By Columbia Valley Economic Development

In the heart of the Columbia Valley lies Invermere, a small town that punches well above its weight when it comes to training future physicians.

For residents of the University of British Columbia’s Family Practice program Invermere has become a sought-after rural rotation site. Among them is Dr. Andrew Schmaus, a recent graduate who completed a four-month rural residency this past winter.

Dr. Schmaus, like many learners before him, was drawn to Invermere after hearing glowing reviews. His resident mentor, who had completed a senior residency in the town, described the community’s exceptional exposure to longitudinal family medicine, orthopedics, and hands-on practice at the CAST clinic.

When it came time to rank sites, Dr. Schmaus put Invermere as his top choice. “It’s that Goldilocks zone,” he said—offering the perfect mix of small-town life, medical opportunity, and access to mountain adventures.

His first impression? Instant belonging.

From day one, he felt integrated into the medical team. “I worked mostly with Dr. Billy Brown and Dr. Edward Schaffer,” he recalled, “and the staff at Chisel Peak were among the best I’ve worked with anywhere in B.C. or Alberta.” The team welcomed questions, encouraged learning, and fostered a culture of mentorship. He noted that the nurses, allied health professionals, and physicians alike were open, supportive, and committed to the growth of learners. “It’s one of the hallmarks of Invermere: the emphasis on teaching is constant and intentional.”

The mentorship extended beyond scheduled preceptor time. Dr. Schmaus would receive texts from colleagues letting him know about unique procedures or cases, and peers would pull him into rooms to share interesting clinical insights. The environment was steeped in experiential learning, ideal for a young physician refining their skills.

“Dr. Brown and Dr. Schaffer tailored their approach to fit my goals,” he said. “It was a great landing place not just for learners, but for anyone interested in growing.”

Outside the clinic, Invermere offered an equally rich experience. Dr. Schmaus skied frequently at Panorama. He had the opportunity to be the “Doc on the Hill” during NorAm ski races with Dr. Brown.

“There’s a deep appreciation for the outdoors here,” he shared. “From the winter gear swap to the community ski movie nights, there’s this contagious energy and connection to place.” Even in restaurants, he and his co-resident were welcomed like locals. “The servers remembered us. It felt familiar and warm.”

His time in Invermere also provided a new level of medical confidence. Practicing in a rural setting taught him how to make decisions with fewer resources and to recognize when escalation of care was necessary. “You become comfortable managing uncertainty, and when you can do more for your patient with less, it’s deeply satisfying.” He credits Invermere physicians with mastering that delicate balance between independence and collaboration.

Perhaps the most memorable moment came one night on shift in the emergency department. Local EMS staff, knowing that Billy and Andrew were going to have a long night showed up with a batch of homemade cookies.

“That’s Invermere,” he said. “People go the extra mile—for each other, for their patients, for their community.”

For those considering Invermere as a rural rotation site, Dr. Schmaus is unequivocal in his recommendation.

“If you want to train in a place that will make you want to work there: go to Invermere. If you want to train in a place that has plenty of outdoor activities and a really active community: Invermere is a top spot. If you want to learn from some of the best family practitioners and want to go above and beyond to be the best doctor you can be: go to Invermere.

“Cross your fingers and hope you can go to Invermere. Go with an open mind and a real desire to learn. The energy you bring to the community and to the team you will receive back tenfold.”

Are you a locum GP looking for inspiring work? A family medicine resident considering rural family medicine? Learn more.

Columbia Valley Economic Development photo

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