March 2021 Newsletter
Celebrating Canadian Women Physicians Day
Established by Canadian Women in Medicine, a non-profit organization, Canadian Women Physicians Day is an opportunity to remember the trailblazing women who paved the way and to celebrate the women in medicine who continue to achieve, inspire and advocate. Five physician leaders at the School share their inspirations, personal experiences and hopes for the future of the profession.
Chair's Message – Fourth Wave
As I write this, we are in a third wave of this COVID-19 pandemic as cases and hospitalizations are rising. But, did you know that we are already in a fourth wave, happening right now; that is the wave of patients suffering from depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions, either new-onset or exacerbated by the pandemic. It is not exactly a wave either; more like choppy seas that will be with us for some time to come.
Graduate Program Report
Interested in further pursuing academia and research in your career? Our MClSc or PhD programs in Family Medicine could be a fit for you. Applications to the Family Medicine Graduate Programs are now being received. We invite you to explore our website and discover how truly flexible our online learning platform is. PhD applications are due April 1, 2021 and MClSc applications are due May 1, 2021.
Postgraduate Program Report
CaRMS interviews were hosted in a virtual format in 2021. As a Department we interviewed over 500 applicants – many excellent candidates. All of this was done virtually through Zoom and the postgraduate team would like to extend a sincere thank you to all of the staff, faculty, and residents who were open and adjusted to all the new changes for this year. We couldn’t do it without you. Match day is April 20, 2021.
Undergraduate Program Report
With spring in the air, it must be CaRMS time. Thank you to everyone who participated in CaRMS interviews with the soon-to-be-graduating medical students over the past few weeks. The national interview period ended March 28 and candidates will be ranking programs until April 8. Fourth-year students are now out on post-CaRMS electives, so it's a great time to talk to them about Schulich Medicine and Western University, and a career in Family Medicine.
In the Media: Longtime London doctor co-directed film on Ontario medical 'trailblazer'
Inspired by Dr. May Cohen’s induction into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame, Dr. Barbara Lent co-directed "The Gender Lady", a film about the trailblazing physician’s life, career and contributions to women’s health. Via LFPress.
Hockey FIT program reaches fans from coast to coast
Hockey FIT, a program that uses fan culture to encourage Canadian men to get fit, has expanded to 32 communities across the Canada. Despite the shuttering of hockey arenas across the country, men in cities from Chilliwack B.C. to Kingston, Ont. have accessed the 12-week program developed in the Department of Family Medicine Schulich Medicine & Dentistry.
Meet Alumna Dr. Helena Piccinini-Vallis
Dr. Helena Piccinini-Vallis is a clinician researcher in Family Medicine at Dalhousie University. "I decided to pursue a PhD because I have a passion for academia, and also I believe a PhD will allow me to be more competitive when applying for funding."
Family Medicine Wellness Evenings
Thank you to the many faculty, staff and residents who joined us for the Mindfulness and Meditation zoom sessions earlier this month. We had 42 participants join by zoom for the first session and 62 for the second, including many with more than one person joining them on the zoom session. Feedback was very positive and participants felt they learned some excellent new skills.
Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Discovery of Insulin
Dr. Stewart Harris participated as a panel presenter at the recent virtual reception, “Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Discovery of Insulin: Diabetes Research and Innovation in the Making.” Dr. Harris represented Western University and was one of 22 diabetes experts in Canada presenting.
Safe Ride Home Program for residents
A new program is providing safe transportation home for resident doctors who are experiencing fatigue after long or difficult shifts. The Safe Ride Home Program is free and available 24/7 for residents.
School to open Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
The new Office, including an Associate Dean, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and a Specialist, will direct and implement all matters related to equity, diversity, inclusion, bias, anti-racism and Indigenous initiatives at the School.
Department Spotlight: Mr. John Berger
2020 was all about virtual, and now 2021 is following suit. As such, we will be virtually profiling our administrative staff as they continue to work from home and keep our Department on track and meeting its strategic goals. Mr. John Berger is celebrating four years in the Department of Family Medicine as of April 24.
Research Report
Despite a year of working from home and ZOOM meetings, research has continued as strong as ever in the Centre and the Department. Every month we have been either applying for grants or hearing the good news that we have been awarded new funding. Congratulations and thanks to everyone on this continued initiation and implementation of research endeavours.
Events
Join us via Zoom for Faculty Development Teacher / Educator Series: Assessing Patient-Centredness in Learners on March 31. Save the date for Geriatric Interdisciplinary Grand Rounds on April 1, and Family Medicine Grand Rounds – Is there a role for Family Practice Obstetrics in Smaller Communities? on April 7.
Top stories from our February newsletter
Missed reading our February newsletter. Take a moment to read the top stories: Why Choose Family Medicine at Schulich Medicine?, Department Spotlight: Mr. Dennis Sue, CBC’s White Coat, Black Art on The Dose: What are the dos and don'ts of getting the most out of my daily walk?
