Trying to entice doctors

In light of the physician shortage in B.C., an Oliver-based doctor is touring medical residents in the community they could be working in one day.

Wednesday's tour, organized by Dr. Robyn Craven through a Town of Oliver subcommittee, aims to give roughly 10 UBC students in-person experience with resources in the South Okanagan, including Oliver's general hospital.

For the next two years, the medical residents will based in Penticton but offer part-time medical service in the town, as well as Osoyoos, and Keremeos.

Starting at 1:30 p.m., the team visited facilities such as South Okanagan Physiotherapy, Desert Sun Counselling Centre, Back Yard Farm restaurant, Desert Sun Hospice, Burrowing Owl winery, the Osoyoos Indian Band Health Centre, and Oliver Eats.

Additionally, the tour bus drove by entertainment facilities like the Venables Theatre and Area 27 race track.

Johnny Cheong, Osoyoos councillor and subcommittee member, said the visit shows off the community.

"[They'll] also meet with residents, local physicians, pharmacists, physiotherapists, chiropractors, other healthcare practitioners, and essentially see how they are the missing puzzle piece in this beautiful community that is the South Okanagan," he said.

"Because we know that there's a ongoing health care crisis, not just in B.C., but nationally."

The medical residents were given information on various programs their future clients could be connected to and community highlights like hyperlocal Backyard Farm restaurant in Oliver,

"Under the leadership of Dr. Craven, we really mobilized as many community resources and members, community pillars — to try to bring something next level that maybe other communities aren't doing, and that might give us that competitive edge in recruitment and retention."

Moving forward, Dr. Craven and the Oliver subcommittee will be hosting the tours yearly, with hopes of expanding it across the South Okanagan on longer, full days.