With the widening gap between needs and available supply of rural physicians, it is evident that recruiting efforts alone will not suffice. Sustainability of the current workforce is essential, as is finding ways of making more effective use of clinician teamwork. Immersion into rural culture and context by basing them in rural centres has been shown to be much more effective. With the increasing feminization of medicine, greater attention to lifestyle issues and caring for the caregivers will be ever more important in attracting graduates to rural practice. Clear statements from Kuching and other world meetings have underlined the importance of true community involvement in all aspects of health research.
Communication underpins all teamwork.
Telecommunications and the Internet have had a huge impact but, despite significant research and investment, it remains to be seen whether the great promise of telehealth will be a panacea, placebo or pariah. Rural involvement in all aspects of telecommunication development is essential to making this work effectively. The 4th Conference promises to be as dynamic and interesting as its predecessors in addressing all these issues, and more. With 150 presenters from around the world, this conference represents a unique opportunity to share these solutions and put Canada on the world rural health care map. 3465 26th Ave.