Updated 13 August 2009
Graduates of the program find the Preceptor Program enhances the quality of care they provide in their communities:
Dr. Gordon Hutchinson completed the program in 2006 and has taken over administering chemotherapy and symptom management in Williams Lake and 100 Mile House as well as continuing with his emergency practice.
"Our patient load tripled to 579 visits in 2007 with a great repatriation of patients who otherwise would have had to travel long distances for their treatments.” Due to the increased patient workload, two more physicians are taking the training to help with the increasing volumes.
Dr. Linda Wilson completed the program in 2006. She is one of five General Practitioners in Oncology at the Prince George Regional Hospital’s Cancer Clinic, and, she also maintains a regular family and busy obstetrical practice:
“One of the most useful aspects of the program is developing a context for how the BC Cancer Agency works in Vancouver and gaining a network of people to consult with, particularly regarding complications from chemotherapy which always seem to arise when our regional oncologist is away! I also provide advice to GPs in surrounding areas regarding side-effects from chemotherapy and offer assistance when the regional oncologist is away.”
Dr. Michael McGuire completed the program in 2006. He is a General Practitioner in Oncology in Victoria and a cancer survivor now in remission from multiple myeloma:
"The Preceptor Program provides a clearer understanding of oncology which we often do not have the chance to establish as busy general practitioners. In fact, we tend to lack confidence in treating cancer patients and hand them off quickly to the oncologists when we run into problems. This is not always necessary for many of the more minor problems encountered by cancer patients. The Preceptor Program offers a highly relevant body of knowledge that can be absorbed quickly and flexibly by general practitioners.”
Dr. Stephen Ashwell completed the program in 2004. He now runs the Oncology Program in Dawson Creek with another program trained physician and continues his full service general practice as well.
“The training has given me the confidence to run a fairly comprehensive chemotherapy program in my community, knowing that subjective and objective quality is excellent. I can take the time to focus on this complex area and act as a resource to my peers. I think my fellow physicians and our shared patients would all agree this is an improvement in care for Dawson Creek.”
Dr. Elizabeth Bastian completed the program in 2004. She is a General Practitioner in Oncology in Smithers and the GP lead for palliative care in the Northwest.
“Oncology is an interest I’ve had for a long time and the Preceptor Program provided an opportunity for me to pursue this and, at the same time, provide a more complete service to the community. The Preceptor Program gave me more of a well-rounded understanding of oncology including valuable insight into the services of the BC Cancer Agency. The week I spent learning about palliative care was also extremely useful to give me a perspective on homecare nursing.”