Tumbler Ridge is undoubtedly one of the best conference destinations on the planet, and the 2025 Tumbler Ridge Medical Conference was no exception. With the theme “Celebrating the Joy of Rurality” and the sub-theme “Not Just a Conference, But an Experience,” this event was as unique as the community itself. Our organizing team is still buzzing after hosting the 7th edition of this conference, held from July 4-6, 2025. We believe Tumbler Ridge is the only small community in Western Canada to host an event like this.
Jayleen Emery, Rural Continuing Medical Education support for Tumbler Ridge, led the charge, with invaluable support from Heather Gummow. This year, we set a record with 92 registrants, which easily doubles when you count family members. In fact, we had to close registration a week early, fearing we’d exceed local accommodation capacity. This truly is a family-friendly conference.
The weekend was packed with activities, not just for the attendees, but for their families as well. Dinosaur Camp for kids aged 5-12, run by the Tumbler Ridge Museum, was a standout. The combination of serious academic sessions and fun, dinosaur-themed recreational activities kept everyone engaged. We welcomed a talented lineup of speakers from across BC, with Dr. Don Wilson, an Indigenous Obstetrician, delivering a keynote on metabolic health and Type 2 Diabetes.
Other highlights included three Friday workshops focused on airway management, ECGs, and ACLS, and sessions during the weekend around postpartum care, environmental health, and therapeutics. We balanced academic discussions—like chronic respiratory disease in the North—with practical hands-on sessions in ultrasound and CPR. Dr. Charlene Lui, President of Doctors of BC, also shared an inspiring talk that resonated deeply with the medical residents. In between sessions, participants visited booths from organizations like the South Peace Division of Family Practice, the Rural Coordination Centre of BC, and the Tumbler Ridge UNESCO Global Geopark. And, as always, Marsha Dufresne delivered a heartfelt traditional welcome.
Residents and students are the future of health care in BC, and they and their colleagues attended in droves from Prince George, Tumbler Ridge, Inuvik, Chetwynd, Fort St John, Dawson Creek, etc. We all know the challenges facing health care in rural and remote BC, and we think the best way to counter them is to show off what we have to offer, and hopefully encourage new applicants (physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, pharmacists, allied health professionals) to one day work in the Peace Region communities or in rural Northern BC.
The District of Tumbler Ridge made a great donation for the Saturday evening ‘Feast’ at the Lions Campground, and Conuma Resources covered the expenses of the much-appreciated jet-boat rides to Kinuseo Falls for the speakers and a few lucky-draw winners. MD Management and Scotiabank generously contributed to the Friday evening ‘Dinnersaur’ at the Tumbler Ridge Museum. Further funding was contributed from the Peace River Regional District through the South Peace Division of Family Practice, and physician Rural Continuing Medical Education Community funds from Tumbler Ridge, Fort St John, Dawson Creek, Hudson’s Hope, and Chetwynd, as well as the Rural Coordination Centre of BC (RCCbc) via the SPIFI fund. Our own Dr. Ife Akanegbu donated one copy of his latest book for every delegate.
Dinosaurs and hiking formed prominent themes, including backstage tours of the museum collections, an adventure hike to the site of BC’s first dinosaur excavation, the Wolverine River dinosaur tracksite, and early morning runs to the Cabin Pool dinosaur tracksite and Tumbler Point. A new event this year was guided rides on the mountain-biking trails. The Museum, the Geopark, volunteer guides, and local and regional businesses and organizations (Wild River Adventures, The Meat Doctor, Lions Club, 242-BREW) were essential to the success of these activities. And kids (of all ages) were entertained through afternoon games and the presence of Crow the donkey. Live music at the Feast from Tumbler Ridge’s own ‘Mechanical Botanicals’ rounded things off in style. The weather was just right and not too hot. And almost inevitably, a new dinosaur track was discovered.
This event is quickly becoming known as the “Community Conference.” Participants often remark that it takes an entire community to pull off something of this scale. The networking, face-to-face time with colleagues, and family-focused atmosphere leave lasting memories. Feedback confirms that this was not just another conference but an unforgettable experience.
Tumbler Ridge is poised to become a unique Canadian conference destination. This event not only boosts local businesses and the economy but also strengthens healthcare in the North, encouraging young professionals to choose careers in rural and remote BC communities.
Above photo: Dr Don Wilson keynote: Participants listen to the keynote address on Indigenous Health by Dr Don Wilson. Photographer: Heiko Decosias, Rural Coordination Centre of BC.
