Newsflash May 7, 2026
This edition features a new sick note letter to employers, the new Provincial Mentorship Program, VDFP and HCR in the media, uptake stats for the Urban Locum Program Pilot and Locum Connect across our local Divisions, and more. Read it here.
New sick note letter to employers
BC’s physician groups have issued a joint, standardized letter to help employers understand recent changes to provincial sick note requirements and end unnecessary sick notes for short-term illnesses. Read more View employer letter
New FPSC Provincial Mentorship Program – apply now
The new FPSC Provincial Mentorship Program is accepting mentor/mentee applications. The program is designed to support you in expanding into long-term, inpatient, and pregnancy & newborn care, and longitudinal family practice. Open to new and experienced physicians. Matching will start in June. Read more
VDFP in the media: Physicians encourage Health Connect Registry sign-up
View some of the media coverage following a VDFP news release encouraging unattached people to add their name to the Health Connect Registry: Victoria News, CTV News (Dr Aaron Childs). Want to help spread the word? Download printable posters for your clinic, or request colour posters and wallet cards at [email protected].
Urban Locum Program Pilot: final stats show regional impact
Following its March 31 conclusion, final results from the Urban Locum Program (ULP) Pilot highlight its reach and impact. From October 2022 to March 2026, 206 host physicians and 87 locums participated, supporting 2,941 days of coverage. Coverage spanned both local Divisions, with 41% of shifts in the South Island Division and 59% in the […]
Locum Connect sees strong early uptake
Locum Connect – the new central hub launched by the Victoria and South Island Divisions of Family Practice – is already seeing solid uptake from both Divisions, pointing to ongoing strong need for coverage across Greater Victoria and Salt Spring Island. Since January, 113 host physicians and 27 locums have enrolled, with 1,082 days off requested. Building […]
Physician Health & Wellness Events & Resources
Check out these events & resources available to you on an ongoing basis: Greater Victoria Peer Support Program: confidential, short-term, non-clinical emotional support Mindful Mondays: Next date Monday, May 11, 8 – 9 pm Dips for Docs: Saturday, May 23, 9 am at Cadboro Gyro Park South Island Physicians Walking Group: Next walk Saturday, May 16 (Sooke […]
Ready for the unexpected? Build your continuity plan within two hours
Unexpected events – emergencies, infrastructure issues, illness, or staffing shortages – can disrupt care. Two new VDFP sessions help clinic teams build a plan for a confident response. Limited pilot spots are still available this spring and summer. Secure your clinic’s sessions here and help shape resources for practices across Victoria and BC.
BCCDC seeking your feedback on wastewater surveillance
The BCCDC is seeking a few more physicians to provide feedback on wastewater surveillance. Their provincial study aims to assess program outcomes and gain perspectives on the usefulness. The survey takes 10 minutes and participants will be entered into a gift card draw.
Webinar: 2SLGBTQIA+ Inclusion in Long-term Care
Join this LTCI Learning Series webinar featuring an interactive presentation by Labhrás Quigley from Dignity Seniors Society. Eligible for up to 1.5 CME credits. Date: Tuesday, May 12 Time: 5 pm Location: Zoom RSVP here View poster
