, Sparwood or Elkford? Connect with Karrie Kelleher, Recruitment Coordinator, [email protected]

British Columbia offers outstanding and diverse opportunities, to not only build your career, but to forge your own lifestyle.To learn more about living and ...

05/11/2026

This National Nursing Week, the EK Division and East Kootenay Primary Care Network (EKPCN) is proud to recognize the nurses who care for patients, families, and communities across our region.

From the first moments of life to the last chapters, nurses are a constant presence in the health-care journey.

Nurses bring clinical knowledge, critical thinking, and adaptability to complex situations; but just as importantly, they bring compassion, empathy, and a deep understanding of the human experience of health and illness.

Their impact is felt deeply. We extend our sincere thanks to every nurse across the East Kootenay. Your work makes a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals, families, and communities every day.

04/22/2026

🌎 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟐𝟐 𝐢𝐬 𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐃𝐚𝐲. 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐝𝐨 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭.

Did you know the health-care sector contributes ~5% of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions?

Primary care can play a key role in reducing health-care’s environmental impact, and practical tools are already available, shaped by local ideas and brought to life in our region.

Developed by Dr. Ilona Hale, Kimberley Family Physician, and supported by the East Kootenay Division of Family Practice, Lisa Larkin, RN, and CASCADES Canada, the Sustainable Primary Care Toolkit offers simple, actionable ways to deliver high-quality care while reducing environmental impact.

It's a win for patients, providers, and planet.

Explore the toolkit: https://cascadescanada.ca/resources/sustainable-primary-care-toolkit/

04/21/2026

Sometimes the health-care field can feel heavy. Complex.

Every day brings a new challenge. Sometimes every hour.

But then—to start our work week—a physician member sends us EK Division-branded socks, doing sock things, grounded in the wild, beautiful landscapes we’re lucky to call home. The same region we’re working to make stronger, healthier, and more vibrant.

And we think…
‘Sure, the challenges may be big. But, boy-oh-boy, did we ever nail the conference swag. We got this.’

Thanks to Dr. William Brown and Dr. Chris Sveen for rocking our logo so well.