This episode features an interview with Dr. John Pawlovich on how virtual care is reshaping access to health care, particularly for patients and clinicians in rural, remote and underserved communities.

Dr. Pawlovich brings over 25 years of clinical experience in remote communities across BC. He is also a clinical professor and chair in rural health at the University of British Columbia. In addition, he serves as director of the Rural Education Action Plan, medical director for Carrier Sekani Family Services, and virtual health lead for the Rural Coordination Centre of BC.

This episode features an interview with Dr. Karen Shklanka on strategies for managing patient expectations, such as when a patient arrives with a firm idea of a diagnosis or a request for a specific test.  Dr. Shklanka shares communication strategies and discusses the concept of self-compassion when managing conflict.

Dr. Shklanka is a family physician, as well as an addiction and pain medicine consultant. She is lead faculty for behavioural medicine and clinical assistant professor at the Vancouver Fraser Site of UBC's Family Practice Program.

Resources mentioned during the episode:

• What Doctors Feel: How Emotions Affect the Practice of Medicine by Dr. Danielle Ofri
• Self-Compassion Institute with Dr. Kristin Neff

This episode features an interview with Dr. Bella Wu on the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine and considerations for its safe and ethical use.  Dr. Wu explains how she has adopted AI into her practice and how she navigates its strengths and challenges.

Dr. Wu is an otolaryngologist from Richmond, BC, and an early adopter of AI. Last year, she participated in a three-month AI scribe pilot, coordinated through the Specialist Services Committee and Doctors of BC.

Resources mentioned during the episode:

• CPSBC interim guidance: Ethical Principles for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine