The Rural CPD team presented our unique Personal Learning Plans (PLP) program at the 32nd Rural and Remote Conference this past weekend and at Quality Forum in March — building meaningful connections, sharing impact and capturing participant feedback along the way.
“We believe in the power of supportive relationships to sustain community-driven health equity in BC. Presenting the PLP program gave us the opportunity to share how we help physicians make sense of CME, and collaborate with others to enhance support for rural providers across the country,” says Angela Wagner, Education Manager, Rural CPD.
Through a flexible, personalized format, the confidential and non-reporting PLP initiative supports new-to-rural-practice (NtRP) physicians and International Medical Graduates (IMGs) in British Columbia (BC).
“In partnership with the Rural Coordination Centre of British Columbia (RCCbc)’s Rural Continuing Medical Education (RCME) community, Doctors of BC’s Quality Improvement panel and technology coaches, and other rural communities and faculty engagements, we work to strengthen rural recruitment and retention by encouraging PRA-BC, IMGs and NtRP physicians to participate in a PLP,” says Angela.
Empowering physicians at the Rural and Remote Conference
Hosted by the Society of Rural Physicians of Canada in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the annual Rural and Remote Conference brought together rural health professionals to share knowledge and foster collaboration.
On April 24-26, Rural CPD team members, Laura Beamish, Angela Wagner and Dr. Bruce Hobson presented how the Personal Learning Plans (PLP) program empowers rural physicians to successfully navigate Canadian practice.
| Rural CPD Senior Manager, Laura Beamish, Education Manager, Angela Wagner and Medical Lead, Dr. Bruce Hobson at the 2025 Rural and Remote Conference. |
“Coming together with our national colleagues was a really great opportunity to learn how other groups are supporting lifelong learning for physicians in rural practice. It further solidified for me that we are on the right track by providing flexible, relationship-focused support that uncovers both perceived and unperceived needs," says Laura Beamish, Senior Manager, Rural CPD.
The team also highlighted CPD programs that connect rural health professionals to social support and organizations like Doctors of BC, Pain BC and more. They emphasized the value of our long-standing Coaching and Mentoring (CAMP) program in supporting rural health education and lifelong learning.
Supporting International Medical Graduates and new-to-rural-practice physicians
In March, rural CPD team member, Hadas Haft, presented at Quality Forum — an annual event hosted by Health Quality BC, where health professionals in British Columbia (BC) share strategies to improve quality of care.
The presentation focused on key learning areas identified by Personal Learning Plan (PLP) program participants, including:
- billing
- exam support
- electronic medical records (EMR)
- emergency skills
- point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS)
By responding to feedback from International Medical Graduates (IMGs) and new-to-rural practice (NtRP) physicians, the PLP program works to connect practitioners with local and regional health-care resources and collaborate with provincial organizations to effectively identify and utilize resources to support IMGs and NtRP physicians.
Start your learning journey
Rural health professionals face significant and isolating realities that benefit from targeted support to transition and thrive in the Canadian health-care system. Through the dedicated efforts of our concierge team and physician advisors, the Personal Learning Plans (PLP) program offers mentorship and guidance to tackle those challenges head-on.
"Imperative to engage in if you start Practice in Canada, focuses on personal and professional goals. Wonderful and compassionate team, very supportive and patient with my transition to Canadian Medical team,” says a 2024 program participant.
Enroll in the Personal Learning Plans (PLP) today to co-create a learning plan that connects you with resources to help make sense of all the Continuing Medical Education (CME) out there and thrive in your practice.