Doctor Shortage Symposium: Controversially educational
April 30, 2009
By Andrea Di Ubaldo
Pick a hot topic, add some industry professionals, invite everyone you can think of. What do you get? A Medical Student Health Policy Symposium that is both educational and, as the organizers hope, a little bit controversial.
2nd Annual Medical Student Health Policy Symposium: Event poster
The symposium will be on May 7, 2009 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. in the Faculty of Medicine’s Libin Lecture Theatre at the Health Sciences Centre.
Alaina Aguanno, a third-year medical student, and Kevin Wasko, a first-year medical student at the University of Calgary, are co-organizers of this year’s symposium which will discuss Canada’s doctor shortage. The two also sit on the students’ council as Vice-Presidents of External Affairs for their respective classes.
“We hope that this symposium answers a few questions but stirs up many more,” Aguanno says. “The issues we are discussing are complex – contributing factors and management strategies will only scratch the surface of the potential for the topics surrounding this issue.”
“We hope attendees will gain a better understanding of the physician shortage in Canada and what is being done to address the issue,” Wasko adds.
The annual symposium was created last year by Aguanno, who holds a masters of science in the areas of health policy and health economics and wanted to share her passion for these topics.
“I created the symposium because I felt that health-care professionals, and especially medical students like me, could benefit from a greater understanding of the social, political and economic context of the system in which we work,” Aguanno says.
Only in its second year, the event will feature many high-profile speakers, including the Hon. Ronald Liepert, Minister of Health and Wellness along with the presidents of the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) and the Alberta Medical Association (AMA), Drs. Robert Ouellet and Noel Grisdale, and professors from UCalgary and the University of British Columbia.
“We invited the people who we thought were best-suited to answer our questions and they said yes!” Aguanno says excitedly. “Our speakers have been very enthusiastic about this event, both last year and again this year; we are fortunate to have such dedicated teachers and leaders.”
Last year’s symposium examined public, private and mixed models of health care financing and featured Dr. Brian Day, CMA president, and Dr. Darryl LaBuick, AMA president, along with Dr. Tom Noseworthy, professor and head of the Department of Community Health Sciences and director of the Centre for Health and Policy Studies at UCalgary.
“We’re really excited about this year’s event. With the enthusiastic support we received last year, the first symposium was at maximum capacity,” Aguanno smiles.
Learn more about the 2nd Annual Medical Students Health Policy Symposium.
About the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Calgary
UCalgary’s Faculty of Medicine is a national leader in health research with an international reputation for excellence and innovation in health care research, education and delivery. We train the next generation of health practitioners and move new treatments and diagnostic techniques from the laboratory bench to the hospital bedside, improving patient care. For more information visit http://medicine.ucalgary.ca. or follow us on twitter.com @UofCMedicine.
If you like this story and think others should read about it-why not spread the word!? Use the links below to let others know!
Dr. Lynn McIntyre (front row, third from left) with five other researchers awarded chair in New Perspectives in Gender, Sex and Health from CIHR.
A UCalgary Faculty of Medicine professor and researcher–whose passion for eradicating global food insecurity has taken her as far away as Bangladesh to study the issue–has been awarded a research chair in New Perspectives in Gender, Sex and Health by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR).
As part of research chair program created by the CIHR’s Institute of Gender Health (IGH), Dr. Lynn McIntyre, professor, Department of Community Health Sciences, was awarded the chair along with five other leading health researchers from across Canada.
“The chairs are producing cutting-edge research with enormous potential to improve the health of Canadians, such as Dr. McIntyre’s research on hunger and food insecurity domestically and internationally,” says Dr. Joy Johnson, Scientific Director of the Institute of Gender and Health. “Her work focuses on women and children, the most frequent victims of food insecurity both in Canada and in other countries.”
McIntyre’s work–which is in line with the first Development Millennium Goal of halving world hunger by 2015–took her to Bangladesh where she studied hunger amongst both urban and rural populations.
During the in-depth study, McIntyre spoke to groups of highly vulnerable woman, living on less than one dollar a day and responsible for providing for their families. The intense field work included door-to-door recruitment and speaking to these women about food insecurity and hunger in various remote locations and in the slums of Dhaka.
In Bangladesh to present findings
Her principal finding was a need for a whole person development approach–a readjustment of available health care services to ensure they meet the needs of these women and others like them. McIntyre is currently in Bangladesh sharing her findings with government officials and non-profit agencies.
“The women have told me, ‘We knew when we met you that you were going to do something for us,’ and I am doing my best to bring improved understanding to those who really can do something for millions of women like them,” says McIntyre.
Closer to home, McIntyre is part of a study looking at social policies in Canada created between 1996 and 2006, focusing on their impact on national food insecurity. She’s also working with Alberta Health Services as they begin investigating the impacts of food insecurity on their patient population, the first clinical site in Canada to do this.
The IGH created the research chair program to expand and strengthen research capacity relevant to gender (socio-cultural experiences), sex (biological factors) and health in Canada. It is intended for health researchers who have developed a reputation for excellence in research, and to support outstanding research programs that enhance the health of Canadians.
Our Residents Are Professionals
February 3, 2009
Part 7 of 7
Ben Thomson
PGY2 Internal Medicine Resident
Dr. Ben Thomson
As an international medical graduate from Ireland, I have been incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by world-class residents and medical and nursing staff. They have taught me that being a professional means giving back more than we get, whether it be by going beyond standard patient care, providing exceptional teaching, encouraging ground breaking research, or simply by being a caring and decent colleague who provides a superb working environment.
University of Calgary is full of professionals who give back more than they can get, and in so, truly make this a world-class place to enjoy working in everyday. As a PGY-2 resident in internal medicine, I’m always moving forward in my internal medicine training. I recognize now that the professional must learn to be moved and touched emotionally, yet at the same time stand back objectively. This balance is an integral part of every resident and staff member here at UCalgary, making this a wonderful place to work!
———————-
The role of Professional describes the societal responsibility of each physician that is guided by codes of ethics, a commitment to clinical competence and personal well-being, the embracing of appropriate attitudes and behaviors, integrity, altruism, and the promotion of the public good. Our residents:
1. Demonstrate a commitment to their patients, profession, and society through ethical practice;
2. Demonstrate a commitment to their patients, profession, and society through participation in profession-led regulation;
3. Demonstrate a commitment to physician health and sustainable practice.*
*Copyright The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
About the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Calgary
UCalgary’s Faculty of Medicine is a national leader in health research with an international reputation for excellence and innovation in health care research, education and delivery. Through its educational programs, the Faculty of Medicine trains the physicians and scientists who will lead the next generation of health practitioners. Through its clinical work, continuing medical education programs and close relationship with Alberta Health Services, the Faculty of Medicine moves new treatments and diagnostic techniques from the laboratory bench to the hospital bedside efficiently and effectively, improving patient care.
For more information visit http://medicine.ucalgary.ca.
Digg it! | Reddit.com | del.icio.us | facebook
2008 University of Calgary – Faculty of Medicine. All rights reserved.
Our Residents Are Scholars
January 29, 2009
Part 6 of 7
Naminder Sandhu
PGY2 Pediatrics Resident
Dr. Naminder Sandhu
The beauty of medicine is that there is such a wide array of fields of practice to pique the interest of students and residents. I’m very happy with my decision to pursue pediatrics, but even as a second year resident, I can’t say there is one particular subspecialty that I know I’m supposed to be in, for I love all aspects of medicine.
Residents are scholars. To me, a scholar is a person who has dedicated themselves to study and pursue mastery in an area of interest. It’s not a term we think of routinely, but we as residents are definitely part of the world of scholars who try to find answers and solutions to problems, with a special focus in medicine. I think the boundaries of what defines medicine are vast and can be interpreted in various ways to encompass research and academia; ethics and psychosocial and cultural principles; or clinical skills.
As a resident, you become conditioned to hard work, managing an impressive learning curve, and facing the struggles of balancing work and play (for the sake of sanity!) But the most valuable point I’ve learned and carry with me on a regular basis is the appreciation of how privileged I am to be allowed into the personal and private lives of other human beings who trust me to make a difference.
————–
In the Scholar role physicians demonstrate a lifelong commitment to:
1. Maintain and enhance professional activities through ongoing learning;
2. Critically evaluate information and its sources, and apply this appropriately to practice decisions;
3. Facilitate the learning of patients, families, students, residents, other health professionals, the public, and others, as appropriate;
4. Contribute to the creation, dissemination, application, and translation of new medical knowledge and practices.*
*Copyright The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
About the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Calgary
UCalgary’s Faculty of Medicine is a national leader in health research with an international reputation for excellence and innovation in health care research, education and delivery. Through its educational programs, the Faculty of Medicine trains the physicians and scientists who will lead the next generation of health practitioners. Through its clinical work, continuing medical education programs and close relationship with Alberta Health Services, the Faculty of Medicine moves new treatments and diagnostic techniques from the laboratory bench to the hospital bedside efficiently and effectively, improving patient care.
For more information visit http://medicine.ucalgary.ca.
Digg it! | Reddit.com | del.icio.us | facebook
2008 University of Calgary – Faculty of Medicine. All rights reserved.
Our Residents Are Health Advocates
January 27, 2009
Part 5 of 7
Sunita Chacko
PGY2 Family Medicine Resident
Dr. Sunita Chacko
One of the most valuable things I have learned as a family medicine resident is the importance of counseling patients on health promotion and disease prevention. Taking the time to help patients understand how lifestyle and behavioural changes can lead to healthier outcomes has great potential to change both the patient and the environment in which we work. Family medicine has given me the opportunity to train in many settings, from obstetrics to palliative care, and everything in between. I have met many patients—whether they are two or 92, people’s stories are always interesting!
A health advocate is someone who assists their patients in navigating a sometimes complex and overwhelming health care system. A health advocate takes the time to learn about available resources and connects their patients with these resources. A health advocate also recognizes that advocacy can often go beyond the realm of the medical system. Health is intimately tied to socioeconomics, culture and social networks, and advocacy incorporates that understanding into patient care. Equally as important is advocacy in the realm of policy change, on governmental levels spanning from municipal to federal. We have a unique opportunity to bring our experiences at the bedside or at the front lines of primary care to the forefront to negotiate change.
Calgary is a dynamic and growing environment with many opportunities. No matter what area you are interested in, there is someone to support you in that interest. I hope to practice in both the community and acute care setting so that I can serve a wide variety of patients as a family doctor.
————————————————————
In their role as Health Advocates, physicians learn to responsibly use their expertise and influence in order to advance the health and well-being of patients, communities, and populations. We train our residents to:
1. Respond to individual patient health needs and issues;
2. Respond to the health needs of the communities that they serve;
3. Identify the determinants of health of the populations that they serve;
4. Promote the health of individual patients, communities, and populations.*
*Copyright The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
About the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Calgary
UCalgary’s Faculty of Medicine is a national leader in health research with an international reputation for excellence and innovation in health care research, education and delivery. Through its educational programs, the Faculty of Medicine trains the physicians and scientists who will lead the next generation of health practitioners. Through its clinical work, continuing medical education programs and close relationship with Alberta Health Services, the Faculty of Medicine moves new treatments and diagnostic techniques from the laboratory bench to the hospital bedside efficiently and effectively, improving patient care.
For more information visit http://medicine.ucalgary.ca.
Digg it! | Reddit.com | del.icio.us | facebook
2008 University of Calgary – Faculty of Medicine. All rights reserved.
Our Residents Are Managers
January 22, 2009
Evan Matshes
PGY5 Anatomic Pathology Resident
Dr. Evan Matshes
Despite the fact that pathologists deal with an abundance of somber stories, I’ve had incredibly positive experiences with family members of patients, and felt as if I have been afforded the opportunity to effectively communicate complex findings to people during difficult times in their lives, while offering solace and compassion.
Residents are managers. A manager is someone who successfully balances both professional and social aspects of the workplace while serving as a reliable resource for those colleagues he or she serves. The most valuable thing I’ve learned as a resident is that people (whether they be patients or co-workers) are far more complex than they may initially appear; there may be a much greater depth of emotion, understanding and comprehension than is readily visible on the surface.
The University of Calgary affords incredible opportunities, rewards and program flexibilities that are not readily found elsewhere. Combined with the beautiful growing city and splendid surrounding areas, Calgary is a fantastic place to live and train.
————————
The Manager role describes each physician’s requirement to run a sustainable medical practice and participate in the decision-making of health-care organizations. Our residents learn to:
1. Participate in activities that contribute to the effectiveness of their health-care organizations and systems;
2. Manage their practice and career effectively;
3. Allocate finite health-care resources appropriately;
4. Serve in administration and leadership roles, as appropriate*
*Copyright The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
About the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Calgary
UCalgary’s Faculty of Medicine is a national leader in health research with an international reputation for excellence and innovation in health care research, education and delivery. Through its educational programs, the Faculty of Medicine trains the physicians and scientists who will lead the next generation of health practitioners. Through its clinical work, continuing medical education programs and close relationship with Alberta Health Services, the Faculty of Medicine moves new treatments and diagnostic techniques from the laboratory bench to the hospital bedside efficiently and effectively, improving patient care.
For more information visit http://medicine.ucalgary.ca.
Digg it! | Reddit.com | del.icio.us | facebook
2008 University of Calgary – Faculty of Medicine. All rights reserved.
Our Residents Are Collaborators
January 20, 2009
Part 3 of 7
Mark Lee
PGY4 Radiology Resident
Dr. Mark Lee
Collaboration is vital to practicing medicine. In fact, the collaboration process begins the moment a person seeks help from a medical professional. Sometimes we need to consult a number of specialists, sub specialists, and many other members of the health care team in order to solve a problem. In a teaching hospital such as the Foothills Medical Centre, it is not uncommon for a resident to be the first physician a patient meets. From there, the collaborative process begins as the patient’s concerns are addressed by a large team of health-care professionals and hospital staff.
Life as a radiology resident is exciting not only because the most advanced technology is always at your fingertips, but because you have the opportunity to interact and collaborate with specialists from a wide scope of practice: surgery, oncology, obstetrics, cardiology, nephrology, orthopedics, neurology, pediatrics – and that’s the short list. Sometimes the radiologic findings are merely a snapshot of a patient’s experience and the rest of their story is a mystery. However, as diagnostic imaging services play an ever increasing role in patient care, the collaborative experience becomes richer as each specialty pools their resources towards a common goal.
—————————
The role of Collaborator is increasingly important in the modern multiprofessional environment, where the goal of patient-centred care is widely shared. Therefore, our residents:
1. Participate effectively and appropriately in an interprofessional health-care team;
2. Effectively work with other health professionals to prevent, negotiate, and resolve interprofessional conflict*
*Copyright The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
Digg it! | Reddit.com | del.icio.us | facebook
2008 University of Calgary – Faculty of Medicine. All rights reserved.
Our Residents Are Communicators
January 15, 2009
Part 2 of 7
Mike Monument
PGY3 Orthopaedic Surgery Resident
Dr. Mike Monument
It was a great experience to complete my undergraduate medical education at the UCalgary and since then I’ve been privileged to pursue specialized training within orthopaedic surgery, also at UCalgary.
Residents are communicators. Communication is, undoubtedly, one of the most important skills in medicine and a skill-set used every day as a resident. Effective communication enhances the delivery of patient care, develops cohesion within the medical team and is an integral component of resident education here.
I have a particular interest in musculoskeletal trauma and I’m always impressed at the level of care that is provided to patients and their families here in Calgary. There is no doubt residency is challenging in many ways, but the surgical training we receive here is exceptional and I’m proud to take part in it.
———————-
The role of Communicator includes the varied dynamic exchanges that occur with patients and their families before, during, and after a medical encounter. During their training our residents will:
1. Develop rapport, trust, and ethical therapeutic relationships with patients and families;
2. Accurately elicit and synthesize relevant information and perspectives of patients and families, colleagues and other professionals;
3. Accurately convey relevant information and explanations to patients and families, colleagues and other professionals;
4. Develop a common understanding on issues, problems and plans with patients and families, colleagues and other professionals to develop a shared plan of care;
5. Convey effective oral and written information about a medical encounter.*
*Copyright The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
Digg it! | Reddit.com | del.icio.us | facebook
2008 University of Calgary – Faculty of Medicine. All rights reserved.
Our Residents Are Medical Experts
January 13, 2009
Part 1 of 7
Melissa Jack
PGY2 Anesthesia Resident
Dr. Melissa Jack, 2nd Year Anesthesia Resident
As residents, some of our most memorable stories come from our patients and their families. I was able to finish work in the operating room early one day and spend time with a patient’s anxious mother. I discussed her fears with her and reassured her that her child was in good hands. A few months later when I saw her again in the emergency room, she immediately came across the room and gave me a huge hug and thanked me. She told me that the time I took to comfort her and listen to her made all the difference. These are things you don’t forget. Of course, my first successful intubation at a code and my first unsupervised epidural—all of these were exciting moments in being trained as well!
Residents are medical experts. A medical expert is one who has a full understanding of the disease process (pathophysiology), its diagnosis and options for treatment. As well, a medical expert has the experience and training to be able to educate and offer patients available options and discuss outcomes. A medical expert not only applies knowledge, but also communicates important information to their team of colleagues, the patient and the patient’s family in a manner that assists in understanding and dealing with complex medical issues.
I am grateful for mentors here in Calgary. An incredible teacher allows learning that is invaluable and often not available in a textbook. There is a unique combination of young, new-to-practice physicians and veteran practitioners here. Through my training, I hope to become the kind of doctor my mom and dad would want looking after them. I also want to teach one day—to give my time as so many amazing mentors are currently doing for me.
—————————————————-
The role of Medical Expert is central to the function of the physician and illustrates how residents learn to:
1. Function effectively as consultants, integrating all of the other roles to provide optimal, ethical, and patient-centered medical care;
2. Establish and maintain clinical knowledge, skills, and attitudes appropriate to their practice;
3. Perform a complete and appropriate assessment of each patient;
4. Use preventive and therapeutic interventions effectively;
5. Demonstrate proficient and appropriate use of procedural skills, both diagnostic and therapeutic;
6. Seek appropriate consultation from other health professionals, recognizing the limits of their expertise.*
*Copyright 2005 The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
By Karen Thomas, AHFMR
Marc Poulin's study on exercise and aging shows improved cognition.
New research published in the international journal Neurobiology of Aging by Marc Poulin, PhD, DPhil, finds that being physically fit helps the brain function at the top of its game. An Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research Senior Scholar, Poulin finds that physical activity benefits blood flow in the brain, and, as a result, cognitive abilities.
“Being sedentary is now considered a risk factor for stroke and dementia,” says Poulin, a scientist in the Faculties of Medicine and Kinesiology at the University of Calgary. “This study proves for the first time that people who are fit have better blood flow to their brain. Our findings also show that better blood flow translates into improved cognition.”
The study, Effects of Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Cerebral Blood Flow on Cognitive Outcomes in Older Women, compares two groups of women whose average age was 65 years old. From a random sample of 42 women living in Calgary, the study observed women who took part in regular aerobic activity, and another group of women who were inactive. Poulin’s team recorded and measured the women’s cardiovascular health, resting brain blood flow and the reserve capacity of blood vessels in the brain, as well as cognitive functions. The team included scientists, doctors and graduate students, with MSc student Allison Brown taking a lead role.
The scientists found that compared to the inactive group, the active group had lower (10 per cent) resting and exercising arterial blood pressure, higher (5 per cent) vascular responses in the brain during submaximal exercise and when the levels of carbon dioxide in the blood were elevated, and higher (10 per cent) cognitive function scores.
One study participant, Calgarian Merceda Schmidt, 91 years old, walks about six kilometres per week to her volunteer schoolteaching and piano playing commitments. “It’s just in my nature – the batteries I got when I was born. My legs want to go,” says Schmidt. “I have to admit, I was nervous before the bike test. I could’ve done better if my shoe hadn’t fallen off.”
“The take home message from our research is that basic fitness – something as simple as getting out for a walk every day – is critical to staying mentally sharp and remaining healthy as we age,” says Poulin, a member of the Department of Physiology & Biophysics, and the Hotchkiss Brain Institute.
Poulin’s research is supported by AHFMR, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta, NWT & Nunavut, Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Canada Foundation for Innovation, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, and the Strafford Foundation.
About the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Calgary
The U of C’s Faculty of Medicine is a national leader in health research with an international reputation for excellence and innovation in health care research, education and delivery. Through its educational programs, the Faculty of Medicine trains the physicians and scientists who will lead the next generation of health practitioners. Through its clinical work, continuing medical education programs, and close relationship with the Calgary Health Region, the Faculty of Medicine moves new treatments and diagnostic techniques from the laboratory bench to the hospital bedside efficiently and effectively, improving patient care.
If you like this story and think others should read about it–why not spread the word!? Use the links below to let others know!
