June 2015 Newsletter
Chair's Message
Recent media coverage has raised concerns for family medicine residents and medical students considering a choice of residency, but despite new ministry restrictions, family medicine is still a great career with lots of opportunity.
Postgraduate program update
The Family Medicine Postgraduate program was well recognized at the 2015 Celebration of Excellence receiving two distinguished awards, one for staff and one for education. In other exciting news, the electronic field notes will be launched in the Windsor and Rural programs on July 1st, 2015.
In the news
Mental illness affects one in five Canadians and costs us nearly $50-billion a year. So why aren’t we treating it like any other health-care crisis? Dr. Saadia Hameed weighs in on the discussion after researching access to psychotherapy for an advanced degree
Southwest Middlesex Health Centre says goodbye to Dr. Ted Osmun
His is a storied career that spreads over 30 years. Dr. Osmun, we wish you all the best in “downsizing your career and upsizing your life,” because as you say, you are not retiring but simply downsizing your career.
New MD restrictions don't apply to under-serviced communities
Ontario’s new rules which limit the number of doctors who can join family health teams don't apply to under-serviced communities. In Southwestern Ontario, that’s 18 centres. The Ministry's restrictions could mean these communities might finally catch a break.
FORGE AHEAD launches Wave2
The TransFORmation of IndiGEnous PrimAry HEAlthcare Delivery (FORGE AHEAD) Research Program begins the 2nd wave of implementation this month. Community Facilitators will guide their Community and Clinical Team Members to develop, implement and evaluate culturally relevant diabetes initiatives using the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle tool.
Trillium Primary Health Care Research Day
With 110 participants and 46 oral/poster presentations, Trillium Primary Health Care Research Day was a success! Participants came from Universities across Ontario, LHINs, Family Health Teams, and Associations related to primary health care. Western was well represented with 15 participants from psychology, epidemiology, family medicine, nursing and occupational therapy.
- Program Spotlight: Care of the Elderly
As the population continues to age and live longer, the complexity of care for the elderly patient has become increasingly challenging. We are currently searching for vibrant Family Medicine preceptors with an interest in care of the elderly who may be keen on offering supervision, teaching and mentoring in any capacity to our learners. - Master of Clinical Science in Family Medicine (MClSc) provides Dr. Lemmese Al Watban with the cornerstones from which to launch her career
Dr. Lemmese Al Watban’s education has spanned over 15 years and two countries. Armed with a MClSc in family medicine, she looks to the future and aspires to have a strong role in teaching and in faculty development. - Lynn Dunikowski, director of the Canadian Library of Family Medicine, retires
After more than 30 years, Lynn Dunikowski, director of the Canadian Library of Family Medicine (CLFM), is set to retire at the end of June. Canadian Family Physician acknowledges Lynn's contribution in a poignant tribute. - TUTOR_PHC
Transdisciplinary Understanding and Training on Research – Primary Health Care (TUTOR_PHC) just wrapped up its annual Symposium that welcomed the 12th cohort of interdisciplinary primary health care research trainees to participate in workshops on primary health care, interdisciplinary research teams, grant generation, mixed methods, knowledge translation, and engaging with policy makers. - Family Medicine Research Incubator
Interested in sharing research ideas? Have an idea you'd like to develop with department colleagues? Simply want to join in the discussion? All faculty and staff are welcome to attend the next Family Medicine Research Incubator hosted by CSFM Director, Dr. Merrick Zwarenstein and Research Associate, Cathy Thorpe on Wednesday, June 17th, 2015, from 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. in room 1120, WCPHFM. 
Resident Project Day
Registration is now closed for Resident Project Day. We look forward to celebrating the success of our resident projects on Wednesday, June 10, as our Family Medicine residents present their projects and commend their achievements at the WCPHFM. Join the conversation #FMRPD15
Join us as we celebrate Resident Graduation
The Department of Family Medicine cordially invites you to a celebratory dinner in honour of our graduating residents. The graduation reception and dinner is at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, June 19, 2015 in Great Hall, Somerville House at Western University. Ticket sales close June 11, 2015.
Public Health and Family Medicine Seminar
You are invited to attend the upcoming Public Heath and Family Medicine seminar: Evidence versus Experience: Does the Periodic Health visit have a future? Drs. Stephen Wetmore, Mark Speechley and Ava John-Baptiste will speak on Wednesday, June 24, 2015 at 12 noon - 1:00 p.m. in WCPHFM, Room 4006.
See the Line
See the Line returns August 12 with a full day of events focused on concussion research and awareness. Register today to learn more about concussion identification, evaluation and treatment, and the latest research happening in London and across North America.- June 2015 Research and Publications
The Department of Family Medicine at Western University is at the forefront of research in primary health care. Among the areas of focus for research are patient-centered care, clinical practice guidelines, health promotion, population health, care of the elderly, health services and information technology.
