MESSAGE FROM THE ASSOCIATE CHAIRS
Greetings to everyone! We would like to introduce ourselves as the Associate Chairs of our Department of Family Medicine. We appreciate the opportunity to write this introduction to the newsletter, so that we can describe the role of the Associate Chairs in our department. In this role, we work closely with Lee as Chair, allowing him the opportunity to discuss with us a spectrum of matters that arise. We act as a sounding board for Lee adding varying perspectives as appropriate. As you may expect, we also stand in for him on many occasions when his attendance is needed elsewhere. Needless to say, Lee is pulled in a number of directions, and we are here to help! That means we are also here for you as members of our department.
If you wish to speak with us, we are happy to meet. Please contact us if that is the case. Having recently focused on CaRMS file reviews and interviews as many of you have been also, we are humbled by so many accomplished applicants, and we anticipate a bright future for our department as we prepare to welcome new learners into our Family Medicine family. We hope you are just as excited as we are. Last but not least, we would like to express our pride for all of the presentations from our department at the recent ACFP Family Medicine Summit Conference. Special congratulations to our own Dr. Andrew Cave on being named as our Alberta Family Physician of the Year! - Drs Sudha Koppula & Fraser Brenneis
Clarification: CBAS Mobile View
The CBAS team has developed the eCBAS Mobile view, which is now available for use. This mobile view allows for easy entry of Fieldnotes on any learner from any clinical setting. It allows for FieldNote entry even when no internet is available through the use of your phone's data. Using eCBAS Mobile also optimizes the use of your phone's dictation system. Simply click in the feedback field, hit the microphone icon on your phone and dictate your note. Click here for more information and Instructions for use on both Android and iPhone devices.
Spotlight on...
Danica Erickson
Tell us a little about yourself
I was born in southern Saskatchewan (Go Riders!) but have lived in communities in and around Alberta for the majority of my life. I say “around Alberta” because one of those communities is Lloydminster, and it’s half in Saskatchewan. What is your educational background? What degrees do you have and from what universities?
I have a BA from Augustana Faculty, a public relations diploma from MacEwan University and a citation, which is like a certificate, from the U of A Extension Centre in Social Media Marketing and Communications. I’ve worked in advocacy for victims of crime, municipal government management and program/project support in post-secondary education.
What do you do in the Department of Family Medicine?
I am the department’s Communications Administrator. In the communications world, I’m what is known as a communications generalist. That means I do pretty much anything communications related. I manage the newsletter, the public website, the department intranet, the social media channels (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube) and l find news and stories of interest to pitch to the Faculty level and to Folio. I also do my best to support various activities in the department to make communication as open and smooth as possible. I am also, as all people in communications roles are, a bit of a professional lurker. No matter where you work, if you’re in a communications role you’re always on the lookout for trends and emerging issues that could impact your organization. What are your communication interests?
The field of communications offers a huge range of specialties to choose from. I have colleagues in marketing, corporate communications, human resources, large-scale event planning, media relations and crisis management to name a few. I find all communications specialties interesting and each has its challenges and rewards, but my particular interest is in internal communications via digital communication tools. What inspires you in your work?
Finding ways to get information to people that will make their personal and work lives, easier and more rewarding. Snacks inspire me also. What has been your most memorable experience to date in your work?
I can’t name one experience, but I can say that it has been terrific to work with the Family Medicine Interest Group over the last couple of years, and the residents I have had a chance to meet during my time in the department have also left a positive impression. The future is in good hands. In your free time, what special interests or hobbies do you have?
I read a lot. Isabel Allende and Amy Tan are two of my favorite authors. I've been studying Spanish for a few years now, because I love travelling in Central and South America. I also like being active, and am very excited to get back on my bike once we’re a little further into spring. What three words describe your experience at the U of A?
It’s a lot!
New Undergraduate Physical Exam Lead Announced Dr. Eniola Salami has accepted the position as Physical Exam lead (shared with Dr. Clarissa Agusto) at the UME as part of the clinical skills program in Physicianship. She will be replacing Dr. Kiran Dhillon who has been in the role for the last 2 years. We thank Dr. Dhillon for all her amazing work as physical exam lead, and wish her all the best in Vancouver where she will be relocating to in June, 2021. Dr. Kelly MacGregor continues to work closely with the UME to revamp the Interdisciplinary Curriculum (INTD) as part of restructuring and preparation for undergraduate
accreditation currently scheduled for October, 2022.
CaRMS 2021 Update The 2021 CaRMS process is now complete. Thank you to everyone who was involved in this year's process. The residency program team did excellent work despite navigating the completely new experience of hosting the entire event in virtual format. We look forward to Match Day, which is Tuesday, April 20, 2021.
Call for Nominations: Dr. Richard Fedoruk Memorial Award Nominations for the Dr. Richard Fedorak Memorial Award in Professionalism are now being acceped. This is an annual opportunity for peers and learners to recognize a faculty clinician who exemplifies professionalism and vocation for service in the medical profession—attributes that Dr. Richard Fedorak, our late former dean, valued profoundly and strived to uphold in his own practice. In order to nominate a colleague, please complete this form. Nominations will be open until April 30, 2021. Eligibility Criteria The award recipient will be a Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry faculty clinician (a physician member of the academic staff or a physician appointed as a clinical academic colleague) who exhibits high standards of personal and professional behaviour; demonstrates collegiality and leadership; possesses excellent scientific knowledge and competency; is an advocate for
enhancing the quality and accessibility of health care; and exhibits altruistic behaviour in the course of serving others. Watch: Dr. Francesco Mosaico accepts the 2020 Dr. Richard Fedorak Memorial Award in Professionalism For more information about the award and details of eligibility criteria, please contact Kirsten Bauer at kbauer@ualberta.ca.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Please note that physician education sessions and conferences are posted on the External Education Sessions and Conferences webpages of the department’s website, and updated throughout the month.
Geriatric Medicine Conference: Addressing Old & New Challenges Save the Date: June 5, 2021
Rethinking Senior Living: A New Vision for Family Care Partners April 13, 2021 1:00pm – 2:00pm EST (11:00 am - 12:00 pm MT) While we always knew the importance of family care partners in senior living, COVID-19 has emphasized it. In the latest Walk with Me webinar, we will bring together change makers in the industry to discuss learnings from the pandemic and explore the future of family care partners and active family engagement. In this session,
we will: Explore the role of active family care partners with learnings from COVID-19. Re-envision the role of family care partners as we return to a new normal. Learn about strategies and a course with new modules that supports family engagement during the pandemic and beyond.
Bringing their expertise to the discussion: Dr. Jasneet Parmar and Sharon Anderson, University of Alberta Lisa Poole, a family care partner and advocate Suellen Beatty, CEO, Sherbrooke Community Society
Register today: https://the-ria.ca/events/family-care-partners-webinar/
Alberta Respiratory Centre (ARC) Education Day 2021 April 30, 2021 The Alberta Respiratory Centre (ARC), in collaboration with the divisions of pediatric respirology and adult pulmonary medicine at the University of Alberta, is organizing the “ARC Education Day 2021”, a virtual health education day that will take place on April 30th, 2021. The theme of the meeting is "Creating connections from primary to tertiary care to improve respiratory health in Alberta". Talks during this education day will address the
spectrum of pediatric and adult respiratory conditions. The meeting is focused towards the needs of family physicians, general internists and pediatricians and allied health professionals working in the community and in hospital settings. Experts from the University of Alberta will give the talks during the meeting. There will be ample time for interactions with the experts through the virtual platform. Highlights of the meeting will include discussion regarding post-COVID respiratory disease, discussion of the new Canadian Asthma Guidelines, a discussion with the leadership of the relevant Strategic Clinical Networks as well as updates on many other important issues in respiratory medicine. The full program of the meeting and information about registrations can be found on the
following web address: https://www.albertarespiratorycentre.com/registration. Organizing Committee Andrew Cave, MD - Family Medicine representative Organizing Committee
Allison Carroll, MD - co-Chair Organizing Committee
Harissios Vliagoftis, MD - co-Chair Organizing Committee
Canadian Obesity Summit (online) May 10-13, 2021 If you’re a healthcare professional, researcher, policy maker or student working in obesity and want to learn, share and network with an international lineup of experts, look no further than the 7th Canadian Obesity Summit . Obesity Canada-Obésité Canada (OC) is Canada’s authoritative voice on evidence-based approaches for obesity prevention, treatment and policy. Our mission is to improve the lives of Canadians through obesity research, education and advocacy. The Summit is a biennial conference that brings together professional obesity stakeholders for a collegial, engaging learning experience. This year, it’s an interactive online experience, with a few twists. The goals of this Summit are: - To provide an interactive forum to share current understanding of the causes, complications, prevention and management approaches for obesity
- To profile obesity research from epidemiology and public health to cell biology, energy regulation, clinical management and health policy
- To support students and new professionals and increase interdisciplinary capacity among future obesity researchers and health professionals
Visit the Summit home page, view the preliminary program or click here to register
HEALTH CARE PROVIDER AND TEAM RESOURCES
The Faculty & Staff Development Team has been working hard at creating a Teaching Fundamentals package in various formats (e.g., websites, voice over slides, and workshops). We plan to run Teaching Fundamentals as a group of topics regularly and as needed. Topics include: When am I ready to take a learner? Incorporating Learners in a Busy Medical Practice Sensitive Facilitation Feedback Principles Learners Having Difficulty Benchmarks/ITERs Writing Reference Letters Developing Learning Plans/Contracts
Please contact us at fmfacdev@ualberta.ca if there are other topics you would like to see presented.
The College of Family Physicians of Canada has established a faculty development resource repository. Please click here to access.
Setting Up Your Google Scholar Profile Do you have your Google Scholar Profile set up? If not, you're missing out! Once it is set up, users will see your profile featured prominently at the top of the Google results whenever people search for your name. An example is given below.
It will only take minutes to set up. Here are the instructions: Log on to scholar.google.com and click the “My profile” link at the top of the page to get your account setup started. On the first screen, add your affiliation information and UofA email address, so Google Scholar can confirm your account. Need help? Ask your librarian, Janice Kung (janice.kung@ualberta.ca).
CLINICAL RESEARCH UPDATES
National Tri-agency Funding Opportunities A full listing of all CIHR opportunities are available on ResearchNet. Indigenous Gender and Wellness Team Grant.
This opportunity is for Indigenous-led research related to gender and wellness. Possible topics include but are not limited to: Two-Spirit and/or LGBTQ+ wellness, Youth mental health, Gender-related risk factors, Gender and wellness of Indigenous Peoples living in or transitioning to urban centres, and Maternal and child health. This opportunity is for up to $500K of funding over 3 years.
Registration deadline: June 22, 2021
Application deadline: July 29, 2021 Local Funding Opportunities WCB-Alberta Research Grants Competition 2021.
This competition funds projects addressing the outcomes of medical and other interventions; the efficacy and outcomes of remote treatment modalities; and the assessment and treatment of work-related psychological injuries.
LOI deadline: April 9, 2021 National Tri-agency Funding Opportunities A full listing of all CIHR opportunities are available on ResearchNet. Indigenous Gender and Wellness Team Grant.
This opportunity is for Indigenous-led research related to gender and wellness. Possible topics include but are not limited to: Two-Spirit and/or LGBTQ+ wellness, Youth mental health, Gender-related risk factors, Gender and wellness of Indigenous Peoples living in or transitioning to urban centres, and Maternal and child health. This opportunity is for up to $500K of funding over 3 years.
Registration deadline: June 22, 2021
Application deadline: July 29, 2021
International Funding Opportunities Pfizer Global Medical Grants RFP: PCF-Pfizer Health Equity Challenge Awards
The intent of this Request for Proposal (RFP) is to support general research projects that will improve the understanding of, or reduce disparities in the diagnosis, management and outcomes of prostate cancer patients in minority and underserved communities. This opportunity is for up to $100K to $150K of funding.
LOI deadline: April 9, 2021
Application deadline: August 30, 2021 Pfizer Global Medical Grants RFP: Quality Improvement Grants to Support the Delivery of Gene Therapies to Patients with Rare Diseases
Projects that will be considered for Pfizer support will focus on preparing and/or optimizing multidisciplinary care teams for the integration of gene therapy into the treatment armamentarium for patients with a Rare Disease. This opportunity is for up to $50,000 of funding.
Application deadline: June 1, 2021 Pfizer Global Medical Grants Quality Improvement Grant RFP: NSCLC Therapy Management for Optimal Outcomes
Projects that will be considered for Pfizer support will focus on development of an algorithm or tool to guide the optimal treatment and support of patients with ALK or ROS1 re-arranged Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). This opportunity is for up to $150,000 of funding. Learning Opportunities Connect Care Research Newsletter – February 2021. SPH 566 Special Seminars: Fundamentals of Patient-Oriented Research.
Explore the what, why and how of patient-oriented research, including research design principles, theoretical foundations and practical strategies. Non-SPH students can register by emailing Kelli Buckreus at absporu.cd@ualberta.ca. Course fees apply.
Course runs from May 3 to June 16, 2021.
Dickinson JA, Thériault G, Singh
H, Grad R, Bell NR, Szafran O. Too soon or too late? Choosing the right screening test intervals. Canadian Family Physician February 2021;67(2):100-106; DOI: Elliott-Sale KJ, Minahan CL, Janse de Jonge XAK, Ackerman KE, Sipila S, Constantini NW, Lebrun CM, Hackney AC. Methodological Considerations for Studies in Sport and Exercise Science with Women as Participants: A Working Guide for Standards of Practice for Research on Women. Sports Med (2021). Kolber MR, Fritsch P, Price M, Singer AG, Young J, Dugré N, Bradley S, Nickonchuk T. COVID-19 vaccine fast facts. Canadian Family Physician March 2021;67(3):
185-186; DOI: Lee AS, Ross S. Continuity of supervision: Does it mean what we think it means? Medical Education 2021 Apr;55(4): 448-454. doi: 10.1111/medu.14378. Epub 2020 Sep 25. PMID: 32929800
Parmar J, Anderson S, Abbasi M, Ahmadinejad S, Chan K, Charles L, Dobbs B, Khera AS, Stickney-Lee J, Tian PGJ, Jain S. Family Physician’s and Primary Care Team’s Perspectives on Supporting Family Caregivers in Primary Care Networks. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Mar 23;18(6):3293.
FAMILY MEDICINE SUMMIT UPDATE
Congratulations to all departments members who presented posters at the recent Family Medicine Summit. Posters from the Department of Family Medicine are below, and you can click on the links to view each one.
Follow the Department of Family Medicine on Social Media
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