The Hazelton MSA Mission Statement:

To provide an exemplary standard of healthcare while building long-term health equity in Upper Skeena communities, through cultural safety and collaboration.

The Clinical Experience

Hazelton is a great place for solid training in rural medicine. Your preceptors come from diverse backgrounds, and share a cohesive approach to trauma-informed and culturally humble care. While you train with us, you will feel a sense of belonging on the team we have cultivated together. You will be empowered to pursue your individuality and specific learning goals to create the career in rural practice that you envision. There are providers in most stages of their careers, with many in their first 5-10 years of practice – who are dedicated preceptors that enjoy teaching and want their learners to gain confidence, independence, and have broad exposure to the many ways of practising as a rural physician. Providers have many areas of individual focus in their work – from chronic pain management, women’s health (all providers do medical and one provides surgical terminations), addictions care (with an innovative approach to rural OAT provision), MAiD and palliative care, LGBTQI-inclusive and gender-affirming care, psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, anaesthesia, endoscopy, and others. Learners can expect to increase their independence and skillset in a well-supported, team-based environment. The reliable support system is a significant draw for learners and new grads as early-career locums.

The Wrinch Medical Staff provides full-scope care to the region and is made up of 10 family physicians currently filling 5.3 FTE, 2 GP-anesthetists, 1 nurse practitioner, and 3 registered midwives who have an incredibly collaborative model of care.  Wrinch Medical Clinic provides 11 exam rooms with full support staff including MOAs, specialist booking, billing, and a clinic coordinator.  Wrinch Memorial serves a population of 8,000 with a 24-hour emergency department (second on-call system), 9 complex care beds, 10 acute care beds, 1 respite bed, 1 secure psychiatric observation room, midwifery-led maternity care, pharmacy, dental clinic, laboratory, and medical imaging, including ultrasound, as well as visiting specialist services including OB/GYN, IM, rheumatology, general surgery, urology, and geriatrics.

Most of the clinicians do frequent outreach clinics to many of the surrounding Indigenous communities, and learners can participate based on their interest in these relationship-based clinic models. Training in Hazelton provides an opportunity to be deeply engaged with and improve skills in patient-centered care, navigating complex ethical situations, and advocacy for access for rural/remote and marginalized patients. Learners are encouraged to examine their role in a health system with a complex relationship to the historical and ongoing violence of settler colonialism.

The Community

If you love nature walks, getting immersed in local culture and outdoor activities, you will love Hazelton.  The climate is not as cold as one would expect due to the Pacific air masses.  You can still expect freezing temperatures but not as much snow as elsewhere in Northern BC. There are ski hills in nearby Smithers and Terrace, and an active backcountry ski community who can help guide you if this is an interest.

The rivers and lakes are exceptional in the Upper Skeena region, and fishing is the best you will find – bringing people from all over the world to fish here. If you enjoy a more relaxing atmosphere, there are plenty of lakes to paddle board or kayak.  There are plenty of walking and hiking trails for everyone, including a hike to the summit of the grand Stekyawden seen from almost anywhere in the area.  The forests are rich with flora and fauna, and there is opportunity for prime mushroom foraging here. There are several provincial parks to explore in the area as well. Follow the “Hands of History” tour to get in depth information about the centuries of First Nations culture in the area.  

There are adventure groups where you can take to the woods and trails on horseback. We have some brand-new electric mountain bikes that learners can borrow, and friends are happy to show you the trails. The medical community is remarkably social, and you will be welcomed into a young and interesting community of people who enjoy spending time together in many ways outside of work, that contributes to a feeling of community based around the hospital and clinic. There are frequent get-togethers that are always inclusive of learners, International Food nights where the chefs in the group really shine, hikes with donkeys, a DnD crew, and people with all the tools and toys to contribute to your outdoor adventures.

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