Archive
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.
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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.
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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.
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2008 University of Calgary – Faculty of Medicine. All rights reserved.
Our Residents Are Collaborators
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.
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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
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2008 University of Calgary – Faculty of Medicine. All rights reserved.
Our Residents Are Communicators
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.
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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
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2008 University of Calgary – Faculty of Medicine. All rights reserved.
Dr. Sheila Malm, 1943-2008
The Faculty of Medicine is saddened to report the passing of Dr. Sheila Malm and her husband Gerrit Maureau in a plane crash. The couple was travelling from Pueblo, Colorado, heading to Santa Fe, New Mexico just before Christmas. Maureau was piloting the small plane, and Dr. Malm was a passenger.
Dr. Malm graduated from the University of Calgary medical school and was later part of the Faculty of Medicine. Her colleagues describe her as a leader among family physicians in Calgary. She was instrumental in developing the low risk obstetrics clinic at the U of C, which exists today. She was also a key part of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta, where she served as its president and as a member of council. Most recently Dr. Malm was working part time at the Valley View Clinic in Calgary.
Dr. Malm was 65, her husband Gerrit Maureau, 67, was a prominent local oil engineer.
A memorial service will be held Sunday, January 25, 2009 from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the Calgary Petroleum Club, 319 5th Ave. S.W. If friends and family so desire, memorial tributes to the Dr. Sheila Malm Memorial Scholarship may be made by phone (403-220-3716) or by cheque made payable to the University of Calgary, Dr. Sheila Malm Memorial Scholarship, c/o U of C Central Development Office, 2500 University Dr NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4 or online at netcommunity.ucalgary.ca/DrSheilaMalm.
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!
Our Residents Are Medical Experts
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.
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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
U of C remembers Doc Seaman, philanthropist
The Faculty of Medicine was saddened to hear of the passing Sunday of Daryl K. Doc Seaman. He was 86.
Seaman was one of Calgary’s biggest philanthropists and a huge supporter of the University of Calgary. Oh, and he was also instrumental in bringing the National Hockey League to Calgary in 1980 as one of the original owners of the Calgary Flames!
Though he shied away from publicity, his time, effort and funds did not go unnoticed, particularly at the University of Calgary.
In 2001, along with his brothers, B.J. and Don, Doc provided $2 million in funding for the establishment of the Seaman Family MR Research Centre at the Calgary Health Region/University of Calgary Faculty of Medicine. In 2007, the centre became home to the neuroArm, the world’s first MRI-compatible surgical robot, which revolutionized neurosurgery and other branches of operative medicine by liberating them from the constraints of the human hand.
Seaman supported other student awards and was a Chancellor’s Club member since 1992. He received a U of C honorary degree in Law in 1993 and a Faculty Association Recognition Award in 2005. His most recent gift to the U of C came this summer in the form of $500,000 to fund scholarships for student-athletes in football, hockey, basketball, volleyball, soccer and women’s field hockey.
Seaman will be missed greatly. The University of Calgary and the Faculty of Medicine express condolences to the family and friends of Doc Seaman.
Read a more in-depth story at: http://www.ucalgary.ca/news/january2009/seaman-memoriam
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!
Research finds older women who are physically fit have better cognitive function
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!
UCalgary Medicine wins at 2008 MarCom Awards
by Jody MacPherson
UCalgary Medicine’s Communications and Media Relations Department has won platinum and gold awards at the 2008 MarCom Awards, which is an international creative competition that recognizes outstanding achievement by marketing and communication professionals, as judged by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals based in Texas.
* The Faculty of Medicine’s Research Report 2007/2008 won a Platinum Award, which is the highest level award. Laurie Wang, Manager, Internal Relations was the editor of this publication.
* The “Your Faculty” magazine (a Faculty of Medicine publication) also won a Platinum Award. Note: This magazine has just been renamed this to “UCalgary Medicine.” Laurie was also the managing editor at the time of the award.
* The recent announcement of the Boone Pickens Centre for Neurological Science and Advanced Technologies won a Gold Award in the category of writing/media kits. Jordanna Heller, Manager, Media Relations was the lead writer on this.
* The UCMG Member Portal Communications Plan also won a Gold Award. That plan was also put together by Laurie Wang.
* The department also received Honourable Mentions for the neuroArm media reel which was a labour of love for Jordanna and for the writing in one of the articles in Your Faculty magazine authored by Marta Cyperling, Advisor, Media Relations (Summer, 2008 issue).
Of course, none of this work is done without support from fellow U of C communicators, especially Colleen Turner and her team who’ve given input, advice and encouragement to the Medicine communications team.
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!
UCalgary Medicine 