For details of this opening, please view  FMPR – Asst Prof GTT – Advert – Final May 27 2013.

Applications, accompanied by a detailed curriculum vitae, names of three references, and a letter stating teaching, research, and clinical interests, and a teaching dossier should be directed to:
Dr. Martin Dawes, Professor and Head,
c/o dfp.assistant@familymed.ubc.ca 5950 University Boulevard, Department of Family Practice, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3.
Closing date: June 30, 2013
Anticipated starting date of this position: July 1, 2013.

The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal celebrates the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the Throne as Queen of Canada. Established in 2012, the commemorative medal is a way for Canadians to honour Her Majesty for her service to Canada. The prestigious award recognizes Canadians who have made a significant contribution to their province, territory, region or community, or an achievement abroad that brings credit to Canada. Sixty thousand deserving Canadians will be honoured with this distinction.

Congratulations, Dr. Wiebe!

When the fog lifts on Haida Gwaii, the golden sunlight bounces off the water, illuminating the dense spruce and pines lining the coast. The natural beauty of these remote islands, and the rich history and art of the Haida people who call it home, have long lured travelers willing to make the journey.

But for a young doctor in training, this place brings a particular set of challenges. The closest CT scan is in Prince Rupert, an eight-hour ferry ride away. Managing a seriously ill or injured patient often involves considerations that most residents never confront —such as the weather.

Cam Grose

“If someone can’t be handled here, we have to get them off-island,and it’s not just a matter of getting the plane and getting them on board,” says Cam Grose, a second-year UBC resident in family medicine, in the midst of an eight-week rotation on Haida Gwaii. “There can be long delays due to weather conditions, plane availability, logistical challenges and managing them here in the interim. And any time I’m asking to put three people in the air, there is an added element of risk.”

The limited availability of lab tests and resources, the logistical challenges of practicing medicine in a remote location, and the cultural skills required to care for a largely Aboriginal population combine to make the family medicine residency rotation in Haida Gwaii an assignment unto itself.

All family medicine residents must complete an eight-week rotation in a rural community in British Columbia. Haida Gwaii, an archipelago of two main islands and 150 smaller ones, has been one of the options for over 20 years, and has become one of the most sought-after.

“The rotations on Haida Gwaii give residents access to Aboriginal health issues, the doctors and health professionals have great reputations, and it is a beautiful place to visit,” says Willa Henry, the Program Director of the Family Practice Postgraduate Program.

One stop for most residents is the Northern Haida Gwaii Hospital and Health Centre in Masset, on the northern tip of Mooresby Island, where on a clear day one can see the outline of Alaska in the distance. Clinical Instructor Michele Leslie, a family physician based there, strives to ensure that the education extends beyond the clinic’s walls.

Supported by a Faculty of Medicine Special Populations Fund grant, she provides “cultural safety” training for residents, assigning readings on the history and impact of residential schools, and encouraging participation in Aboriginal community events, so that residents gain some context and can communicate more effectively.

“Being culturally aware and sensitive to subtle aspects of how they communicate, and what are faux pas or not, can make a big difference, especially when you are talking to elders about their care,” says Matt Menard, a veteran of the Haida Gwaii residency rotation, who has since returned for a “locum,” or temporary assignment.

Dr. Menard’s return to the scene is typical.

“For every resident that has come here to train, every one has come back to do a locum as a staff physician here,” Dr. Leslie says. “I really feel that is a testament to the positive experience they have as learners, and the pull of this place. People fall in love with it.”

That was certainly the case for Dr. Grose, whose first encounter with Haida Gwaii came in his fourth year in UBC’s Northern Medical Program, when he spent a month in Queen Charlotte City.

“The exposure to the doctors, and being a part of the health care community, solidifi ed my decision to pursue rural family medicine,” he says.

Now back as a resident, Dr. Grose is taking on a more independent role – managing patients with the health care team, and learning to optimize resources, such as telemedicine – to help his transition to independent practice this summer.

At Friday morning rounds, Dr. Grose joins his physician colleagues, members of the nursing staff, and community support workers at the Queen Charlotte Islands General Hospital to discuss patients, health care and other community issues in such villages as Tlell, Sandspit, Skidegate and Port Clement.

“It’s not just the training, but the connections you make within the community,” Dr. Grose says. “It’s the patients you see, the problem-solving, the strategizing that you are exposed to throughout the training. Those are the pearls that don’t necessarily relate to medicine per se, but do relate to future practice.”

Also congratulations to Dr. Shirley Sze, Clinical Instructor of our Department, received Distinguished Service to CME/CPD Award.

This award is evidence of the high regard in which they are held for their outstanding and sustained teaching contributions. Presentations to the Clinical Faculty Award recipients will be made at the Faculty Awards Reception on October, 2013 at the University Golf Club.

I am delighted to inform you that Dr Alfredo Tura has been appointed as site director for the IMG-St. Paul’s Site effective June, 2013. Dr. Tura will have one month of overlap with Dr. Taj Baidwan before assuming the full responsibility of directorship in July.

Dr. Tura is one of the first graduates from the UBC IMG program in 2008 and was the Chief Resident during that time. He also served as first president of the Association of International Medical Doctors of BC from 2005-2008, and is well acquainted with issues surrounding IMG training. Dr. Tura is currently practicing in Comox. Aside from teaching medical students, he is actively involved with the Division of Family Practice in Comox Valley. We are very excited to have Dr. Tura join the postgraduate site directors team!

I want to thank Dr. Taj Baidwan for all his dedication and contribution during the past 2 years as Site Director in the IMG-SPH program, and wish him well in the future.

Sincerely,

Willa Henry, MD, CCFP, FCFP
Program Director
Postgraduate Programs

TORONTO, ONTARIO (February 26, 2 013) – The Canadian Diabetes Association is honoured to acknowledge 30 recipients with Diamond Jubilee commemorative medals representing outstanding Canadians who provide essential diabetes support. Recipients include hard working volunteers who help raise funds, support research for a cure and passionate advocates who raise awareness for the cause and a compelling voice for Canadians living with diabetes. Winners also include dedicated healthcare professionals working on the front lines to help people manage their disease every single day.

Across Canada, 60,000 Canadians, including individuals in the diabetes community are being recognized for their contributions to their community and country earning this prestigious Diamond Jubilee medal.

“These medal recipients demonstrate a true dedication to making a difference in the lives of the more than nine million Canadians who live with diabetes or prediabetes,” says Doug Macnamara, President and CEO of the Canadian Diabetes Association. “On behalf of the Association, I would like to congratulate all recipients for their tremendous contributions to the diabetes community and express our sincere appreciation for all who were nominated.”

The Diamond Jubilee Medal Program was created by the Government of Canada to celebrate the 60^th anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the throne as the Queen of Canada. Members of the general public were asked to nominate individuals for the medal program, which is administered by the Chancellery of Honours, as part of the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General.

For the full job description, please view or download here

For full job description, please view or download here .