A buffet of pearls: How one evening can foster the family physician–specialist connection

It's a good thing that the ancient practice of diving for pearls is practically obsolete: the work was difficult and dangerous and divers' careers short lived.

Today, health care is diving for pearls of clinical care. A recent Diving for Pearls event held in Victoria proved to be fun, collegial, and professionally rewarding for the both participating specialists and family physicians. Best of all, nobody got wet.

In a speed-dating format, a dozen specialists--from cardiology to psychiatry to imaging--each spent 20 minutes at six tables of family physicians, sharing pearls of knowledge about best practices in their area of expertise and answering questions.

More than 100 participants from the South Island and Victoria Divisions enjoyed the evening, which included a buffet dinner, networking, and the opportunity for small-group discussions. The aim, as with all Partners in Care work, was to close any gaps in care, reduce the need for a referral or ER visit, and help family physicians feel more comfortable providing appropriate care in their own offices. Invitations were also extended to 13 specialists new to town to provide them with the opportunity to connect with their new colleagues.
 

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