“The heart of rural medicine is the people.”
During National Rural Health Week, we celebrate family doctors like Dr. Danette Dawkin who embody the deep community ties that make rural practice so unique and vital.
Dr. Dawkin, who serves her northern BC community as both a physician and an active volunteer, sees rural medicine as uniquely fulfilling. “You truly become part of the community identity,” she explains. “Rural medicine offers not only a wide and varied scope of practice, but provides myriad opportunities for learning and leadership – you really can make a difference!”
She reframes the narrative around rural practice, moving beyond isolation to highlight the exceptional capability and innovation that define rural health care. “The facts are that rural health care providers have exceptional skills and adaptability and rural communities are rich in local solutions and innovation. Rural communities are deserving of equitable supports and services”
Dr. Dawkin and rural family doctors like her do not just practice in communities, they build them. Their work shows that when we support rural health care, we strengthen the heart of British Columbia for everyone.