UBC Medicine community members have been honoured with the 2025 BC Rural Heath Awards from the Rural Coordination Centre of BC (RCCbc) for their dedication to providing compassionate care in rural communities.
“We don’t often have a chance to pause and show our gratitude to the people who make a difference in rural medicine,” says Dr. Danette Dawkin, RCCbc’s physician lead for the awards program. “I am deeply grateful we can highlight the remarkable work of these five dedicated physicians as well as our innovative and inspiring community partners who elevate rural healthcare in B.C. Congratulations to this year’s winners!”
Click on each person’s name below to learn more.
Award of Excellence in Rural Medicine – Lifetime Achievement
The award honours doctors for their exceptional contribution to the health of people in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities across B.C.
Dr. Karen Forgie, Clinical Assistant Professor, Family Practice
Dr. Bruce Hobson, Clinical Instructor, Family Practice
Dr. Garnett Tarr, Clinical Instructor, Family Practice
Resident Leadership Award
The award recognizes a medical resident in good academic standing who has demonstrated a sustained interest in rural and remote medicine in B.C.
Dr. Yonabeth Nava de Escalante, Resident, Chetwynd Rural Immersion Site, Family Practice