Family Practice Anaesthesia Network

Few resources are dedicated to the unique challenges of providing rural anesthesia by family physicians. The Family Practice Anesthesia (FPA) Network is a collegial provincial network that connects FPAs from across British Columbia (BC). Network members discuss and disseminate critical information related to

their practices, including clinical questions, recruitment and retention, current political issues, and opportunities for continuing medical education. Through enhanced communication and engagement in the Network, FPAs can incorporate new ideas into their practices, resulting in better healthcare for rural residents.

Our Achievements

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Delivered annual FPA clinical update

The FPA Network developed and delivered its annual FPA clinical update on November 6. This year, given ongoing pandemic safety concerns, the event was held virtually. This program has become a long-standing opportunity for FPAs from across the province to connect through an accredited conference, develop their relationships, and learn the latest developments in clinical anesthesia care.

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Contributed to reduction of surgical wait times

The FPA Network developed connections with the BC Ministry of Health to examine surgical backlogs in the province and consider solutions for fully utilizing the availability of rural operating rooms and FPA clinicians.

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Developed the Advanced Skills Assessment Pathway

Over the course of the year, the FPA Network contributed to the development of the Advanced Skills Assessment Pathway, which will help evaluate the skills of international medical graduates in family practice anesthesia.

Making a Difference

In the coming year, the FPA Network plans on taking a multi-pronged approach to enhance health care for rural residents. One focus will be on increasing surgical cases in rural hospitals to help the Ministry of Health achieve its mandate to decrease surgical wait times.

The Advanced Sills Assessment Pathway project is also a new development that will help strengthen the Network.

“The anaesthesia pathway is being developed in conjunction with similar pathways to evaluate physicians who may provide enhanced surgical and obstetrical surgical skills,” says Dr. Kirk McCarroll, who leads the FPA Network. “We anticipate the project will strengthen recruitment and retention in rural surgical centres.”