Archive
H1N1 – Now is not the time to let our guard down
By Glen D. Armstrong, PhD, Thomas Louie, M.D., and John Conly, M.D., Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary and The Calvin, Phoebe, and Joan Snyder Institute of Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation.
Although there appears to be a lull in the number of serious H1N1 cases appearing in our hospitals, now is not the time to let our guard down. The H1N1 virus has resulted in severe infection with respiratory failure and increased numbers of intensive care unit admissions. And this is before the typical influenza season peaks in February or March. There is still plenty of time to get vaccinated. Now would be the perfect time to visit a vaccination clinic because of the significantly reduced wait times.
We want to remind people of one irrefutable fact; the incredible freedom we all now enjoy from once devastating infectious diseases because of safe effective vaccines. A short list includes smallpox, polio, mumps, measles, rubella, meningitis, whooping cough, diphtheria, tetanus, and hepatitis A and B. We cannot overemphasize that these are all diseases that no longer kill or severely disable millions of youngsters and adults every year in the developed world, thanks to safe and effective immunization programs.
We openly acknowledge that none of these vaccines is 100 per cent safe. We have learned from experience that in any mass vaccination program, a very small proportion, less than one in a million people, will experience a severe adverse reaction to the vaccine. Such rare reactions may lead to lifelong physical or mental disabilities. In this regard, the H1N1 vaccine is no different than any of other.
The anti-H1N1 vaccination proponents are misleading and distorting the facts around the vaccine being distributed. They are making the minimal risks appear much greater than they really are. If you carefully read the articles the anti-vaccine proponents quote in their fear-mongering campaigns, the H1N1 vaccine is no more dangerous or different in formula or action than any of the other vaccines routinely and safely used for decades to prevent deadly infections from spreading in human populations.
With the exception of a minority of older individuals, our population has no natural immunity to the H1N1 virus. Unlike the typical seasonal flu strains, the H1N1 virus affects young and old, healthy, pregnant, or sick individuals in a capricious and unpredictable manner. The H1N1 virus also has more potential to cause societal hardship, and loss of income to families and businesses due to employee absenteeism. So why not get vaccinated to protect ourselves, our family members, friends and society at large?
After all, the H1N1 vaccine is provided free of charge to all Canadians in order to protect themselves and probably more importantly, others around them. The societal benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks. Despite the impression the H1N1 pandemic may be over, we still strongly encourage all Canadians to be vaccinated against H1N1. Now is not the time to let our guard down.
Two UCalgary clinician scientists named Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 2008
By Andrea Di Ubaldo
Dr. Fiona Costello: photo provided
As Albert Einstein once said, “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving.”
Indeed, Dr. Fiona Costello and Dr. Andrew Demchuk seem to have found their perfect balance by constantly moving. Both were recently named to the Caldwell Partners International’s Top 40 Under 40 list.
The award is given to individuals who have shown vision and leadership; innovation and achievement; impact; community involvement and contribution; and growth / development strategy. Out of approximately 1200 nominees, Costello and Demchuk are two out of six physician scientists awarded this honour as chosen by an independent advisory board.
Balancing, more like juggling
Dr. Andrew Demchuk: photo provided
For Demchuk, co-leader of the Attacking Stroke program at the Hotchkiss Brain Institute in the Faculty of Medicine, it’s all about the ‘Big 5’: education; administration; research; clinical care; and family. Not necessarily in that order.
“I try to do all things because I like all five,” Demchuk says. “I have a great wife who manages most of the day-to-day raising of our two boys; I’m a quality time kind of guy, so I get to do the fun stuff with the boys at night and on weekends.”
Demchuk is the director of the Calgary Stroke Program, chair of Pillar 2 (Acute Care and Emergency Services) of the Alberta Provincial Stroke Strategy, past-chair of the Board of Directors of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta, NWT and Nunavut, and an associate professor with the Departments of Clinical Neurosciences and the Department of Radiology at UCalgary.
In addition to his teaching and clinical practice, Demchuk is also a world-renowned researcher whose primary research interests lie in the area of cerebral vascular imaging and its application in developing new treatments for those who have suffered from stroke. .
He admits to verging on workaholic status, as a director, teacher, researcher, physician, husband and father.
Kids keep things in perspective
“I have four kids aged eight, five, three and six-months. It’s often a gong show,” Costello laughs. “I’m married to a great guy, who has a very demanding career. It’s tough to balance, but we work well together.”
Costello is a clinician scientist and co-director of the NeuroProtection and Repair Evaluation Unit (NPREU) with the Arresting Multiple Sclerosis (MS) program at the Hotchkiss Brain Institute at the Faculty of Medicine and an associate professor in the Department of Clinical Neurosciences. Her research and clinical expertise are in the areas of neuro-ophthalmology and multiple sclerosis. Together with her collaborators, she has been awarded $2.5 million research grant funding to implement a novel experimental model of MS she has developed in ongoing studies.
“I use the visual system as a means of finding new ways to look at old problems.
The eye can give us many insights into mechanisms of brain injury, and help us better understand diseases like multiple sclerosis,” she says.
“It’s a great honour because this award isn’t restricted to the medical community,” 39-year-old Costello says. “Everyone goes in on an even playing field, all experts in their respective areas.”
Demchuk, also 39, believes it’s an honour for both him and his team. “It’s a bit of validation for all of the hours and days of work we put in. My CV would be miniscule without a team.”
Costello says her kids have made her a better physician and person and much better at time management. “My kids have forced me to be more focused and less self – indulgent with my time.”
“And kids don’t care what awards you’ve won,” she adds.
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.
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MacQueen appointed Head, Department of Psychiatry
Dr. Glenda MacQueen
I am pleased to announce that Glenda MacQueen, MD, FRCPC, PhD has been appointed to the position of Head of the Department of Psychiatry for the Faculty of Medicine and Regional Clinical Department Head, Psychiatry for the Calgary Health Region, as of September 1, 2008.
Dr. MacQueen joins us from McMaster University where she is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences and the Academic Director of the Mood Disorders Program at St. Joseph’s Health Care Centre in Hamilton, Ontario. She is a founding member of the Brain Body Institute and an associate member of the Intestinal Diseases Research Program.
Dr. MacQueen is the Coordinator for Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences Clinical Investigator’s Program for the Faculty of Health Sciences at McMaster University. She is very involved in graduate and postgraduate training programs and she recently received the 2008 award for Excellence in Research Mentoring from the Dept of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences at McMaster.
Dr. MacQueen’s research interests are on structural and functional brain changes associated with mood disorders and the factors that predict outcome in mood disorders. Her work has been funded by national and international funding agencies including the Canadian Institutes for Health Research, the Canadian Psychiatric Research Foundation, the National Alliance for Research in Schizophrenia and Affective Disorders, the Stanley Medical Research Foundation, the Ontario Mental Health Foundation, the Scottish Rite Foundation and the National Centre of Excellence AllerGen Inc. Dr MacQueen received the Innovations in Neuropsychopharmacology Research Award for 2008 from the Canadian College of Neuropsychopharmacology.
She is currently serving as the Scientific Officer for the Canadian Institutes of Health Research Behavioral Sciences B committee. She is also a member of the Canada Research Chairs College of Reviewers and sits on the Editorial Board of the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry and the Chronicles of Neurology and Psychiatry. She is a clinical editor of the Current Medical Literature Psychiatry series.
Glenda MacQueen is an outstanding addition to our Faculty and will take the lead in positioning UCalgary’s Faculty of Medicine as a leader in mental health education, management and research. Please join me in welcoming her to Calgary and to her new role.
Tom Feasby, MD
Dean, Faculty of Medicine
2008 University of Calgary – Faculty of Medicine. All rights reserved.
Kellner appointed Head, Department of Paediatrics
Dr. Jim Kellner
I am pleased to announce that James Kellner, MD, M.Sc, FRCPC has been appointed to the position of Head of the Department of Paediatrics for the Faculty of Medicine and Regional Clinical Department Head, Pediatrics, Calgary Health Region, as of October 1, 2008.
Dr. Kellner is currently Head, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Deputy Head (Research and Administration), Department of Paediatrics and Associate Director of the Institute of Maternal and Child Health. He is a professor in the departments of Paediatrics; Microbiology and Infectious Diseases; and Community Health Sciences.
He received his MD degree from the University of Calgary (Calgary, Alberta, Canada) and his M.Sc (Clinical Epidemiology) from the University of Toronto (Toronto, Ontario, Canada). He trained in pediatrics in Calgary and Toronto, where he was Chief Resident at the Hospital for Sick Children (Toronto, Ontario, Canada). After a fellowship and practice in Emergency Pediatrics for five years, he received training in Infectious Diseases in Toronto.
Dr. Kellner’s main research interest is in the the epidemiology and prevention of Streptococcus pneumoniae infections. He has authored close to 60 peer-reviewed papers in and his research has been funded by the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research, the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation and the Canadian Infectious Diseases Society.
“I am very honoured and excited to be given the opportunity to lead the Department of Pediatrics. The Department has grown tremendously over the last several years to provide increased specialty and sub-specialized clinical services to children and families throughout Calgary and southern Alberta,” says Dr. Kellner.
“In addition, we are training more undergraduate and postgraduate health care workers and researchers, and our researchers are tackling an increasing array of health issues to increase knowledge and develop solutions that will promote, restore and retain the health of children.”
“I look forward to working with colleagues and staff in the Department and with our partners to meet this challenge!”
Please join me in welcoming Dr. Kellner to his new leadership role.
Tom Feasby, MD
Dean, Faculty of Medicine
Faculty of Medicine celebrates excellence
By Laurie Wang
Posted February 5, 2009
Recognition, excitement and pride. These are some of the things more than 300 people felt at the inaugural Celebration of Excellence on Wednesday.
Faculty, staff and students gathered in the Health Research Innovation Centre (HRIC) atrium at noon to celebrate the 23 faculty who won prestigious external prizes and awards in 2008—from the Gairdner International Award, to the Globe and Mail’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women, the Family Physician of the Year award and more.
“We have more people here than we expected,” says Wee Yong, PhD, with a grin. “It is great to see so many people here celebrating the success of our faculty.” Yong was the emcee for the event. He is chair of the Awards and Recognition Committee, whose function is to facilitate the process in which appropriate nominees are put forth for various awards.
The committee was created by Dr. Tom Feasby, dean, Faculty of Medicine. “I knew that leading universities take a systematic approach to nominating their faculty members for awards and I knew we were missing opportunities. So, I approached Wee with the idea of forming a committee and asked him—the most ‘can-do’ person I know—to lead it,” says Feasby. Yong was also a winner in 2008, named one of the 20 Compelling Calgarians by the Calgary Herald.
Dr. Rosie Goldstein, Vice President, Research, UCalgary, was also in attendance. “Today we recognize your innovations and drive for scientific achievement, your mentoring, dedication and talent in education, educating the next generation of health care providers and researchers, and your service to community.”
She couldn’t help but mention 2008 Gairdner Laureate Samuel Weiss, PhD, in her speech, poking a bit of fun at him. “Over the past year, many people have mentioned to Sam Weiss that roughly a quarter of Gairdner award recipients also go on to receive a Nobel Prize, but I won’t mention it. I won’t add to the pressure,” Goldstein smiles.
Besides a faculty member winning a Gairdner in 2008, the Faculty of Medicine boasts a member who had an award named after him: Dr. John D. Reynolds. Reynolds received the first John D. Reynolds Award from the Canadian Society for Immunology.
“It’s very rare for an award to be named after a living individual. Congratulations John!” says Yong as the crowd chuckles.
The Celebration of Excellence will be an annual event at the Faculty of Medicine, and each year, the Faculty hopes to add even more people to the list of individuals to celebrate.
“Our members are some of the best and brightest in their fields. I look forward to celebrating even more successes with everyone next year,” says Feasby.
2008 Faculty of Medicine external award recipients
Dr. Jenn Brenner
One of the Top 5 Canadians to Watch by World Vision
Dr. Norm Campbell
Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada’s Leadership Award in Heart Healthy Policy
Dr. Linda Carlson
William E. Rawls Prize in Oncology
Dr. Rod Crutcher
Award for Improvement of Social Infrastructure/Condition (for the Sudanese Physician Reintegration Program) by the Canadian International Development Agency
Dr. Tyrone Donnon
Certificate of Merit Award from the Canadian Association for Medical Education
Dr. Kathryn J. Hannah
Canadian Nurses’ Association Centennial Award
Dr. David Hart
Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences
Dr. Jennifer Hatfield
One of the Globe and Mail’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women
Dr. Robert Herman
2008 Osler Award from the Canadian Society of Internal Medicine
Dr. Deirdre Jenkins
Certificate of Merit Award from the Canadian Association for Medical Education
Dr. Renee Martin
Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada
Dr. John Parboosingh
Duncan Graham Award from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons
Dr. Man-Chiu Poon
World Federation of Hemophilia 2008 International Healthcare Volunteer Award
Dr. John Reynolds
John D. Reynolds Award created in his name by the Canadian Society for Immunology
Dr. Robert Sheldon
Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences
Dr. Mark Sosnowski
Family Physician of the Year by the College of Family Physicians of Canada
Dr. Garnette Sutherland
Calgary Awards Signature Award
Dr. Roger Thompson
Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada’s Henry J.M. Barnett Scholarship
Dr. John Wallace
Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada &
BioAlberta’s Award in Scientific Achievement and Innovation
Dr. Sam Weiss
2008 Gairdner International Award
Dr. George Wyse
Canadian Cardiovascular Congress Annual Achievement Award
Dr. Voon Wee Yong
20 Compelling Calgarians Award from the Calgary Herald
Dr. Gerald Zamponi
Fellow of the Royal Society 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. 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.
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2008 University of Calgary – Faculty of Medicine. All rights reserved.
Our Residents Are Professionals
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!
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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.
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2008 University of Calgary – Faculty of Medicine. All rights reserved.
Our Residents Are Scholars
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.
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2008 University of Calgary – Faculty of Medicine. All rights reserved.
Our Residents Are Health Advocates
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.
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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.
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2008 University of Calgary – Faculty of Medicine. All rights reserved.
Our Residents Are Managers
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.
