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DoM Monthly Newsletter – June 2023

Dal-DoM-logo-2022
Nova Scotia Health logo

In this update:

View previous updates

The SHORT Report

Dates / Deadlines

Member Updates

  • Welcome / Farewell / Retirement

Humble Inquiry

  • Communication tip in the conflict and culture series

Quality Updates

  • Quality Day 2023 highlights

Research Updates

  • Research Week 2023 abstracts

In the Media

  • Respirologist suggests Nova Scotians stay inside to protect lung health from wildfire smoke – Dr. Meredith Chiasson
  • Research Nova Scotia is investing an additional $1.1 million in infection control research in long term care facilities - Dr. Ken Rockwood

Kudos

  • Dr. Cynthia Kendell successfully defends PhD
  • Dr. David Dupere featured during Palliative Care Week
  • Dr. Chad Williams receives Platinum Jubilee Medal

Quick Reference / Recurring Content

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Awards Extravaganza

Tuesday, June 27

8-9 am; Zoom

Awards & Recognition - special edition newsletter

(coming July 2023)

THE SHORT REPORT

Hi everyone!

Welcome to our Department of Medicine Newsletter for June.


As you know, the HRM community and broader provincial community is still recovering from the wildfires that started in May. I have never been so happy to see rain in the forecast as I was earlier this month.


I know many of our department members or those close to them were affected by the fires and I want you all to know we are keeping you in our thoughts.


There are several ways you can support those affected by the fires.


You can donate through:

CanadianRedCross.ca
United Way Halifax

On May 30th, I had the pleasure of attending the Medical School convocation. I want to congratulate all the clinical clerks receiving their MDs and I look forward to welcoming many of them into our training programs in July.


Doctors Nova Scotia and the Faculty of Medicine both held their annual meetings earlier this month and several of our Department members received awards to recognize their academic, clinical and leadership contributions. We have so much talent in our Department to celebrate. Congratulations to our Residents and Fellows who are completing their training this month. We will celebrate our Residents and their achievements along with our own DoM Awards on June 27, 2023. Please be sure to join the celebration. A special edition awards newsletter will be shared with everyone in July.

June is Pride Month. In June, many provinces across Canada recognize Pride Month. This is an opportunity to celebrate diversity and inclusion in our community. The annual Halifax Pride Festival will take place July 20 - 30, 2023. As part of Pride Month, we had the pleasure of having Garry Dart, Pride Health Coordinator, Primary Health Care – Pride Health, as a guest speaker at our June Department meeting. Garry proudly identifies as Queer and Genderfluid. Garry’s message was on the importance of inclusive healthcare and he/she/they shared some great resources that are available for our education and advocacy. Nova Scotia Health’s initiative, prideHealth, works to improve access to safe, coordinated and comprehensive primary healthcare for people who are part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

Dr. Christine Short

Short

Photo by: Nick Pearce

Resource

URL

NSH prideHealth

https://www.nshealth.ca/content/pridehealth

NSH Library Services 2SLGBTQIA+ Health

https://library.nshealth.ca/LGBTQ

Community-Based Research Centre (CBRC) Online Programming

https://cbrc.teachable.com/

I hope you all will find time to take a well-deserved break this summer. Make sure you are planning some time away from work and finding opportunities to slow down a bit. Have a great summer!

Take care everyone!


Christine



Christine Short, MD, FRCP(C), FACP

Associate Professor & Head/Chief, Department of Medicine

Dalhousie University / Central Zone, Nova Scotia Health

DATES / DEADLINES

June 2023


  • Tuesday, June 27 – DoM Awards Extravaganza (Zoom; 8-9am)

MEMBER UPDATES

WELCOME

We welcome the following members to their new positions:

June

  • Tammy Zoccole joined the central DoM Administration Team as Administrative Coordinator on June 5, 2023. Tammy moved from the Division of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation as Division Assistant.
  • Amie Smart joined the Division of Infectious Diseases on June 19 as administrative assistant.


July

  • Dr. Cassidy Brothers joins the General Internal Medicine DGH team with an academic appointment on July 1.
  • Dr. Ashley Davidson transitions to an AFP appointment in Medical Oncology on July 15.
  • Dr. Mark Downing will join Infectious Diseases on July 1 in the AFP.
  • Dr. Ali Hillani will join the Division of Cardiology on July 17 in the AFP.
  • Dr. Connor MacMillan will join General Internal Medicine on July 1 as an AFP locum for one year.
  • Dr. Ceilidh MacPhail will do a two month locum with Medical Oncology before leaving to complete a fellowship in Vancouver.
  • Dr. MIchael Sun will join Geriatric Medicine on July 1 in the AFP.
  • Dr. Colin Turner will complete a locum with General Internal Medicine from July 21 to March 31.


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.

FAREWELL

We say farewell and best wishes to:

  • Isha Seth leaves the Department of Medicine on June 9, 2023. She joined the Department in August 2020 and during her time in the Department has been Education Coordinator (Postgraduate) and Project Manager, Strategic Planning & Communications. She has proficiently worked through numerous tasks and roles. She will be greatly missed and we wish her all the best in her new role as NSH Physician Recruitment Consultant - International Recruitment.

RETIREMENT

  • Dr. Timothy Benstead will retire from his AFP position with the Division of Neurology following a 37-year career with the Department of Medicine on June 30, 2023. He will continue teaching through a post-retirement appointment with Dalhousie. Dr. Benstead has had a career that epitomizes excellence in education, clinical care and research. His dedication, over the years, to mentoring members of the DoM and his positive influence within our department will continue for many years to come.


  • Patricia Wyman retires from the Department of Medicine after 40 years of service on June 30, 2023. She is a dedicated, patient and trustworthy worker holding roles such as Team Lead in Infectious Diseases and Administrative Assistant in Digestive Care & Endoscopy. Her institutional knowledge will be missed! Thank you for all your service and contributions in the Department of Medicine. We wish Patricia all the best in her retirement.


  • Sandy Porter retires from the Department of Medicine this summer. Sandy worked with the hospital from 1983 to 1990 and then periodically from 1990 to 2003 depending on the vacancies and opportunities available. In 2003, Sandy returned to work full-time. She’ll retire from her Team Lead position in the Division of Digestive Care & Endoscopy in August. Thank you for all your hard work and administrative leadership.

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.

Humble Inquiry


“Inquire with humility” is the second of the Simple Rules developed by the Department of Medicine executive team. This tip will explore that concept and how it can help leaders excel.

 

Edgar Schein - one of the foremost scholars of organizational culture - suggests that in Western settings, leaders are conditioned to believe that leadership involves telling people what to do. Schein suggests that a practice of “vulnerable discovery” is more effective in developing teams, solving problems, building relationships, and creating a healthy workplace culture.


This “Humble Inquiry” is both an attitude and an art:


  • as an art, it can draw others out and strengthen relationships,


  • while the attitude is one of deep listening, thoughtful responses, and personal vulnerability.


As an example, Shein describes his son’s visit to a corporation’s senior management meeting. During a conversation about promoting someone to vice president, he asked “What does the VP of Administration do?” After some impatience and a bit of patronizing, this simple and humble question sparked a deeper conversation about what the role had to include, and how new and creative solutions could be found.

humble-inquiry

Although we tend to default to a “telling” mode, adopting a humble attitude tends to engender positive feelings in others, such as openness and trust. It is also an excellent way of surfacing new information or new perspectives. Even simple questions, powered by sincere interest, can build knowledge and lead to novel solutions. And during periods of change, humble inquiry can help us manage learning anxiety and suppress survival anxiety.


North American work cultures are often competitive and individualistic, and often value task outcomes over relationships. These factors tend to be compounded by promotion, reward, rank, and hierarchy. But if we work against these inclinations and adopt a more humble and curious stance, we can make work - and our lives in general - more positive and effective.

QUALITY UPDATES

Quality Day - May 30, 2023


On Tuesday, May 30, 2023, the Quality Improvement Steering Committee (QISC) hosted its first in person and second annual Quality Day. Dr. Ferhan Siddiqi, Quality Director and QISC Chair was the emcee and led attendees through the half-day event featuring a keynote presentation by Dr. Sander Veldhuyzen van Zanten of the University of Alberta and 6 podium presentations, as well as 8 poster presentations focusing on quality initiatives in the DoM subspecialty areas.

  

Dr. Sander van Zanten, whose primary focus of academic research has been the use of Quality Improvement Science in Gastroenterology and Hepatology care, presented the keynote speech.


He delivered his talk, “Strategic Clinical Networks: Vehicles for Quality Improvement” and kicked off Quality Day. Thank you for everyone who presented and participated in this event.


See a full list of abstracts [PDF] presented at Quality Day.

(link will be available for one month; deactivated in July 2023)



Congratulations to the Quality Day 2023 Award Winners!



Best Podium Presentation – Resident/Trainee


Dr. Braydon Connell, PGY4 Neurology

“Management and Assessment of Seizures on the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit: A Quality Improvement Project”


Best Podium Presentation – Faculty/Allied Health Professional


Heather Neville, Allied Health

“Medication assessment of sedative-hypnotic drug use to reduce risk of falls in selected inpatient areas of Nova Scotia Health: Pilot Study”


Poster Presentations


Dr. R. Lee Kirby, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

“Wheelchair Service Delivery within the Central Zone of Nova Scotia Health: A Quality-Improvement Project”

RESEARCH UPDATES

See a full list of abstracts [PDF] presented at Research Week 2023.


(link will be available for one month; deactivated in July 2023)

IN THE MEDIA

Respirologist suggests Nova Scotians stay inside to protect lung health from wildfire smoke - Halifax Examiner

As wildfires continue to burn in the province, Halifax-based respirologist, Dr. Meredith Chiasson, is advising Nova Scotians to stay inside whenever possible and to take steps to help protect their lung health. A Government of Canada resource page notes that the dense smoke produced by wildfires can be a major source of toxic air pollutants.


Published May 31, 2023

Read more on halifaxexaminer.ca

Research Nova Scotia Investing an Additional $1.1 Million in Infection Control Research in Long-Term Care Facilities

Research Nova Scotia is investing an additional $1.1 million to test whether UV lights installed in long-term care (LTC) facilities will reduce respiratory viral infections (RVI) among LTC residents. "The foundational work completed as part of a pandemic response has established Nova Scotia as a leader in this area.


Published June 7, 2023

Read more on researchns.ca

KUDOS

Dr. Cynthia Kendell successfully defends PhD


We would like to congratulate Dr. Cynthia Kendell, our Research Implementation Scientist, who successfully defended her PhD thesis last week.


She has been a wonderful new resource to our Department and we look forward to all she will continue to bring to our research, clinical systems and quality mandates. 

Dupere

Palliative Care Week Profile - Central Zone

This is final article in the series profiling some of Nova Scotia Health's palliative care staff and volunteers, in recognition of National Hospice Palliative Care Week 2023.


In their own words, four members of Central Zone's palliative care division (including Dr. David Dupere) give voice to a fundamental understanding of what palliative care is all about: A multidisciplinary team approach to patient-centered, life-affirming care.


Published: May 13, 2023

Read more on nshealth.ca
Williams

Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee Medal


Congratulations to Dr. Chad Williams, Gastroenterologist and member of the Department of Medicine, who recently received the Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee Medal. Well-deserved recognition!


Photo courtesy of Dr. Williams

QUICK REFERENCE /

RECURRING CONTENT

COVID-19 Protocols at Nova Scotia Health

Latest News

Nova Scotia Health Respiratory Virus Safety Plan

as of May 23, 2023


Changes to Masking Guidelines in Non-Clinical Areas Memo & Frequently Asked Questions

as of May 23, 2023

COVID-19 Hub

More info: https://covid19hub.nshealth.ca/covid-19

Mental Health & Well-Being


Doctors Nova Scotia: Professional Support Program


Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP)


Canadian Psychological Association


LifeSpeak (Nova Scotia Health)


Nova Scotia Mental Health Crisis Line

  • 1-888-429-8167


Nova Scotia Crisis Text Line

  • Text – NSSTRONG to 741741


Online Wellness Sessions (NSH Library Services)


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.

Department of Medicine

DoM Grand Rounds


YouTube Playlists

DoM Grand Rounds Sept 2022 - June 2023

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


Summer Grand Rounds 2022

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlLxbpWu5dHFh7sS52v8qlfJEwchYcVW8


DoM Grand Rounds Sept 2021 - June 2022

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlLxbpWu5dHGA9ngjTJ7CApcBtkmK1Pt3


Summer Grand Rounds 2021

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlLxbpWu5dHGHrLmpOBwzO2cGicepkmn9


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

http://www.nshealth.ca/coronavirus


https://covid19hub.nshealth.ca/covid-19

PPE Videos

Donning & doffing: PPE used for droplet and contact precautions


Donning, doffing, and storage of healthcare procedure masks

Library Services

COVID-19 resources for health care providers

https://library.nshealth.ca/?group_id=15444

Media Relations Guidelines

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


Instructions on how to handle media requests and contact information for the media relations office [PDF - January 2023]

Occupational Health Safety & Wellness

OHSW Reporting Forms

https://ohswreporting.nshealth.ca/Kics/formlist.php


  • Do you have symptoms of COVID and need help with OHSW?
  • Phone 1-833-750-0632




Spectrum MD App

(Antimicrobial Stewardship)

https://spectrum.app/nsha/


Nova Scotia Health logo needs to be visible in 8the upper left corner of the home screen to ensure you are accessing local content.

Zoom for Healthcare

https://nshealth.zoom.us/

Additional Links

Dalhousie University

Faculty of Medicine

medicine.dal.ca

Doctors Nova Scotia

doctorsns.com

Nova Scotia

novascotia.ca

Personal Directive

https://www.legalinfo.org/forms/personal-directive

Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia - Complete online then download or email document. Once signed and witnessed, it is valid.

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

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