Professional isolation in small rural surgical programs: the need for a virtual department of operative care.

Information is presented about the September 23-24, 2010 symposium sponsored by the Centre for Rural Health Research, Rural Coordination Centre of British Columbia (BC), and Perinatal Services BC, held in Vancouver, BC. for general practitioner anesthetists (GPAs). Topics included sustainable care for Aboriginal patients in rural areas, the concept of a virtual birthing room, and establishment of a GPAs registry.