Newsletter

An MHO alert regarding increased pertussis (whooping cough) activity across Interior Health was shared earlier this week. Activity has remained elevated since 2024, with higher-than-average case rates and cyclical peaks expected every 2–5 years. Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by Bordetella pertussis . While vaccination remains the most effective prevention for severe disease, immunity from vaccination or prior infection wanes over time, and a previously...

The Shared Care Committee (SCC), in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Perinatal Services BC (PSBC), is inviting family physicians to participate in 90-minute virtual sessions aimed at informing improvements to primary care maternity services across British Columbia. These sessions provide an opportunity to contribute physician perspectives that will support system-level improvements in maternity care delivery. Shared Care Committee will provide compensation for physician...

BC Family Doctors is seeking nominations from family physicians interested in serving in leadership roles on its Board of Directors. Positions include President-Elect, Treasurer, Chair roles, and District Delegate positions across British Columbia. These roles provide an opportunity to represent colleagues and contribute to decisions that shape advocacy and primary care across the province. Physicians interested in leadership and system-level engagement are encouraged to consider applying or...

Join us for an upcoming Maternity Care CME session on Tuesday, May 12, featuring Internal Medicine Physician Dr. Ann Marie McKenna, who will present “From Pregnancy Planning to Prenatal Care: Managing Hypertension and Diabetes in Everyday Practice.” Dr. McKenna is a General Internist at Kelowna General Hospital, where she provides inpatient care and works in the Rapid Access Medicine Clinic. She has a strong interest in the care of patients with medical disorders of pregnancy and brings over...

Dr. Tobias Gelber has joined the Family Practice Services Committee (FPSC) core committee as the Doctors of BC liaison to the Interior Region, representing the region in discussions that support and strengthen family practice across British Columbia. In this role, he contributes to provincial-level work focused on improving the sustainability of primary care and advancing system-level solutions that impact family physicians and their patients. About Dr. Tobias Gelber Dr. Gelber is a family...

The Kelowna Medical Society is hosting a family-friendly Meet & Greet BBQ at Sarsons Beach House. This outdoor event brings together physicians, residents, medical students, and their families for a relaxed afternoon of connection, food, and activities. Food will be available from Smoke Shack Deli Burgers, along with hot dogs, drinks, chips, and the Scooters Ice Cream Truck. Event Details When:  Sunday, May 3, 2026 |  11:00 AM – 2:00 PM Where:  Sarsons Beach House, 4398 Hobson Rd, Kelowna...

BC Cancer Screening Programs is seeking input from family physicians on proposed updates to CareConnect, including a new summary view designed to help identify whether patients are up to date for breast, cervical, colorectal, and lung cancer screening. Currently, screening results are available in CareConnect but may require review of multiple entries to determine a patient’s screening status. The proposed summary tab is intended to streamline this process by consolidating BC Cancer Screening...

Victoria-South Island Division is hosting a virtual LTCI Learning Series on 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion in long-term care. This session will focus on practical approaches to supporting affirming, person-centred care for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals in long-term care settings and will be presented by Labhrás Quigley of the Dignity Seniors Society. Learning outcomes: Acquire up-to-date knowledge and skills to integrate into LTC practice Implement practical tips and tools from the presentation Engage in...

You are invited to attend Sleep Kelowna 2026, a multidisciplinary meeting hosted by The Sleep Society, bringing together clinicians and researchers across sleep medicine to explore emerging evidence and collaborative approaches to care. Sleep is increasingly recognized as a critical determinant of health, performance, and safety, yet remains underdiagnosed and undertreated. This event aims to improve awareness and foster collaboration across disciplines involved in sleep-related care. Event...

UBC Family Medicine invites attendees to Scholar Day 2026 on Tuesday, June 17, featuring scholarly presentations from Family Medicine residents in Kelowna. This annual event highlights resident-led projects in clinical innovation, education, research, and quality improvement, and provides an opportunity for interdisciplinary learning, discussion, and engagement across the healthcare community. Presentation topics span a range of areas including primary care innovation, medical education,...