Virtual Health Supports | Webinar
This engaging session will spotlight innovative virtual health solutions transforming rural care in British Columbia Discover how virtual health services, including HealthLinkBC 8-1-1, are transforming rural care by improving access, reducing Emergency Department congestion, and enhancing health outcomes across British Columbia.
Guest Speakers:
Dr. Kendall Ho is a professor in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of British Columbia, an emergency medicine specialist with over 35 years of clinical experience, Medical Director of the BC Ministry of Health HealthLink BC (811) Virtual Physicians Service, and conduct evaluation of the BC Real Time Virtual Support Network (RTVS). A pioneer in digital emergency medicine, Dr. Ho has led award-winning research for over 27 years in areas such as telehealth, wearables, machine learning, public engagement, and digital health literacy. At UBC, he leads the Artificial Intelligence and Technology Enhanced Care Collaboration Centre (AiTECCC) research excellence cluster, bringing together patients, policymakers, clinicians, technologists, and researchers to drive innovation in AI for health. Nationally, he leads the National 811 Knowledge Exchange Network since 2025. He collaborates with provincial, national, and international health organizations to advance evidence-informed digital health policy and implementation.
ABSTRACT: Emergency Department (ED) overcrowding is a global phenomenon, resulting in admitted patients in the ED, and new patients waiting in the ED waiting rooms to be seen. How can virtual care assist in decongesting ED and support patients at their times of urgent needs? This presentation will discuss about HealthlinkBC 8-1-1 virtual services, a digital front door to improve patient experiences, reduce ED input volume, and improve patient safety so as to optimize patients’ and health system’s outcome. We will discuss the evidence to date on this 8-1-1 virtual care service, and how it integrates with the health system as a whole, and future directions.
Dr. Anurag Singh MBBS, Ph.D., FRCPC
Dr. Anurag Singh is a nephrologist with Northern Health and an Assistant Professor in the UBC Faculty of Medicine, based at the Northern Medical Program in Prince George. He also serves as the Medical Director of Kidney Services for Northern Health and Director of the Northern Centre for Clinical Research, a partnership between UBC, UNBC, and Northern Health. Originally trained in India and the UK, Dr. Singh has lived and worked in Northern BC for the past 12 years with his family. His work focuses on improving equitable access to high-quality care for people living in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities. He is passionate about strengthening local capacity and exploring innovative, hybrid models of care that bring services closer to home.
Leza Muir, Sr. Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, Blue Cross With over 40 years in the industry, Leza Muir has become a knowledgeable resource on private and public health care in Canada. Leza is committed to exploring better ways to serve the health needs of Canadians through cost-effective health care management. This includes researching and implementing various business and technological strategies that complement and enhance the delivery of health care solutions from the private payer perspective.
Leza’s wealth of knowledge comes from devoting her entire career to health care. Starting from within the ranks of the Medical Services Association, Leza has provided strategic innovation and direction in several positions, continually improving the patient experience throughout her rise to lead Pacific Blue Cross’ Health and Dental Claims division.
Leza holds positions on various national and provincial committees, including the Canadian Blue Cross National Benefits and Management Claims Committee, Leza’s community work includes her position as a director and Chair of Board of Governors of the Burnaby Board of Trade, a director and Vice Chair for Sharing our Future Foundation, a public representative on the College of Optometrists Quality Assurance Committee and also chairs the Governance and Nominations Committee, and is a public representative on the College of Pharmacists Discipline Committee.
Abstract: Pacific Blue Cross will be providing the virtual health offerings available in British Columbia — a growing suite of services that are transforming how residents access care, improving convenience, accessibility, and health outcomes across the province.
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