September 2021 Newsletter

    • Chair's Message – Maintaining Wellness
      The College of Family Physicians of Canada recently released the results of a member survey that indicated a rate of burnout in family physicians that was three times higher than in 2020. This is concerning and may be exacerbated by as well as the many other pressures that family physicians are facing.

    • Graduate Report
      The 2021-22 Family Medicine graduate programs academic year launched virtually on September 13, 2021, with sessions running until September 22, 2021.

    • Postgraduate Report
      With our Family Medicine Residents rotating to different sites and services each block, it is essential that Residents reach out to their rotations approximately one month before their rotation starts to determine any requirements and documents needed to join their rotation on time.

    • Undergraduate Report
      Welcome to the 2021-22 academic year! As we continue to navigate the COVID pandemic, undergraduate medical education at Schulich is in full swing!

    • Research Report
      The Centre for Studies in Family Medicine, Department of Family Medicine welcomes Dr. Kevin Pottie in his new role as the McWhinney Chair in Family Medicine! Dr. Pottie is joining the faculty as a Clinician Scientist and Professor of Family Medicine.

    • Announcement: Alumnus Dr. Kevin Pottie returns to Western as the Ian McWhinney Chair of Family Medicine Studies
      Dr. Kevin Pottie has been appointed as the Ian McWhinney Chair of Family Medicine Studies at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, effective September 7, 2021 to September 6, 2026. Dr. Pottie brings expertise in refugee health, patient-centered approaches to virtual care and enhancing accessibility of health care guidelines to reduce health inequities.

    • Community Spotlight: Dr. Firas Al- Dhaher, Petrolia Medical Clinic
      While the COVID-19 pandemic has been overwhelming to many clinics, hospitals, and the health care system at large, it has in some cases brought out the best in individuals and communities. I want to take this opportunity in our inaugural column focusing on adjunct faculty and the communities that they serve in, to share how in Petrolia, Ontario, the town and the clinic worked together to focus on the vaccination efforts.

    • Department Spotlight: Laura Sparrow
      "My name is Laura and I'm filling in for Michele Vanderspank as the Undergraduate Program Coordinator. I am responsible for scheduling rotations all throughout Southwestern Ontario for clerkship and elective students. I love working with students, in any capacity. Being able to interact with our faculty and making connections is very rewarding."

    • The Conversation: Lack of exercise linked to increased risk of severe COVID-19
      The pandemic has given us an unparalleled chance to look at the benefits of physical activity and existing social inequalities in a new light. Jane Thornton writes for The Conversation Canada.

    • CBC: Vaccine Hunters Canada winds down as vaccine supply increases and need dwindles
      Dr. Taylor Rice, MD’20, a second-year resident helped people find COVID-19 vaccine appointments and answer questions about vaccine hesitancy and safety.

    • The Conversation: The Tokyo Olympics will be the Games of all mothers
      Now that pregnancy no longer marks the end of an athlete’s career, many elite athletes not only return to sport, but go on to break personal and world records as new moms. Jane Thornton writes for The Conversation Canada.

    • The Conversation: How the COVID-19 delay of the Tokyo Olympics helped some athletes break records
      While athletic performances won’t bring an end to a pandemic that is far from over in most countries, their stories are glimmers of hope that shine in these dark times as examples of creativity and the resilience of the human spirit. Jane Thornton writes for The Conversation Canada.

    • The Conversation: Why women are owning the podium for Canada at the Tokyo Olympics
      Canadian women are defying the rules of age, motherhood, and funding. Jane Thornton writes for The Conversation Canada. Soak it in. Celebrate it. Promote it. Lifting up Canadian women’s success in sport bodes well not only for our future generations of athletes but for our nation as a whole. Jane Thornton writes for The Conversation Canada.

    • Podcast: Exploring physical exercise prescription
      Dr. Jane Thornton discusses the latest research in relation to the current exercise prescription principles, specifically through the WHO guidelines.

    • Events
      Join us as we observe Orange Shirt Day and NDTR on September 30, 2021. Save the date for Geriatric Interdisciplinary Grand Rounds - "Preventing the Fracture Cascade: Interdisciplinary Management of Vertebral Fractures." on October 7, 2021, and Palliative Care Grand Rounds - Cultural Sensitivity and Awareness in the Palliative Care Sector" on October 13, 2021.

    • Western University COVID-19 Protocols
      Western University has mandated COVID-19 vaccinations for all faculty members, including clinical faculty, and staff even though they may not be on campus on a regular basis. It is a requirement for all faculty members to upload proof of their double COVID-19 vaccination, even if you won’t be on campus very often. You will need your vaccination receipts for the first and second dose on your phone or computer to upload.