Dr. Sean Ebert, a family physician in Vanderhoof, has been recognized by the B.C. College of Family Physicians of Canada with the Rural Family Physician of the Year Award of Excellence. 

 

“This award to me is a reflection of the supportive work environment we have established in Vanderhoof,” said Dr. Ebert. “Excellence can never be achieved alone and I give credit to my colleagues, our Omineca Medical Clinic staff, the St. John Hospital staff, the Northern Health administrative team and leaders and organizations in our community.  Most of all I give thanks to my family, Dr. Nicole Ebert, Sarah, Matthew and Connor.  Rural medical practice is very challenging and is very hard on family life.  I could never be successful without their love and support.”

 

Dr. Ebert has worked in Vanderhoof for 15 years, and his practice includes family medicine, emergency, anesthesia and some surgery.  He is a clinical assistant professor for the University of BC Rural Family Residency Program and is the site coordinator for the UNBC Northern Medical Program fourth year medical student electives.  For the past three years, Dr. Ebert has been the chair of the medical advisory committee for Northern Health, and has recently taken on a role doing medical director work in the Lakes/Omineca area. Dr. Ebert also organized the development of the Northern Interior Rural Division of Family Practice representing the communities of Burns Lake, Fraser Lake, Vanderhoof, Ft St James, Mackenzie, McBride and Valemount.

 

“As northerners, we understand that it takes effort and innovation to create the services and achieve the results that we need from health care,” said Ebert. “We have developed a lot of expertise in our local communities and we are working together with First Nations, community leaders, Northern Health, UNBC and industry to create an integrated model of primary care for the people of the North.”