September eNews: Don't Miss These 'Back to School' Learning Opportunities

September 2023 | eNews

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

The start of the academic year is always an eventful time. We find ourselves settling back into our routines and schedules, hopefully feeling recharged and reinvigorated from the summer. As the fall season commences, now may be a good time to set new goals and seek out fresh opportunities for learning and growth.

CPD and Skills Training

Going ‘back to school’ looks a little different for us, however, this time of year is a great opportunity as lifelong learners to consider what continuing professional development (CPD) and medical education (CME) opportunities you wish to carve out time for.

Thank you for taking the time to respond to our CPD Needs Assessment. Your feedback will help inform upcoming CPD programming. The 2023-2024 Thursday Evening Webinar series kicks off mid-October and planning is well underway for the ACFP’s annual Family Medicine Summit happening on March 1-3, 2024. Both offerings will provide attendees with various options to learn about diverse, timely topics in primary care. Stay up to date with our programs and other opportunities through the CPD Calendar of Events.

Relevant Resources

The arrival of fall brings with it the season for flu as well. As family physicians, we strive to underscore the importance of preventive health measures against respiratory illnesses...

MEMBER OPPORTUNITIES

RSVP to the Alberta House Reception

at FMF 2023

4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. (EST) | November 9

Palais des congrès de Montreal, Level 5

The ACFP and the Universities of Alberta and Calgary are inviting ACFP members to attend the Alberta House Reception at this year's Family Medicine Forum! Enjoy wine and cheese and get a chance to meet and interact with fellow family physicians, family medicine residents and students from across Alberta. Members' spouses are welcome to join as well. RSVP today to be part of this event.

Volunteer with the Board and Governance Committees by October 6th

Help elevate family medicine across Alberta! Engage with our Board or Governance Committees to ensure that family physicians are well-supported to provide comprehensive primary care. Email your nominations to governance@acfp.ca.

Heart of Family Medicine: Member Moment with Dr. Dinesh Witharana

Beyond clinical support, family physicians provide compassion and emotional support for their patients in times of need. Watch this video as Dr. Dinesh Witharana, medical director of Pilgrims Hospice and Member-at-Large, ACFP Board of Directors, shares a touching member moment as a family physician working in palliative care.

FFYFP Blog - A Week in the Life

Introduction by Dr. Charissa Ho, FFYFP Committee Chair

So, the Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS) applications have already started. Those who are considering their specialty of choice may be thinking “Why should I apply to family medicine programs?” Well, the First Five Years in Family Practice (FFYFP) Committee has come together to provide you some answers!

Family medicine is a specialty with many specialties. There are no two days that are the same. You can do clinic, emergency care, deliveries, hospital medicine, long-term care...

EVENTS

Registration for the PCN Pain Rounds Now Open

The Primary Care Networks (PCN) Pain Rounds is a forum to help PCN physicians and teams stay up to date on current science and clinical practice in pain assessment and management. Presented by the Calgary and Area Primary Care Networks, registration for all sessions is now open! Due to unforeseen circumstances, the session below has been cancelled.

5:30 p.m. (MT), Sept 26 | “Basics of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction for Pain”

Save the Date - The Return of the ACFP's Thursday Evening Webinars

Participate in free, quality CPD sessions focused on relevant topics. Registration details coming soon!

7:00 p.m. (MT), Oct 12 | “Building Better Boundaries”

PEIP 2023 - Early Bird Pricing Ends Soon

October 20-21 | Hybrid Event | Edmonton, AB

Mark Your Calendar - Family Medicine Summit 2024

March 1-3, 2024 | Rimrock Resort Hotel | Banff, AB

Join ACFP's biggest hybrid conference. Book your room early!

Join the ACFP Networks Office Hours

12:00-1:00 p.m. (MT) | Every Wednesday

If you have queries or concerns about your membership, CPD credits, or the ACFP's new online community, pop into our weekly office hours and we will be happy to help.

WHAT'S NEW IN HEALTH CARE

Participate in CFPC’s Virtual Discussion on Truth and Reconciliation

In recognition of the National Truth and Reconciliation Day, join the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) Virtual Talking Circle on September 28th discuss its commitment to cultural safety and humility as part of the reconciliation process.

AHS Update: Guidance on PPE Use

With the increase in respiratory illness activity and COVID-19 test-positivity and hospitalizations, the Alberta Health Services (AHS) recommends its workers to use the Routine Practices and Additional Precautions as required by the IPC Risk Assessment to make PPE decisions. These include the use of gowns, masking and eye protection when treating patients with respiratory illness symptoms.

Guidelines on Prenatal/Postpartum Care for Northwest Territories (NWT) Evacuees

As of September 11th, Yellowknife Primary Care is open for outpatient prenatal appointments, and Yellowknife Public Health is able to follow healthy postpartum patients and newborns. Due to decreased capacity, patients requiring serial weight checks or repeat bilirubin, or more complex patients such as those requiring clinical congenital heart defect screening, will not be able to be followed by Public Health until at least the week of September 18th.

Alberta College of Family Physicians | www.acfp.ca