Physician Recruitment & Upskilling
Investing in the Human Side of Health Care
In the fact of growing health care demands, and recent challenges like the temporary closure of KGH’s pediatric ward, the role of donor support has never been more critical. While infrastructure and equipment remain essential, addressing these complex issues requires sustained investment in people: supporting the recruitment, training, and critically, the retention of skilled clinicians. That means not only upskilling and wellness programs, but also fostering a workplace culture and environment where people feel supported, resourced, and able to do their best work.
Over the past 18 months, donor generosity has enabled the KGH Foundation to provide over $255,000 in funding for a range of initiatives aimed at enhancing physician recruitment, training, and wellness.
“Every one of these initiatives — whether it’s advanced pediatric life support, education days, or wellness sessions — are steps in the right direction,” emphasizes Dr. Cara Wall, Hospitalist and KGH Chief of staff. “They build skill, they build confidence, and they remind our care teams that they’re not alone. These donor-funded programs may seem small on their own, but together, they are helping us strengthen the foundation of care at KGH.”
The challenges facing health care today, especially in fast-growing regions like the Central Okanagan and surrounding areas, are complex, and the path forward isn’t simple. Donor generosity allows for a nimbleness to respond to these vital requests with immediacy in our efforts toward a larger movement to retain great people, attract new talent, and help build a workplace where health care providers can thrive.
| Initiatives | Impact |
|---|---|
|
Pediatric Upskilling Plan (PUP) |
Enhanced training for non-pediatricians in pediatric emergencies |
|
Emergency Department Grand Rounds |
Regular specialized education sessions for emergency care providers |
|
Physician Wellness Series |
Addressing grief and burnout among physicians |
|
Advanced Pediatric Life Support Training |
Advanced training for Emergency Department physicians in managing critically ill children |
|
ELSO Education |
Specialized training supporting new extracorporeal life support (ECLS) program development |
|
Adolescent Psychiatry Unit DBT Training |
Training in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy for adolescent care |
|
Civility Saves Lives Training |
Promoting civility among medical staff across the region |
We are in the midst of one of the most challenging times I’ve seen in health care, especially when it comes to staffing. But thanks to donor support, we can take meaningful steps forward in real-time, even while the bigger issues are still being worked out. Every investment in education, training, and wellness is helping us rebuild capacity, recruit talent, and retain the people who care for our community.
Dr. Cara Wall, Hospitalist, KGH Chief of Staff
Donor gifts are more than charitable contributions — they are expressions of trust, solidarity and hope. As the KGH Foundation looks ahead, it remains deeply committed to stewarding that support with care and urgency, ensuring that every investment brings the community one step closer to the health care system it deserves.
