Drawing by Sara Paglia
Dear Colleagues,
I am writing to you from self-isolation, one of the first physicians in my rural community to be exposed to COVID-19. I’m doing well, but I worry about what the next few weeks may bring to us, our families, and our communities. I know you do, too. But I know that together, we can do this.
We are preparing to care for patients in ways many of us have never done before. We will be tested in the days ahead, as our colleagues in other countries have been tested. Despite the uncertainty, I know we will act with courage and with character. That is who we are; that is what we do.
BC Family Doctors is here to support you. We have championed appropriate fees for physicians doing in-person care for COVID-19, and I am pleased to announce that these temporary fees are now in effect. We have been part of the efforts to enable fee codes for virtual care. We continue to advocate for sensible adjustments to billing and practice requirements that will allow us to care for our patients with fewer barriers. We are working with our partners at Doctors of BC, Specialists of BC and the Ministry of Health to ensure necessary system supports for patient care.
In the difficult days ahead, we must take care of ourselves and take care of each other. To help you reflect and renew, we have created a mindfulness tool. I hope you will use it to pause each day and be proud of the care you are giving.
Thank you for your service, now and always. Stay Safe. Stay Strong.
Please email me with your thoughts and concerns: sgp.president@doctorsofbc.ca