Medical Students Address Cancer Care Gaps in Rural British Columbia

In rural regions of British Columbia, two graduates from the University of British Columbia’s Southern Medical Program are making significant strides in improving follow-up care for cancer survivors. Remarkably, they began this impactful work while still in medical school. Dr. Brian Hayes and Dr. Hannah Young, now residents in family medicine based in Kamloops, conducted a study investigating the obstacles faced by family physicians in providing survivorship care within the BC interior. Their research underscores a critical challenge: as cancer survival rates increase, many patients are returning to communities with limited access to specialized care. Consequently, primary care providers are increasingly tasked with leading survivorship efforts, despite often lacking adequate support, standardized protocols, or essential tools.

Dr. Hayes emphasized the importance of this initiative: "Participation in this research allowed me to directly tackle issues affecting both physicians and patients, inspiring my ongoing focus on patient outcomes and physician wellness as a future family doctor." The study, published in the Journal of Cancer Survivorship, proposed five key strategies to enhance the system: developing survivorship guidelines suited for primary care, creating standardized discharge summaries, establishing clear contact points at cancer centers, increasing continuing education for primary-care providers, and implementing compatible electronic health records across different providers.

This project was part of the Clinical Research and Quality Improvement Incubator program, managed by the Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Management at UBC Okanagan. Dr. Christine Voss, the research mentor, describes this work as a pivotal component of a broader initiative involving BC Cancer, which connected students, oncologists, and primary care physicians. The ongoing research aims to generate actionable insights and sustain momentum for improving cancer survivorship care in underserved regions.

Dr. Young reflected on their collaborative efforts, stating, "Working with a multidisciplinary team to optimize care for cancer survivors and support primary care providers was incredibly rewarding. I am proud to have led this phase and excited for the next steps led by future students." The entire team features experts from BC Cancer, UBC, and the UBC Center for Chronic Disease Prevention. Their work exemplifies how medical education can foster practical solutions to healthcare challenges, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes in rural communities.