The annual Emergency Medicine for Rural Hospitals (EMRH) event in Banff is a tremendous learning opportunity for rural health professionals.
This year, RhPAP provided bursaries to 20 rural health providers, including nurses, paramedics and nurse practitioners, to cover their registration costs.
“I wouldn’t be able to afford coming, paying the hotel fees and everything else, and missing work shifts to come here if it wasn’t for the RhPAP bursary, so it really helped me a lot,” said Mackenzie Burdek, a registered nurse at the Lac La Biche Health Centre.
EMRH is organized by University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine Continuing Medical Education and Professional Development.
It’s always held in Banff in January. 2023 marked the 39th anniversary.
“This conference is specifically designed for rural health care professionals working in rural areas,” said Dr. Thomas Raedler, Associate Dean, Continuing Medical Education and Professional Development, University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine.
“The topics are chosen by rural practitioners. The speakers are rural practitioners.”
You’re getting more tools to bring back with you – Shaylin Hoyt, registered nurse
RhPAP also made it easier for Alberta medical students to attend by covering registration costs and accommodations.
“We need to catch [medical students] early on. This is the best time to show medical students that rural practice is a potential option for them,” explained Raedler. “That rural practice can be a very fulfilling professional opportunity for them.”
Getting these opportunities makes me feel more valued – Mackenzie Burdek, registered nurse
Supporting rural health professionals at learning events like EMRH helps to keep them practicing rural.
EMRH also provided them with opportunities to connect with rural health providers in other parts of the province.
“You’re getting more tools to bring back with you,” shared Shaylin Hoyt, registered nurse and Site Manager at the Milk River Health Centre.
“You don’t feel as alone, even if you are one RN working in an emergency department, at least it gives you [others with whom] you can connect with.”
“Getting these opportunities makes me feel more valued and that I get to learn more and be a better asset to my community,” added Burdek.