SHARE:  

View in web browser

DoM Monthly Newsletter – August 2023

Dal-DoM-logo-2022
Nova Scotia Health logo

In this update:

View previous updates

The SHORT Report

Dates / Deadlines

DoM

September 18 - DoM Welcome Lunch

November 17 - Medicine Matters

November 23 - DoM Research Evening


NSH

September 15 - Call for 2023 NSH Quality Summit

October 3 - NSH Quality Summit (Central Zone)

December 31 - Mandatory LMS modules to be completed

Member Updates

Welcome / Farewell

In Memoriam

Division Head Change

DoM Resident Newsletter [PDF]

Simple Rule 1:

Assume & Act in Good Faith

Communication tip in the conflict and culture series

Kudos

Dr. Daniel Smyth appointed Assistant Dean, Clerkship, DMNB

Dr. Peter Hull recognized by Canadian Dermatology Association

Dr. Robert Tremaine recognized by Canadian Dermatology Association

Faculty of Medicine Resident Research Awards Presented

Faculty of Medicine Awards

Updates

Masking and COVID-19 / ERIN Changes

Correction: Athena Christie

In the Media

Dalhousie set to launch new physician assistant training program

Quick Reference / Recurring Content

GET TO KNOW

Unsung Heroes

Unsung Heroes working in DoM

THE SHORT REPORT

Hi Everyone,

I hope this Short Report finds everyone enjoying the summer. It has been a trying time with wildfires and floods, however, the Maritimes continue to show its resilience and kind heart.


I want to welcome all of our new residents who are getting settled into their programs. This is the largest residency cohort Dalhousie has welcomed (223 residents!) in history and 25% of them are joining the DoM. We also welcome several new staff (see details below).


To celebrate all of our new residents and new department members, I invite everyone (physicians, residents and administrative staff) to join us on Monday September 18th (noon to 1:30 p.m.) and have some lunch while meeting your colleagues at the outdoor Tupper Quad of the Medical School (details below; rainy day plan is the Ballroom, Bethune Building). It has been a long time since we have been able to gather in person so I am hoping this will be a new tradition for the Department.


There has been a lot of ongoing hard work and advocacy to obtain the resources we need to improve our work environment and take care of our patients. This work is starting to come to fruition. I want to thank each person involved and the endless hours you have put into this. We will start to see some exciting changes to the supports for our patient care. First is the addition of three clinical assistants to support our MTU beds and second, three new positions in General Internal Medicine with the approval of our new AFP agreement which allows us to do great things for patients and learners.


We celebrate the ratification of our AFP and master agreement contracts. This will go a long way to stabilize primary care and regional specialties which will really help our department. We will see direct benefits as well as increases in our block funding, better ability to recruit and succession plan with the transition into and out of practice funding, better support for parental leave, better codes to represent the work we do and much more.


It is always wonderful to celebrate these good news stories and for this report I also have some sad news to share. We sadly lost Kitty Connell on July 30. Kitty was a long-time director at the HI site and most recently, the C3 Director for Central Zone Activation. I know many of you, like myself, had the honour to work and learn from her. Her untimely death leaves a huge void in our health care system and a hole in our hearts. I will miss her dearly and feel blessed to have known her. If nothing else, her memory should remind us every day to count our blessings and keep our patients and families as our North Star. Kitty’s obituary: https://www.adamsfh.ca/obituary/KatherineKitty-Connell


I hope you enjoy the content of our newsletter. Remember to send us your stories and ideas.


Take care,


Christine

Christine Short, MD, FRCP(C), FACP

Associate Professor & Head/Chief, Department of Medicine

Dalhousie University / Central Zone, Nova Scotia Health

Dr. Christine Short

Short

Photo by: Nick Pearce

DATES / DEADLINES

clapping hands

Monday, September 18, 2023 - DoM Welcome Lunch


Please join us for lunch to welcome our new colleagues - residents, physicians, and administrative staff!


Time: 12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m.

Location: Outside at the Tupper Building Quad, Dalhousie University

Map of Tupper Building (dal.ca)


Rain location: Bethune Ballroom, VG Site


Contact: Tammy.Zoccole@nshealth.ca

classroom

Friday, November 17, 2023 - Medicine Matters


On behalf of Dr. Trudy Taylor and the Continuing Professional Development Committee, we look forward to your participation in Medicine Matters on Friday, November 17, 2023. Itinerary to follow closer to the date. Hope to see you there.


Time: 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Location: Collaborative Health Education Building (CHEB)


Contact: Tammy.Zoccole@nshealth.ca

microscope

Thursday, November 23, 2023 - DoM Research Evening


Please join us for Research Evening on November 23, 2023. This event will include dinner and presentations.


The Commons Room has a maximum capacity of 120, so please RSVP early to ensure you have a seat! Please let Dariush know (domresearch@nshealth.ca) if you have any food restrictions or allergies.


Time: 6 - 9 p.m.

Location: Commons Room at the Atlantica Hotel (1980 Robie St., Halifax, NS B3H 3G5)


RSVP: domresearch@nshealth.ca

classroom

Nova Scotia Health Quality Summit


2023 Theme:

Improve, Inspire, Transform


Call for presentations - Due September 15


Central Zone event - Tuesday, October 3

Eastern Zone event - Friday, October 13

Northern Zone event - Tuesday, October 17

Western Zone event - Wednesday, October 25


Info: https://intra.nshealth.ca/summit/

classroom

Learning Management System (LMS)


Mandatory learning courses to be completed annually online through Nova Scotia Health.


https://elearning.nshealth.ca/

(Login to view your course list; complete by December 31 annually)

MEMBER UPDATES

WELCOME

We welcome the following members to their new positions:

July

  • Amanda Allen, became the new Division Assistant, Division of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation on July 17, 2023. She joined the Division as Administrative Assistant at the end of February 2023.
  • Danielle Stone, Education Program Assistant, Division of Hematology


August

  • Dr. Ciorsti MacIntyre rejoins the Division of Cardiology in the AFP on August 1.
  • Dr. Curtis Marcoux returns to the Division of Hematology in the AFP on August 1.
  • Dr. Alana McEvoy will complete a locum from August 1, 2023 to July 31, 2024.
  • Dr. Zardasht Oqab joins the Division of Cardiology in the AFP on August 7.


September

  • Dr. Luke Chen joins Hematology in the AFP on September 1.
  • Dr. Nicole Drost joins the DGH Respirology group on September 1.


October

  • Alyssa Mercer, Administrative Assistant, will join the Division of Cardiology on October 2 working with Drs. Crowell and Beydoun.
  • Jennifer Duggan, Administrative Assistant, will join the Division of Cardiology on October 16 working with Dr. Gabrielle Horne and the Connective Tissue Clinic.

FAREWELL

We say farewell and best wishes to:

  • Katie Barkhouse, DoM Education Manager, joined the Department in 2007 in the Division of Hematology. Katie advanced through a number of roles including Program Assistant to Education Coordinator and Education Manager. Since 2016, Katie has confidently guided the DoM Education Office through major changes such as accreditation, competence by design and the creation of additional regional sites. Effective July 10, Kate is the Acting Director in the Faculty of Medicine Postgraduate Medical Education Office. Her professional and upbeat personality will be missed.


  • Katie Martin, Team Lead, General Internal Medicine, left for a new opportunity within NSH on July 21, 2023. She began as Team Lead in May 2022 and prior to that was administrative assistant in the Division. We wish her all the best in new role with OPOR.


  • Judy Eisnor, started as Nephrology's Team Lead in 2009 and recently transitioned to Nephrology's Billing Manager as of June 30, 2023. We wish Judy all the best in her new role.


  • Natalie Lewis, Administrative Assistant in the Division of Cardiology, has accepted a position outside of NSH as of July 30, 2023.


  • Carah McInnis, Booking Clerk, Division of General Internal Medicine

In Memoriam

Please beware of the YouTube videos (re: Kitty Connell's passing) that have potential malware links.

Katherine Anne "Kitty" Connell

1961 – 2023

https://www.adamsfh.ca/obituary/KatherineKitty-Connell


We are terribly sad to share the news that our friend and colleague Kitty Connell passed away this weekend (July 30, 2023). Most of you would have known Kitty as the site lead for the Halifax Infirmary and the C3 Director for Central Zone Activation, or from one of many other leadership roles she has he held in the organization.


Our teams will miss her deeply.


Kitty became a nurse in 1983 and moved into a management role in 2001. Mentoring and supporting employees and managers, always with an eye on what was best for the people we all serve, was her passion.


In an interview following her receiving Nova Scotia Health’s Leadership Excellence Making Waves Award she said: “If staff are happy and treated well, patient care will come first. That’s my motto.”


She certainly lived out that motto. We would encourage you all to read more of that profile as you remember her: https://www.nshealth.ca/news/making-waves-kitty-connell-qeii-health-services-director-site-lead-halifax-infirmary-leads-way


She also said, “We work better together as a whole,” and in that spirit, please support one another during this difficult time.


Thank you all.


Eileen MacGibbon, Vice president operations

Dr. Christy Bussey, Executive medical director

Central Zone

July 31, 2023

DIVISION HEAD CHANGE

Gubitz

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Gord Gubitz as the Interim Head of the Division of Neurology effective July 1, 2023.


Hailing from Calgary, Dr. Gubitz received his MD from McMaster University and completed his Neurology residency at Dalhousie University, with Fellowship training in cerebrovascular disease at the University of Edinburgh.  


He recently stepped down as the Adult Neurology Program Director to become the English Chair of the RCPSC Neurology Examination Board. He is also the Clinical Lead for Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) for NSH and a longstanding member of the Dalhousie Research Ethics Board.


Dr. Gubitz was a 2023 UGME “Silver Shovel” recipient – this award is presented annually by Dalhousie’s graduating Medical Class to celebrate excellence in medical education; he also received this award in 2010. He is involved in stroke and MAiD education locally, nationally, and internationally.


We would like to thank Dr. Ian Grant as he leaves the role of Head, Division of Neurology, for his sterling leadership and dedication to the Division and to the Department of Medicine.


Please join us in welcoming Dr. Gubitz, who promises to do his very best to live up to the high standard set by Dr. Grant!


From the newsletter of:

Dr. Christy Bussey

Zone Medical Executive Director

July 12, 2023

DoM Resident Newsletter

A new academic year began in July, and with it new growth in the Core Internal Medicine Program. We welcomed 25 new PGY1 trainees into the Program - 17 at our Halifax training site, 2 at our new NB regional training site, 2 at our NS regional training sites, and 4 at our Saint John, New Brunswick training site. We hope this newsletter will help introduce you to new faces in our Programs and help all of us put the faces to names (or names to faces) for the trainees who have been with us for a year, or two, or more!


View Resident Newsletter 2023-2024 [PDF]

resident newsletter

CONFLICT AND CULTURE

To help further the work of the strategic plan, we are focusing on strengthening our toolkit to improve culture and conflict in our workplace. Content submitted by Diane LeBlanc, Basia Solarz and Brennan Dempsey.

Simple Rule 1: Assume & Act in Good Faith


One of the most difficult things to internalize as a person, is that, while of course there are outliers, for the most part everyone is out there doing their best. Although we may cause harm, most often we do this with regret, unintentionally, or without even being aware. This is most clear when we think of our own motivations and actions, which we tend to interpret in the most generous way possible. 

 

Our perceptions of good faith are shaped by two cognitive biases:

  1. The self-serving bias is evident when we attribute our personal failings to situational factors.
  2. The fundamental attribution error leads us to see the failings of others as evidence of bad traits or personality flaws.


For example, if I violated one of the Department’s simple rules by escalating a conflict via email, I know that it is because I have had a momentary lapse, or perhaps even because I am racing to attend to a critical situation. When I witness another person do the same thing, by contrast, I am inclined to blame their character, question their motives, or believe they do not care about others. It’s easy to assume good faith on our own part; assuming it in others sometimes takes work.

handshake

But the work is worth it. Assuming good faith in others helps keep personal relationships strong and aids in problem solving.


As Joe Biden put it: “When you question a [person’s] motives, when you say they are acting out of greed, they are in the pocket of an interest group, et cetera... It's awful hard to reach consensus. It's awful hard to reach across the table and shake hands. No matter how bitterly you disagree, though, it is always possible if you question judgment and not motive.”

While Biden was articulating a political principle, this holds true in other spheres as well. If we concentrate on judgment and not motives, we assume good faith and retain the capacity to come together in search of solutions. Assuming that others are acting in good faith can make the world a more pleasant place to live, and leads to a generosity of spirit that can motivate us to do the right thing even in difficult situations.

GET TO KNOW

Unsung Heroes

Unsung Heroes working in Department of Medicine


The Unsung Heroes Spotlight Series monthly recognition initiative aims to celebrate exceptional individuals who quietly make a difference working behind the scenes each day.


These individuals demonstrate extraordinary commitment to their role with no expectation of praise or recognition. This nomination-based initiative recognizes individuals for their invaluable involvement and dedication to patients, clients, families, visitors and/or colleagues.


How do I nominate someone?

If you know an Unsung Hero who consistently demonstrates commitment to NSHA teams, patients and their families, and/or visitors, please use the Unsung Heroes nomination form to tell us about them.

https://surveys.novascotia.ca/TakeSurvey.aspx?&SurveyID=8lKL8plMJ#


Learn more: https://intra.nshealth.ca/tod/SitePages/Unsung-Heroes.aspx

Nominated July 2023


Dr. Dana Farina, Medical Co-Director Endoscopy Services, VG Hospital

"Hello, I am writing to nominate Dr. Dana Farina for an Unsung Hero recognition. Although I am a new employee of NSH, I am a family member of a patient of Dr. Farina. My brother and I have accompanied my mother to ERCP appointments several times over the years and she (and my brother and I) cannot say enough about the empathy and kindness Dr. Farina shows to our mother, each and every time. Being 88 and legally blind, our mother is elderly and vulnerable. Dr. Farina makes her feel like the most important patient in his day, even though we know she is one of many. He is respectful and informs her (and informs us) each and every visit, every step of the way. His team is professional, kind and just as respectful as he is. We just cannot say enough about how appreciative we are of his approach to patient care. Dr. Farina is an example of an excellent physician, and one who demonstrates respect for his patients and their families each and every day."

Nominated June 2023


Raleigh Brophy, Secretary D in Medical Oncology

“Always being a great 'go-to' person who is friendly, kind and caring towards everyone.”


Sharon Dunn, Acting Team Lead, Division of Cardiology

“She has professionalism, she cares about everybody, trying always to help doctors and admins, she is the heart of the team. She was very supportive to me. She is retiring next year and I believe after a lot of years of offering in cardiology she deserves at least an award.”

Nominated March 2023


Ruth Ampi Kanakam, Education Program Assistant, Division of Geriatric Medicine

"Ruth has been a valued member of our Division since joining our team in May 2021 and during her short time here, has been remarkably productive (and also a pleasure to work alongside!) ..." (



Ronni Bellefontaine, Registered Nurse, Cardiac Cath Lab, Division of Cardiology

"Ronni has gone above and beyond as our leader in the cardiac cath lab! She puts the patients and staff first before anyone else. Her hard work and determination keeps our unit running smoothly. Ronni promotes a happy workplace environment with her contagious smile and outgoing personality."



Athena Christie, Administrative Assistant, Division of Geriatric Medicine, Veterans' Memorial Building

"Athena is a respected and skilled member of our team. She is perceived by her colleagues as warm and welcoming and enthusiastically adopts a coaching role for new team members. She has highly developed interpersonal skills which enables her to create a psychologically safe space for people to learn - she is 'go-to' member of our team. ..."



Dr. Monique MacFarlane Conrad, Physiatrist, Nova Scotia Rehab Centre (NSRC)

"Dr Conrad works on our service regularly but recently left for a few weeks to cover another busy service. She returned to our service in the midst of that time to participate in a lengthy complex case conference with a patient, the Rehab team, and community supports. This patient's situation has required extensive advocacy and discharge planning as the patient is marginalized in a number of ways, facing multiple systemic barriers. Dr Conrad worked with the patient in the period prior to leaving our service temporarily and will see the patient ongoing in clinic once they have been discharged from our service, which is why she attended rather than the doctor who was covering our service at the time. Her support and continuity of care in this situation has been invaluable, and I want to recognize her for going above and beyond to assist in meeting this patient's overall needs."



Lynn MacKendrick, Registered Nurse, Cardiac Cath Lab, Division of Cardiology

"Lynn comes to work every single day with a positive attitude that is contagious to those around her. She consistently helps elevate the morale of our nursing staff, x-ray technologists, and our Cardiac Interventional physician group. She is one of our unofficial nursing leaders of the cath lab. She is a resource for staff to go to with questions about some of our more complex procedures like TAVI and complex right heart catheterizations and has personally inspired me to learn as much as I can in these areas. Many staff feel comfortable in knowing that Lynn is present when we have very sick patients (like cardiac arrests and cardiogenic shock patients). I have worked with her for years and I still feel that I learn new things from her. She also very professionally and diplomatically acts as an advocate for patients and for nursing staff and is not afraid to advocate when needed. Lynn has had a long career and will be retiring this summer. I believe she deserves recognition for the positive impact she has made for patients and staff in the cardiac cath lab."



Vicky Martin, Charge Nurse 8.2, Medicine Teaching Unit, Halifax Infirmary

"Incredibly amazing nurse and a good role model. I am inspired with her work ethic and amazing skills. She will be retiring soon and I wanted people to know and recognize her effort as an amazing charge nurse."



Paula Poulin, LPN, Hematology Clinic, Division of Hematology

"As retirement approaches for Paula, we here in the hematology clinic are slowly coming to terms with the fact that we will be losing one of our essential team members. Paula continuously goes above and beyond here in the hematology clinic and her work ethic, efficiency and organization do not go unnoticed. We think it would be awesome for her to be recognized for her years of hard work (including stepping up to be the charge nurse!!) over the years. She is a dedicated nurse and team member that we all look up to. ..."



Michael Keith Warren, Registered Nurse, TAVI Coordinator, Division of Cardiology

"Keith is the TAVI coordinator who's hard work and dedication was instrumental in the growth of the TAVI program over the last few years. He goes above and beyond for all of his patients and takes a personal approach to every case that he can, getting to know patients and their families on a personal level and helping to ease the burden of navigating the overwhelmed healthcare system during a difficult time. His exceptional interpersonal skills and medical knowledge allow him to support patients and their families through the TAVI process of initial referral, multidisciplinary team assessment, ancillary testing, triaging, procedure coordination and scheduling, as well as post-procedure follow-up (often in his spare time). Since Keith has started, the TAVI program has grown from around 50 patients a year to over 200 a year. Without a doubt, Keith is highly valued not only among the TAVI team but among the TAVI patients as well."



Patricia Wyman, Administrative Assistant, Division of Digestive Care & Endoscopy

"As a new hire, I find her competency, ability, knowledge, experience, and willingness to teach/help someone new is highly admirable and worthy of recognition. She has been invaluable in the support she has given, and the words of encouragement a pleasant surprise. I'm so glad I share my day with her!" (Retired June 2023 with 40 years of service)



Lorrie Yunace, Licensed Research Nurse Coordinator, ACCRU, Division of Medical Oncology

"Lorrie is a caring and compassionate nurse that goes above and beyond for her patients and colleagues. She has been a nurse for 30yrs, and most of her career has been working with cancer patients. She's a strong advocate and makes sure things are done in the best interest of the patient. She's a wonderful mentor and leader as part of the clinical trial team. Her patient population now is cancer patients who receive treatment as part of a clinical trials. She is definitely an unsung hero and never needs or asks for recognition because she believes that the patient comes 1st. I hope you will consider her for an unsung hero award."

November 2022 - February 2023 Nominees


  • Sherri Fay, Research Manager, Division of Geriatric Medicine, Central Zone
  • Dr. Maggie Lovett, Geriatrician, Division of Geriatric Medicine, Western Zone
  • Dr. Jeffrey Ratushny, Internist, Division of General Internal Medicine, Western Zone
  • Anne Veinotte, Statistics & Database Officer, DoM Administration, Central Zone
  • Elle Waychesko, Administrative Assistant, Division of Cardiology, Central Zone
  • Debbie Wright, Research Manager, Division of Cardiology, Central Zone

KUDOS

Dr. Daniel Smyth appointed Assistant Dean, Clerkship, Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick

Smyth

~ July 18, 2023: Sent on behalf of Dr. David Anderson, Dean, Dalhousie University Faculty of Medicine, and Dr. Jennifer Hall, Associate Dean, Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick~


On behalf of the Faculty of Medicine, we are pleased to announce that Dr. Daniel Smyth has been appointed Assistant Dean, Clerkship, DMNB, for a five-year term. Dr. Smyth’s appointment is effective August 1, 2023.  


Dr. Smyth is an infectious disease specialist, based in Moncton, New Brunswick, who provides expert care in the treatment of infectious and communicable diseases throughout the province. Dr. Smyth completed his medical degree at Dalhousie University in 2006 and his internal medicine residency training in Halifax in 2010. Following residency, he completed a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons fellowship in Infectious Diseases at the University of Calgary. Additionally, he earned a Diploma in Tropical Medicine and Hygiene from the Gorgas Institute in Lima, Peru.  


Dr. Smyth is actively involved in the undergraduate medical education at the Dalhousie Medicine campuses in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, and medical education research, most recently serving as the Moncton Site Director for the Longitudinal Integrated Clerkship program.  


Dr. Smyth is regularly recognized by students, colleagues, and patients for his outstanding contributions to medical education and research in the region. He was recently awarded both the 2021 Excellence in Quality and Innovation Award and the 2018 Faculty of Medicine Community Teacher Award by Dalhousie University, was named the “Moncton Hospital Hero” by patients in 2018, and Association of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Disease (AMMI) Canada Award of Distinction in 2018.  


As Assistant Dean, Dr. Smyth will oversee the delivery of the clerkship curriculum for the undergraduate medical education program, (Med 3-4) in collaboration with the Assistant Dean Clerkship, DMNS. Together, the Assistant Deans will have joint responsibility for the integration, coordination, implementation, and quality improvement of the Med 3 and 4 curriculum and ensure comparable undergraduate clerkship experiences at both campuses.  


Please join us in congratulating Dr. Smyth on his appointment. 


Dr. David Anderson 

Dean, Faculty of Medicine 


Dr. Jennifer Hall 

Associate Dean, Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick 

Dr. Peter Hull recognized by Canadian Dermatology Association

Hull

Dr. Peter Hull has been awarded the Canadian Dermatology Association's (CDA) Lifetime Achievement Award (2023).


The Lifetime Achievement Award honours individuals who have made a significant and lasting impact in the field of dermatology through their professional accomplishments. They will have earned the respect and admiration of their professional colleagues, served the profession of dermatology over an extended period of time, been known for their personal integrity and be a long-standing member of the CDA.


Dr. Peter Hull’s longstanding commitment to excellence in dermatology began in 1978 when he completed his dermatology training at the University of Pretoria. He was recruited to the University of Saskatchewan in 1990, one of only four dermatologists in the province at that time, working there until 2013.


Dr. Hull spearheaded the University of Saskatchewan’s return of service program, connecting with postgraduate medicine and other dermatology programs across Canada to provide strong training opportunities for graduates. In 2014, he moved to Dalhousie University to head the Division of Clinical Dermatology and Cutaneous Science where he re-established a genetics lab and spearheaded efforts to ramp up residents’ scholarly productivity. His enthusiasm for research and teaching has inspired many residents. Though retiring from practice in April 2023, Dr. Hull continues to run the Epithelial Genetics lab at Dalhousie University.


Over his distinguished career, he published on a wide range of dermatological conditions, including contact dermatitis, the role of filaggrin in patients with multiple contact sensitivities, and skin peeling disorders.


https://dermatology.ca/awards/award-recipients/

Dr. Robert Tremaine recognized by Canadian Dermatology Association

Tremaine

Dr. Robert Tremaine has been awarded the Canadian Dermatology Association's (CDA) Practitioner of the Year Award (2023).


The Practitioner of the Year Award recognizes and honours Canadian dermatologists providing excellence in patient care to their community at large, and whose major focus is in clinical practice.


Dr. Robert Tremaine has dedicated his professional life to helping patients in Atlantic Canada. He has been practicing community and academic dermatology for 34 years. He started his dermatology practice in 1989 and co-founded Atlantic Dermatology Consultants, where he has worked ever since. Always ready to lend a hand or give a suggestion on difficult cases, Dr. Tremaine has helped countless patients over the years. Passionate about education and mentorship, Dr. Tremaine has become an integral part of the Dalhousie training program, holding Monday morning clinics for the last 33 years. He consistently offers to mentor residents and has guided many to find their work-life balance and to understand the many ways to successfully practice dermatology.


https://dermatology.ca/awards/award-recipients/

Faculty of Medicine Resident Research Awards Presented


On June 7, it was a day dedicated to honoring the accomplishments of Dalhousie's resident researchers. Of the 33 nominations received, five resident physicians were honoured with research awards, while seven others received scholarships.


“As a faculty it is important to recognize our residents' research,” says Jennifer Acuna, curriculum specialist in the Medical Education Teaching and Research Office in Postgraduate Medical Education. “It is vital for advancing medicine, honoring their contributions, and inspiring a culture of innovation in healthcare.”


Read the full story on dal.ca

Awarded "Best Work in Quality Improvement"


Dr. Cameron Ashe

Resident Physician (Core Internal Medicine PGY3 - Saint John), Department of Medicine


Project: Is there a Delay in Timely Access to CT scans for the Diagnosis of Lung Cancer? A QI Project


Lung cancer is the most lethal cancer in New Brunswick, but nearly half of patients have advanced disease when it is first diagnosed. Therefore, early recognition and treatment is essential to improve symptoms and survival. Dr. Ashe conducted a study at the Saint John Regional Hospital aimed to assess the baseline time interval between suspicious chest X-rays (CXRs) and CT scans in lung cancer patients. The analysis found that 81 per cent of patients received CT scans within the recommended two-week interval when the CXR was reported as suspicious for malignancy. The challenge, they found, lies in prioritizing patients with non-specific findings on their initial CXR, who often fall under semi-urgent category for CT imaging according to guidelines. These patients had a median CT interval of 32 days, indicating that the target was met for many patients. Shortening the time interval for patients with non-specific presentations would require rethinking resource allocation and acceptable wait time targets.


Amount: $1,000 


Faculty of Medicine Awards


Congratulations to these 2023 recipients:

Faculty of Medicine Award

Recipient

Dr. Allan Cohen Memorial Award for Community Service

Dr. Nicholas Giacomantonio

Division of Cardiology

Program Director of the Year - Innovation Award

Dr. Ian Epstein

Division of Digestive Care & Endoscopy

Award of Excellence in Clinical Research

Dr. Ratika Parkash

Division of Cardiology

Early Career Investigator Award

Dr. Amy Trottier

Division of Hematology

UPDATES

Masking and COVID-19 / ERIN Changes

mask

Effective Monday July 17, 2023, it is no longer required to mask to enter Nova Scotia Health facilities or in common areas including hallways and nursing stations.


Masks will still be required for all direct patient care in inpatient units and in the Emergency Department. While you are not required to wear a mask when walking around in the halls, you should put on a mask to go into patient rooms.


To respect the wishes of patients, we ask that HCW interpret mask wearing by the patient or family as ongoing COVID-19 concern and put a mask on without needing to be asked.


These clinics will self-identify that their clinic area remains a mask required area and are working with the Central Zone COVID Director on standard signage.

1) Hematology clinics 

2) Respirology clinics

3) Transplant clinics

4) Cancer Care NS clinics

5) Hemodialysis units



Over the past three years, working closely with team members of the COVID-19 Network and COVID-19 HUB, the Coronavirus Update has been able to provide individuals and teams across the province with consistent, timely and informative content with the singular purpose of providing safe, quality care during the global pandemic.


Over the coming months, the COVID-19 HUB is being decommissioned and will be replaced by a more inclusive response to emerging infectious disease.


As the global public health emergency related to COVID-19 has been declared over, and the impact of COVID-19 has moderated, the COVID-19 Network will be transitioning to an Emerging & Re-Emerging Infections Network (ERIN). With an expanded mandate, ERIN will facilitate coordinated planning and response to emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases that impact Nova Scotia Health patients, caregivers and team members.


Emerging & Re-Emerging Infections Network (ERIN) Co-leads:

  • Dr. Shelly McNeil, Chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases and Senior Medical Director
  • Angela Keenan, newly appointed Senior Director.


On behalf of the COVID-19 Network, Coronavirus Update and COVID-19 HUB teams, we extend our tremendous gratitude and thanks to all who gave so much of their time, effort and expertise over the last few years to ensure that Nova Scotia Health was able to continue to operate safely during the health emergency.


Excerpts from:

Masking Changes by Dr. Shelly McNeil (July 19, 2023)

Final Coronavirus Update #295 (July 18, 2023)

Correction: Athena Christie


It was identified in last month's awards newsletter that Athena Christie, who won an Excellence in Administration Award, was an Education Program Assistant in the Division of Geriatric Medicine. Clarification was requested that Athena is the education admin for undergraduate education only.

IN THE MEDIA

Dalhousie set to launch new physician assistant training program

The Province of Nova Scotia, in partnership with the Faculty of Medicine, has announced the development and funding of a Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program at Dal that is poised to help alleviate some of the burden faced by physicians and provide a pathway to meet the healthcare needs of Nova Scotians.

Read more on Dal.ca

QUICK REFERENCE /

RECURRING CONTENT

Mental Health & Well-Being


Doctors Nova Scotia: Professional Support Program


Employee Assistance Program (EAP)


Mental Health and Wellness, Government of Nova Scotia


Nova Scotia Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Line

  • 1-888-429-8167

Nova Scotia Health’s Mental Health and Addictions Program (MHAP) has free e-Mental Health and Addictions tools available to all Nova Scotians including health care workers and physicians. These tools include:


  • Mindwell U - free online support that takes just five minutes a day, and can be accessed anywhere and on any device. This service is available in English and French. https://app.mindwellu.com/novascotia


  • Therapy Assistance Online (TAO) – free and private online resource that includes interactive activities and videos for people having challenges with their mental health. This service is available in English and French. https://www.taoconnect.org/


  • Wellness Together Canada – mental health and substance abuse support that contains free online resources, tools, apps and connections to trained volunteers and qualified mental health professionals when needed. https://wellnesstogether.ca/en-CA


  • Togetherall – free and safe online peer-to-peer mental health community that empowers individuals to anonymously seek and provide support 24/7. It is available to all youth and young adults aged 16-29, providing an inclusive and supportive place to connect with others with real lived experience with common mental health concerns. To sign up go to togetherall.com and use your Nova Scotia postal code to register. https://togetherall.com/en-ca/


For more online tools and how to register, visit MHAhelpNS.ca/tools.


NSH Library - Healthy Living

Department of Medicine

DoM Grand Rounds

YouTube Playlists



DoM Grand Rounds Sept 2023 - June 2024

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlLxbpWu5dHGQDU5yf-ly5JzVjB4eHESO


Summer Grand Rounds 2023

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlLxbpWu5dHHRPY01UxsmLR5ieTrLLGbo


DoM Grand Rounds Sept 2022 - June 2023

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlLxbpWu5dHES-kHHYhxYG-rX3IIEoLSN


Videos are unlisted on the Department of Medicine YouTube channel, so you must have the link to view. All recordings are copyright.

DoM Research

Resident Research

https://sites.google.com/view/domresidentresearch


The page was initially developed for the resident group but it’s also useful to faculty and their research teams. DoM Research wants to ensure that the link is easily accessible to anyone in the department.

Nova Scotia Health

COVID-19 Hub

https://covid19hub.nshealth.ca/new

Shows major changes effective July 17, 2023 for visitation and masking.

Firstline Antimicrobial Stewardship App

https://firstline.org/antimicrobial-stewardship/

https://firstline.org/nsha/


NSH logo needs to be visible in the upper left corner of the home screen to ensure you are accessing local content.

Media Relations Guidelines

The Nova Scotia Health Media Relations Team, led by John Gillis, has shared guidelines for physicians or staff who receive media requests. All media requests should be vetted through the NSH media relations office.

Additional Links

Dalhousie University

Faculty of Medicine

medicine.dal.ca

Doctors Nova Scotia

doctorsns.com

Nova Scotia.ca

novascotia.ca/news

Personal Directive - Legal Info Nova Scotia

https://www.legalinfo.org/personaldirective

Fill out online then download/email; once signed and witnessed, it's valid.

When you take care of yourself, you take care of others.

logos