About RIHPA
Our Vision
Our vision is to be a leader in quality, patient-centered care, education and research through cohesive, shared decision making, collaboration and continuous improvement.
The Royal Inland Hospital and Hillside Physician Association is comprised of all physicians on staff in Kamloops. The Association aims to advance opportunities, and to enhance physician engagement within the hospital, the Health Authority and the healthcare system at large.
The Association seeks to create opportunities for its members to collaboratively participate and express their views on matters that are important to them contributing to the development, prioritization and achievement of Interior Health plans and initiatives. The ultimate goals being improved quality of care for patients & their families and an improved working environment for facility-based physicians.
Our Vision
Our physicians have access to the resources and support they need to meet the needs of our patients in TCS in a healthy, happy, and productive work environment
Our Mission
We are an association of physicians for physicians, supporting them to deliver excellent clinical care.
Our Values
Throughout our organization, we strive to adhere to the following principles:
Teamwork & Collaboration
We foster a cohesive, forward-thinking environment.
Effectiveness
We produce results in a timely manner
Commitment
We are dedicated to our mission
Quality
We are committed to a standard of excellence
Core Services
We work to support and meet the needs and interests of our physicians through delivery of the following:

Projects

Programs

Advocacy

Physician Recruitment
Strategic Areas of Focus
Our association is committed to advancing healthcare through strategic focus areas that prioritize the needs of our patients, our members, and our community. By working together and focusing our efforts, we aim to improve the quality of care and create a brighter future for healthcare in our region.
Advocacy
Strengthen physician advocacy and collaboration with Interior Health, Doctors of BC and Ministry of Health
Recruitment and Retention
Improve recruitment and retention of physicians in departments and service areas in crises.
Specialty Programs
Initiate, develop and grow specialty programs at RIH that serves the needs of patients and families and improves the efficiency and quality of care.
Physician Leadership
Provide physicians opportunities to participate in education, research and leadership development.
Background
FEI Definition of Physician Engagement
Active interest and participation of physicians in organizational and system change and improvement activities.
What is the impetus for the Facility Engagement Initiative (FEI)?
- The Ministry of Health and Health Authorities were interested in facility-based physicians contributing to system improvements
- A precedent was set by Divisions of Family Practice
- There were positive results associated with the work of the Join Collaborative Committees
- There was a history of Physician engagement in Health Authority redesign initiatives funding since 2010/11
- There was a correlation between physician engagement and initiative success
Why Physician Engagement?
- “Physician leadership and physician engagement are essential elements of high-performiing health care systems…”
- “Physician engagement does not happen on its own…”
- “A key variable for success in these approaches to physician involvement is trust between physicians and organizations…”
Source: “Exploring the dynamics of Physician Engeagment and Leadership for Health Systems Improvement” (Denis et. al, 2013)
Differences between the MSA & RIHPA
MSA
- Operates in accordance with Health Authority Rules & Bylaws
- Membership – Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, Midwives, Dentists
Function
– Act in an advisory and liaison role to local MAC*, COS** and administration
– Provide neutral oversight for medical staff in disciplinary action, if requested
– To administer staff fees for projects/programs of value to the medical staff
Role
To represent medical staff as per Medical Staff Bylaws
Budget
Generated by MSA dues
Governance
President, Vice President, Secretary/Tresurer
Payment
Yearly Stipend
Programs Funded
Admin Staff
CME
Social Events
Quarterly Meetings
PHYSICIAN SOCIETY
- Operates in accordance with Societies Act
- Membership – Physicians
- Receives and allocated Facility Engagement funding
Function
– Improve medical staff engagement
– Recieve input from physicians tyo improve processes locally and regionaly
– Support physicians to aquirte
Role
To represent medical staff as per Medical Staff Bylaws
Budget
Generated by MSA dues
Governance
President, Vice President, Secretary/Tresurer
Payment
Yearly Stipend
Programs Funded
Admin Staff
CME
Social Events
Quarterly Meetings
Three selected Directors for RIHPA act as Executibe members for the Medical Staff Association. This allows for fluid information flow and program planning between the two entities.
Meet Our Team
Our dedicated team of healthcare professionals is the driving force behind our association’s success. Meet our program director and coordinator, who are committed to delivering exceptional care and advancing the mission of our association.

Karen Vogel
Program Director