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DOM MONTHLY NEWSLETTER | NOVEMBER 10, 2021 |
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The SHORT Report
Member Updates
- Welcome
- Farewell
- Sad News
Feature - Did You Know?
- Dr. Paul MacDonald, Cardiologist, Researcher and Hockey Enthusiast
Kudos
- Match Day Celebration
- Epstein's Entourage takes first place
- DoM Research on Twitter
- YourDoctors.ca: Dr. Tammy Keough-Ryan
- Researcher Spotlight: Dr. Kenneth Rockwood
- QE2Times.ca: Dr. Wael Sumaya
- Dr. Lisa Barrett receives Executive Director Award
- Dr. Ross Morton receives Dr. Mahesh Raju Award for Mentorship
- Dal achieves top 10 in 2022 as one of the best MD universities in Canada
- Who is always by your side? Dr. Jennifer Jones
Events
- November 5 - Medicine Matters Conference - Virtual Healthcare / debate link
- November 26 - Hnatyshyn Stroke Lecture (Dr. Stephen Phillips)
- December 2, 3, 4 - It's a Creeperston Christmas (Central Zone Players)
- Ho Ho Hold the Holiday Party Festivities (large in-person groups)
COVID-19
- Nova Scotia Cases
- Monthly timeline
Quick Reference / Recurring Content
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Hi everyone,
As I completed the Self Study exercise for our upcoming Departmental review late last week, I want to let you know how proud I am to be a part of the Department of Medicine and to have had the privilege to lead it over the last 4 years. The sheer volume of clinical work we do each day, in addition to the dedication to our academic mission is phenomenal. We are a Department of over 220 physicians and over 90 administrative staff making up 15 specialty Divisions in the Central Zone of Nova Scotia Health (NSH). Even more we are an academic Department of 470 clinicians, educators and researchers across the Maritime Provinces who provide training for hundreds of undergraduate and postgraduate learners each year. Together we create the knowledge that will transform patient care and education for the future. I am grateful for the work people show up to do every day and appreciate the strong collaborative relationships we have built with each other. We are not without conflict and challenges, so while celebrating our achievements, we also need to reflect on how we heal divides between groups and learn from our past to make ourselves stronger and more inclusive for the future.
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Tomorrow is Remembrance Day. I hope you can all take a few minutes to be thankful to those who have served in the past and present to allow us to enjoy the peace and freedoms we cherish. We should be especially thankful to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice of their lives.
I hope you all enjoy the content of the newsletter. Don’t forget to let us know if you have information or story ideas you want to communicate through our newsletter.
Take Care,
Christine
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Christine Short, MD, FRCP(C), FACP
Associate Professor & Head/Chief, Department of Medicine
Dalhousie University / Central Zone, Nova Scotia Health
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We welcome the following members to their new positions:
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Dr. Ciaran Galts, PGY3, joined the Core Internal Medicine Residency Training Program on October 27.
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Hiyam Gedalia, Administrative Assistant, will join the Division of Hematology & Hematologic Oncology on November 15. Hiyam will work with Drs. Robinson and Trottier.
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Dr. Alia Bosworth, Dermatologist, joined as a locum on November 8.
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We are grateful for having these team members in our department. We say farewell and best wishes to:
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Janet Hartnett, Executive Assistant to Department Head Dr. Christine Short, is leaving us on November 12th to pursue another opportunity with government. Thank you Janet for your many contributions in your (almost) 5 years with the DoM. All the best!
- We’d also like to thank Mary Synette, Administrative Assistant, Senior Leadership and Continuing Professional Development, for her work with us over the last year and a half supporting DoM Grand Rounds, CPD events and some of our newest committees. Mary has accepted a new role at Nova Scotia Health. Her last day will be November 12th. Best wishes to you!
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Karen Walters, Administrative Assistant, Division of Hematology & Hematologic Oncology, left on November 1 at the end of her assignment.
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Linda Babineau, Administrative Assistant, Division of Cardiology, resigned as of November 5.
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Dr. Sohrab Lutchmedial, Interventional Cardiologist, New Brunswick Heart Centre, passed away suddenly on November 8, 2021 at the age of 52. He died at home in his sleep.
Our sincere condolences go to Dr. Lutchmedial's family, friends and colleagues.
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Saint John cardiologist and 'inspiring spirit' dies...
A prominent New Brunswick cardiologist has died, leaving behind a large gap in the system and the community, colleagues say. Dr. Sohrab Lutchmedial dedicated more than 20 years to the New Brunswick Heart Centre and the care of patients suffering...
Read more
www.cbc.ca
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Did You Know?
Starting September 2021, we launched a feature called "Did You Know?" The purpose of this feature is to celebrate what our members do when they are not at work. It takes many unique individuals to make up a great Department and we really want to share those special stories with everyone. We welcome all members to share their accomplishments.
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To: All DoM Members
Do you have a talent or accomplishment to share?
Email it to:
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Dr. Paul MacDonald,
Cardiologist, Researcher and Hockey Enthusiast
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When personal hobbies and medicine intersect
...It’s even better when a physician’s area of practice and study also intersects with personal hobbies. In Dr. MacDonald's case, it was hockey, our national sport. ...
Read more
www.nshealth.ca
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Story highlights:
- “We found compelling data from this study (2002), which has translated to inform how hockey rinks are managed across the country,” said Dr. MacDonald. “This includes having defibrillators on site and monitoring players for cardiac events during sporting events.”
- “Having the capacity and capability to run clinical trials locally where you practice is really a key contributor to attracting and retaining top talent,” said Dr. MacDonald. “It’s part of my recruitment pitch to potential physicians who tour the Eastern Zone area.”
Thursday, September 23, 2021
Article by: Deidre Taylor
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Dr. Paul J. MacDonald is a cardiologist and an assistant professor in the Department of Medicine. He recently stepped away as Clinical Department Head for Eastern Zone in Medicine.
Of note: there are two physicians named Paul MacDonald in the address book. To contact our cardiologist, Dr. Paul MacDonald, look for "drpaul".
- Dr. H. Paul MacDonald, GP
- Dr. Paul J. MacDonald, Cardiologist
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Congratulations to our PGY3 Core Internal Medicine residents who have all successfully matched to their respective subspecialty residency training programs in the first iteration! We wish them well in their next phase of training. |
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EPSTEIN'S ENTOURAGE TAKES FIRST PLACE |
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Congratulations to "EPSTEIN'S ENTOURAGE" for placing 1st in the Killam Marathon Team Relay at the 18th annual Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon held in Halifax, NS on November 6, 2021. Awesome accomplishment! |
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If you're not already following the DoM Research Twitter account, you may be interested to see recent activities shared by Department members. Thank you to Dr. Leah Cahill, DoM's Howard Webster Chair and Heather Fraser, Research Program Administrative Coordinator for their continued work supporting this twitter account.
Examples include:
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Dr. Tommy Brothers made his debut on the cover of CMAJ (October 2021). Kudos!
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Jasmine Mah noted it was a privilege to share #bravespaces with the #PETF 2021 Scholars.
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YourDoctors.ca: Dr. Tammy Keough-Ryan |
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Dr. Tammy Keough-Ryan
"Although it is a dark day when you lose a loved one, with organ donation, there is some solace." When she was just 12 years old, Dr. Tammy Keough-Ryan suffered what can only be described as a traumatic experience. "I'm a motor vehicle accident...
Read more
www.yourdoctors.ca
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Dr. Tammy Keough-Ryan is a nephrologist and professor in the Department of Medicine. |
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Researcher Spotlight: Dr. Kenneth Rockwood |
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Can FAR UV-C light reduce infections in long-term care facilities?
Nova Scotia has the highest proportion of seniors in Canada. Investing in high quality and safe solutions for long-term care facilities is an important healthy aging strategy here and around the world. Learn how Dr. Kenneth Rockwood and his team are testing whether UV lights installed in long-term care facilities will reduce influenza-like illnesses, respiratory infections, and COVID-19 infections among residents.
YouTube video: 3 min 53 sec
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Dr. Kenneth Rockwood is a geriatrician and professor in the Department of Medicine. |
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QE2Times.ca: Dr. Wael Sumaya |
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Clinical study the first to compare cardiology...
Surviving a heart attack is the first step on a long road to recovery and Dr. Wael Sumaya wants to get more...
Read more
www.qe2times.ca
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Dr. Wael Sumaya is a cardiologist and assistant professor in the Department of Medicine. |
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Dr. Lisa Barrett receives Executive Director Award |
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On Friday, November 5, 2021, Dr. Lisa Barrett was recognized with an Executive Director Award for partnership due to her unwavering support to NS Correctional Services during the COVID-19 pandemic. |
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Dr. Lisa Barrett is an infectious disease specialist and assistant professor in the Department of Medicine. |
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Dr. Ross Morton receives CSIM Dr. Mahesh Raju Award for Mentorship |
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Dr. Ross Morton was recently featured in the CSIM newsletter in October 2021.
He was awarded the 2021 Dr. Mahesh Raju Award for Mentorship by the Canadian Society of Internal Medicine.
"Dr. Morton is a leader in medical education and trainee mentorship and his devotion is deserving of recognition. He is an exemplary role model for the Saint John internal medicine residents and trainees, and we are grateful to have him as a mentor.”
Congratulations Dr. Morton.
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Dr. A. Ross Morton is a nephrologist and professor in the Department of Medicine located in Saint John, New Brunswick. Dr. Morton holds an academic appointment with Dalhousie. Photo from: VoxMeDal, Fall 2017 issue |
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Dalhousie achieves top 10 spot in 2022 Maclean's...
Dalhousie has once again been ranked by Maclean's as one of the best Medical Doctoral universities in Canada. The university placed eighth overall in the category in the national affairs magazine's 2022 University Rankings, released Thursday -...
Read more
www.dal.ca
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Who is always by your side? |
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In a recent edition of the QEII Foundation news, nominations were sought from healthcare heroes to share "who is always by your side"? There were a number of staff on the list including:
Dr. Jennifer Jones, Division of Digestive Care & Endoscopy.
Congratulations!
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Always By Your Side is a series celebrating #QE2HealthHeroes from QEII Foundation News |
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Medicine Matters 2021 - Virtual Healthcare
DoM physicians and residents were invited to attend the annual professional development event on November 5, 2021.
If you'd like to watch the debate, you can view it on our YouTube account. The video is unlisted and you need to use this link to view it.
Medicine Matters Debate Link:
Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
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Hnatyshyn Stroke Lecture
Dr. Stephen Phillips, Neurologist, has been selected as the 2021 Hnatyshyn Lecturer.
The Hnatyshyn Lecture is the most prestigious stroke lecture awarded in Canada, and falls under the leadership of the Heart and Stroke Foundation in collaboration with the Canadian Stroke Consortium and the Canadian Partnership for Stroke Recovery.
Friday, November 26, 2021
4:00 - 5:30 PM (EST)
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Central Zone Players present:
"It's a Creeperston Christmas"
(a spooky holiday spectacular)
Don't miss the talented Dr. Gord Gubitz, neurologist in this upcoming production.
(this will be a sell out - book now to avoid disappointment later!)
Alderney Landing Theatre
December 2, 2021 @ 7:30 pm
December 3, 2021 @ 7:30 pm
December 4, 2021 @ 2:00 pm
December 4, 2021 @ 7:30 pm
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Ho Ho Hold the Holiday Party Festivities
Nova Scotia Health is recommending that healthcare teams avoid Holiday celebrations together again this year.
The Department will use the funding budgeted for the party and donate it to a few local charities.
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9 currently in non-ICU;
270 total patient admissions
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1 currently in ICU;
81 total patient admissions
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1,341,971
total completed tests
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322,223
Rapid tests performed at pop-up locations
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116,380
Workplace Screening Program testing
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61,510
Home tests distributed
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1,590,862
Total vaccine doses administered
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770,891
received second doses
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6,642
received third doses
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83.4%
overall population partially vaccinated
(one or more doses)
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78.9%
overall population (second dose)
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Protocols at Nova Scotia Health |
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Protocols at Nova Scotia Health
Nova Scotia Health is taking a phased approach to COVID-19 health and safety measures based on risk level in each zone.
* Subject to change; refer to online version for latest updates.
Tier 1 – Low Risk (Blue)
Tier 2 – Moderate Risk (Yellow)
Tier 3 – High Risk (Orange)
Tier 4 – Extreme Risk (Red)
Colour coding references were eliminated effective September 24.
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Third Doses for Immunocompromised People, Work-Related Travel
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NS Adopts National Recommendations on COVID-19 Vaccine Boosters
NACI recommended that booster doses be offered at least six months after the primary series is completed. Groups who will be eligible for a booster dose in Nova Scotia include:
- adult frontline healthcare workers who were double vaccinated with an interval of less than 28 days between their first and second doses
- people who received two doses of the AstraZeneca Vaxzevria/COVISHIELD vaccine or one dose of Janssen vaccine
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Update on Vaccination Mandate for Healthcare, Education, Other Sectors
- Over 80,000 staff across sectors.
- Nova Scotia Health vaccination rate is at 91%.
- IWK Health Centre is at 99%.
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QUICK REFERENCE /
RECURRING CONTENT
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Nova Scotia Health / Dr. Lynn Johnston
Uploaded: March 13, 2020
Video: 10 mins
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Nova Scotia Health / Dr. Glenn Patriquin
Uploaded: April 3, 2020
Video: 3 mins
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Canada.ca
Uploaded: June 15, 2020
Video: 1 min 25 seconds
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All press briefings are listed
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Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia
Complete online then download or email document. Once signed and witnessed, it is valid.
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Spectrum MD
(Antimicrobial Stewardship)
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Nova Scotia Health logo needs to be visible in the upper left corner of the home screen to ensure you are accessing local content.
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Nova Scotia Health staff and physicians experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, contact Occupational Health:
1-833-750-0632
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Nova Scotia Health - COVID-19 Hub |
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Nova Scotia Health - Library Services |
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COVID-19 resources for health care providers
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Canada (as of November 8, 2021)
1.7 million cases
29 K deaths
46.7 million tests performed
58.8 million vaccine doses administered
74.4% of total population fully vaccinated
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World Health Organization (WHO) |
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Globally (as of November 8, 2021)
250 million cases
5.0 million deaths
7.0 billion vaccine doses administered
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When you take care of yourself, you take care of others. |
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