Rural Physician Research Grant Program

The Rural Physician Research Grant Program (RPRGP) empowers rural physician researchers, or new aspiring researchers, to pursue innovative rural research and knowledge translation projects that advance rural health in British Columbia (BC). Under the Project, physicians with experience practicing rural medicine and

extensive connections to rural communities may apply for grants of up to $10,000 per year to support their research activities. It is important for rural research to be conducted by rural researchers because they understand the rural context and ask the right questions.

Our Achievements

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Awarded six research grants

A total of six research grants were awarded. Funded studies included a study to establish baseline metrics in rural regional physician health and wellness, a pilot project to evaluate the value of rural provider preparation for adverse events, and a study refining group–based virtual simulation in rural BC, among others.

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Published projects in peer-reviewed journals

Two projects supported by the RPRGP were published in peer-reviewed journals. In addition, more researchers are in various stages of the process of submitting manuscripts for publication. The studies published in the reporting year were:

Dr. Adam Watchorn – Evaluating delays for emergent CT scans from a rural BC hospital (Canadian Journal of Emergency Medicine)
- Publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34156667/
- Editorial response (by Fleet et al): https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s43678-021-00197-6
Dr. Rahul Gupta – Exploring Health Coaching and Mindfulness as Levers for Transforming Health: Stakeholder Perspectives (Oxford Academic Family Practice Journal)
- Publication: https://crhr.med.ubc.ca/health-coaching-mindfulness/

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Supported research initiatives

Two initiatives supported rural health research in BC. The first, a new collaboration with the University of British Columbia’s medical program FLEX (Flexible and Enhanced Learning) students, got underway. The second initiative, the BC Rural Health Research Exchange, was held in November for the second year in a row to showcase rural health research in BC. Approximately 150 participants and 30 presenters took part in the online event.

Making a Difference

A broad spectrum of research was on display when RCCbc hosted BC Rural Health Research Exchange.  

The event was supported by the Joint Standing Committee on Rural Issues and the BC Emergency Medicine Network. 

Jason Curran, RCCbc’s Rural Research and Physician Engagement Manager, says: “It was refreshing to see the great number and diversity of rural-focused research projects in BC. Much of what was shared has the potential to lead to innovative changes to practice, health service delivery and improvements to the overall health and wellness of smaller communities in the province.” 