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Family Matters
Your updates from the University of Alberta Department of Family Medicine
April 2019
Message From the Chair
The DoFM's communications administrator, Danica Erickson, reminded me that I needed to write a column for this month's newsletter. That's quite a challenge for me this month, but not for lack of material. Of course I could celebrate the awards and achievements of our faculty, students, staff, and residents (and will - have a look at this month's list!). Mostly though it's because there is so much to write about but so little I can be sure enough to put down in print about it yet. That seems to be quite a frequent occurrence lately, as we are in the midst of so many exciting (and sometimes unnerving) changes. I won't list them all here – you've seen most in previous newsletters – but it is certainly an interesting time for the Department.
So forgive me while I wax metaphorical. This month I went out for my first run of the season in one of my favourite sports, whitewater kayaking. Rivers just drip with metaphors, which is why they appear so often in literature. They have long calm stretches, and they have rapids. We had quite a nice spell in the flatwater, but we're in the rapids these days. A bit hair-raising, but also where we can really show our stuff. The key is having a good crew to navigate them, and ours is world class. So hang on, it's a wild ride, but it's going somewhere good.
- Dr. Lee Green, Chair, Department of Family Medicine
Notable News
Retirement Announcement
Leslie Lefebvre, Site Administrator for the Fort McMurray Residency Learning Site, has announced she will be retiring on July 1, 2019. Leslie joined the DoFM residency team at the Northern Lights Regional Hospital in 2012 and has been with program ever since.
When asked about her experiences with the department, Leslie conveyed that she has had the opportunity to work with some wonderful residents who are now physicians working in Northern Alberta, and she knows how much they appreciated their training. Leslie emphasized that she loved working with the residents; she had a great time and she will miss it. She also expressed appreciation for the support she received through the challenges of administrating the site.
From the department’s perspective, there could not have been a better administrator and leader helping guide the Fort Mac residents through their learning experiences.
A heartfelt thank you to Leslie from the staff and faculty of the department, and best wishes to her in all of her next adventures.
Shelley Ross Named CAME President Elect
Congratulations to Shelley Ross, PhD, who was named President Elect of the Canadian Association for Medical Education (CAME) at he Annual General Meeting during the Canadian Conference on Medical Education.
She will serve as President Elect for one year, as President for two years, and as Past President for one year.
CAME’s Mission is “to promote, and advance and recognize excellence across the continuum of medical education in Canada.” Ross’s appointment will give the department a strong voice to support the advancement of medical education in Canada.
Family Docs Receive Addiction Medicine Certificate
Congratulations to the several family physician teachers affiliated with the U of A Department of Family Medicine who recently received their Certificate of Added Competence in Addiction Medicine from the College of Family Physicians of Canada.
These physicians interact with the department's learners and faculty in community-based generalist, inpatient, and more specialized pain and addiction settings, and are living proof of the value of the family medicine perspective in the management of addictions. This list is by no means exhaustive, but here are just a few names to begin with: Cameron Barr, Patty Belda, Karine Meador, Tally Mogus, Francesco Mosaico, Omar Rahaman, Mat Rose, Ginetta Salvalaggio, Devin Tucker and Nick Wong.
- Submitted by Ginetta Salvalaggio
DoFM Professional Development In-service
New Faculty Development Email Now Available
Faculty and Staff Development now has a program email: fmfacdev@ualberta.ca. Inquiries about upcoming session or program suggestions are welcome at this address.
Family Medicine Research Day is Friday, June 7, 2019
This year's Family Medicine Research Day is scheduled for June 7, 2019 in the Edmonton Clinic Health Academy (ECHA) L1-490.
Abstract submissions for oral or poster presentation on research or practice quality improvement projects of relevance to family medicine or primary care are now being accepted. The deadline for abstract submissions is May 17, 2019.
Submissions from resident, students and researchers are welcome.
Abstracts and the Abstract Submission Forms can be downloaded here.
Please email the completed abstract form to olga.szafran@ualberta.ca
Critical Thinking Project from U of A Family Medicine
Dr. David Ross & Dr. Michelle Morros are currently recruiting participants to examine Critical Thinking (CT) skills in practicing Family Physicians. CT is an essential part of Clinical Reasoning and diagnosis that has not been measured in practicing family physicians. By participating in the study, you will be provided with a personal assessment of Critical Thinking as measured by the California Critical Thinking Skills Test (CCTST). You can use the results to determine your strengths in CT and how to bolster your Clinical Reasoning. If you are interested in participating, please contact criticalthinkinguofa@gmail.com
Professional Pages Reminder
What are Professional Pages?
Professional Pages, formerly known as Professor Pages, were created to allow faculty members to easily share their achievements and research interests with the world.
Why is it important to update your Professional Page?
According to the FoMD professional pages project webpage:
1. Academics with a strong digital presence that highlights their work and research projects are more likely to obtain major grants and other funding opportunities.
2. Easy-to-find, thorough information on our faculty will attract the best and brightest students and trainees for your projects.
3. Professional Pages promote locally and globally the wide range of expertise and talent within our faculty.
How do you update your Professional Page?
The professional pages connect to the Faculty Administrative Resources System (FARM). FARM receives updates from PeopleSoft Human Capital and PeopleSoft grants on a nightly basis.
You are encouraged to visit and update your page through FARM and keep it as complete as possible. If you have questions, please email farm.support@ualberta.ca.
For more information, visit the Professional Pages project page on the FoMD website.
New University of Alberta Employee Code of Conduct
As of July 1, 2019 the University of Alberta will have a new Code of Conduct: Employee Obligations Respecting Conflict of Interest. To review the policy, please click here.
You Are Invited to the 2019 Festival of Health on May 25
The Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry is hosting its third annual FESTIVAL OF HEALTH on Saturday, May 25, 2019. This free public event is open to all and showcases the Faculty through interactive booths, rapid-fire presentations, learning sessions, tours and more. Register now to reserve your favourite sessions.
Presenters from the Department of Family Medicine include Lesley Charles, Ginetta Salvalaggio, and Connie Lebrun. The BedMed High Blood Pressure Study and the CHANGE Program will have information booths. Find out more about the day
*some sessions and tours have limited space so register early to avoid disappointment
Family Medicine in the News
Dr. Lillian Au Featured in Clinical Education Spotlight
Dr. Lillian Au, Director of the department’s undergraduate education program, was featured in FoMD's April 2019 spotlight on clinical education for April.
April Publications
Oksana Babenko. (8 April 2019). Doctor Wellness is a marathon effort and training should start in medical school. The Conversation.
Brooks H, O’Brien D, Salvalaggio G, Dong K, Hyshka E. (25 April 2019). Uptake into a bedside needle and syringe program for acute care inpatients who inject drugs. Drug and Alcohol Review. DOI: 10.1111/dar.12930
Professional Development Opportunities
This year’s conference takes disruptive action as valuable action, and the “disrupters” as crucial voices for change. When our beliefs about health and our structures in health care are challenged, our ethical obligations come most sharply into relief. Patients whose preferences and behaviours are challenging or inconvenient are often labelled as “difficult” or “non-compliant”. Yet these individuals hold a mirror up to the system that may highlight its shortcomings and flaws. This can force positive reflection at all levels about the nature and goals of health care and what accommodations and limits are reasonable in healthcare delivery.
Visit the conference website for more information or to register.
SAVE THE DATE: Edmonton Zone General Surgery Education Day 2019
Date: Saturday May 25, 2019, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Location: Robbins Pavilion, Royal Alexandra Hospital
On behalf of the Division of General Surgery
email: jswhite1@ualberta.ca
Fax: 780-735-5459
The 3rd Annual National Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) Conference
May 31 – June 1, 2019 (Friday - Saturday)
Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown Hotel
Vancouver BC
Target audience: family physicians, specialists, lawyers, policy makers, nurses, nurse practitioners, residents and medical students
Preliminary agenda now available online at maidconference.ca
Geriatric Medicine 2019: Demystifying the Complexity of Seniors Conference
Geriatric Medicine 2019 will be held on Saturday, June 8, 2019 at the Lister Conference Centre in Edmonton, AB. Physicians, residents, nursing and other allied health professionals interested in geriatrics are all invited to attend.
Topics this year range from cannabis to capacity assessment and more.
University Updates
The following REDCap sessions are being offered through the Women's and Children's Health Research Institute (WCHRI):
Drop-In Support
May 15, 2019
10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
ECHA 4-099
Survey Management: Advanced
May 21, 2019
12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
ECHA 5-099
Drop-in Support
May 28, 2019
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
ECHA 4-099
Disclaimer
External links are provided as a courtesy and for the convenience of those individuals and organizations wishing to access these resources and information. The Department of Family Medicine does not endorse nor has it vetted any external content provided.
