DOM MONTHLY NEWSLETTER | MARCH 25, 2022
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The SHORT Report
Member Updates
Feature - Did You Know?
- Respirology's Research Success
Kudos
- GRIT 2022 Abstract Presentation Award Winner
- CIHR Fall 2021 Project Grant Winners
Notices / Reminders
- Department of Medicine awards
- Faculty of Medicine awards
- New Centralized Process for Hematology Referrals - effective March 1, 2022
- Research Mentoring Guidelines
Upcoming Events
- March 31 - Let's Talk Informatics - Artificial Intelligence - ChatBots
- April 19 - 22 - DoM Research Week 2022
- May 31 - DoM Quality Day 2022
COVID-19
- Nova Scotia Cases
- Monthly timeline
Quick Reference / Recurring Content
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Hi everyone,
It has been just over two years since the world-wide pandemic was announced and Nova Scotia went into a state of emergency. On Sunday, March 20, 2022, that state of emergency ended and all public restrictions were lifted including masking (except in schools); however, Nova Scotia Health is maintaining its current restrictions at all its facilities.
While the public mandates have lifted, the recommendations have not changed. Dr. Strang and our leaders at Public Health are still highly recommending donning of masks in public indoor and outdoor spaces when you cannot socially distance. As well, they are still recommending us to keep our social bubbles small and consistent, stay home when we are sick and if we become sick or test positive for COVID to let our close contacts know. This is a really important time for us, as leaders in healthcare, to model these important behaviors and to continue to educate our communities that COVID is real, still here and there are excellent ways to prevent spread of the disease. Dr. Shelly McNeil (Division Head Infectious Diseases and Senior Medical Director of the COVID Network for NSH) said it very well in a recent tweet “it’s not numbers, it’s people…masks save lives”@ShellyMcNeillD. Masks and full vaccinations do save lives. People are dying from COVID and COVID does discriminate against the most vulnerable people in our care.
It is not just the direct deaths from the disease itself; people are experiencing delays for life-saving surgeries, treatments and assessments because of the impact COVID is having on our healthcare system. So, don your mask, keep your distance, keep your bubbles small, test regularly as a healthcare worker and stay home when you are sick to keep our colleagues in healthcare and most importantly our patients and loved ones as safe as possible. We do need to learn how to live with this virus in our world and we need to respect it.
Since our last newsletter Russia invaded Ukraine. My thoughts and prayers go out to all the people affected by this senseless conflict and all war related conflicts throughout our world. I know there is more good in the world than bad. In the coming days, be intentional about spreading peace, positivity and inclusion; even a small act of kindness makes a difference. In our jobs, we have opportunities to be kind, relieve suffering, heal and offer hope every day. We are so very lucky.
There are some great items in our newsletter this month and I hope you will take some time to enjoy them. Don’t forget to send us your stories and ideas for next month.
Take care of yourselves,
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:
- February 22 - Emike Ibeagboade, Interim Undergraduate Coordinator in the DoM Education Office. Emike will be with us until July 2022 when Nina Nedic returns from leave. She is quickly learning the ropes of medical education and we are so happy to have her as part of the education team. She can be reached via the central email DoMUndergrad@nshealth.ca, 473-7722 or Room 477 Bethune. Welcome Emike!
- February 28 - Mariana Zhekova, Executive Assistant to Dr. Christine Short, Head/Chief, Department of Medicine. Mariana comes to us from Canadian Blood Services where she has supported facilities operations and programs for more than 10 years. We are very excited to have her join our team! Mariana can be reached at 473-2379 or mariana.zhekova@nshealth.ca and is located in Room 442 Bethune Building. Welcome Mariana!
- March 14 - Dhrumi Kansara will join our team to support Dr. Paul Bonnar and the Antimicrobial Stewardship Program. Welcome Dhrumi!
- March 21 - We would like to announce that Heather Fraser has accepted the Department’s Physician Resource Consultant role (formerly Kathryn McIlrath) and will be transitioning from the Research portfolio over the coming weeks. Heather has a Bachelor of Arts and Law degrees from Dalhousie and has been with the DoM since 2017. Congratulations Heather! (Connect: Room 450 Bethune Building, 902-473-6696, heather.fraser@nshealth.ca)
- March 28 - We are delighted to announce that Cara Yee is joining our team as DoM Assistant Manager, starting Monday, March 28. In this new role, Cara will support Crystal Leverman and Lesley Dagley. She will be located in Room 479 Bethune Building, cara.yee@nshealth.ca. Cara comes to us from Medical Affairs where she has been the physician Credentialing Officer. Some of you may remember Cara from her earlier role as Team Lead, Division of Cardiology, and she also has previous experience in Public Health. Cara holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Certificate of HR Management. Cara’s experience, combined with her education, makes her an excellent addition to the team. Welcome back Cara!
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March 31 - Susan MacDonald in DoM Physician Services is retiring on March 31st. Susan has worked at the Department of Medicine in Physician Services since April 2000. We thank Susan for her many years of hard work for the Department, she has been here for many changes and has always done a great job. We wish her all the best in the next adventures that come her way, don’t be surprised if you find her on a sunny beach someday!
- April 4 - A warm welcome to Jake Salcedo who will be joining our central admin team on April 4th as our Data Manager, Senior Systems Analyst (formerly Tom Henneberry). Jake has a Bachelor of Science Degree and a Masters Degree of Science in Information Technology as well as a Masters Certificate in Project Management. Jake has been with the IWK for over 10 years working as a Business Intelligence Developer with the Strategy and Performance team. (Connect: Room 452 Bethune Building, 902-473-8766, jake.salcedo@nshealth.ca)
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Respirology's Research Success
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"The CF team is thrilled that the research has led to new medications that are dramatically improving the quality of life and lifespan of people with cystic fibrosis."
Nancy J. Morrison, MD, FRCPC
Respirologist, Nova Scotia Health, Professor of Medicine, Dalhousie University
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Breathing a little easier: Nova Scotia Health plays...
"Nova Scotia Health’s research team in Respirology, which is supported by the organization’s Clinical Trials Unit within the NSH Innovation Hub, has been a key partner with Vertex Pharmaceuticals on clinical trials for cystic fibrosis since 2010..."
Read more
www.nshealth.ca
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"Dr. Morrison is very enthusiastic about doing this research,” said Dale. “She’s excited for us to be on the national and international radar, and have people know that we’re here, we’re a great site to work with, and we deliver the goods."
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"Andrea Dale is responsible for coordinating and conducting the study visits with all of the Vertex patients. She works with Dr. Nancy Morrison, who has been one of the principal investigators for the trials."
March 1, 2022
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"...she started at 75% for her lung function, and that day she was 104%. That just doesn’t happen with cystic fibrosis.”
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GRIT 2022 Abstract Presentation Award Winner
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Congratulations to Rachel Sullivan, PGY4 Gastroenterology Resident, on winning the #GRIT 2022 Abstract Presentation Award.
Project title:
Equity in Access to Colorectal Cancer Screening in Nova Scotia
Investigators:
Rachel Sullivan, Jennifer Jones, Chadwick Williams, Eileen Kilfoil, Donald MacIntosh, Michael J Stewart
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The Gastroenterology Residents-in-Training (GRIT) Course is held in conjunction with Canadian Digestive Diseases Week (CDDW™).
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CIHR Fall 2021 Project Grant Winners
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Congratulations to the DoM members who received a Fall 2021 Project Grant:
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Project title:
Microvascular Pathology as a Therapeutic Target for Epilepsy
Investigators:
Friedman, Alon; Beyea, Steven; Bowen, Chris; Clarke, David B; Kamintsky, Lyna; Kureshi, Nelofar; MacLean, Mark A; Schmidt, Matthias H; Volders, David; Whatley, Benjamin
Amount: $849,150
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Project title:
Health deficit accumulation in relation to cardiovascular disease burden
Investigators:
Kehler, Dustin S; Godin, Judith; McArthur, Caitlin; Perez-Zepeda, Mario U; Rockwood, Kenneth; Theou, Olga; Wilkinson, Chris
Amount: $141,526
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Department of Medicine Awards
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Please take some time to formally recognize your colleagues. Nominate a deserving individual today.
For more information:
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Upcoming deadlines
Staff
- Administrative Assistant Award - due April 8
- Program Administrator Award - due April 8
- Team Lead Award - due April 8
Faculty
- Brian M. Chandler Lifetime Achievement Award in Medical Education - due April 8
- DoM Achievement Award - due April 8
- Clinical Excellence Award - due April 8
- Excellence in Medical Education Awards - due April 8
- Excellence in Leadership Award - due April 8
- Excellence in Quality & Innovation Award - due April 8
Residents
- Outstanding Consultant Trainee Award - due April 8
- Outstanding Resident Award PGY 1, 2, 3 Core IM - due April 14 (recently added)
- Resident Research Excellence Awards - due April 27
- Resident Research Publication Awards - due April 27
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Did you know?
Awards & Recognition
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The DoM Awards & Recognition Committee would like all members to be aware of upcoming awards.
List of awards (excel document):
DoM SharePoint site @ Nova Scotia Health
(Restricted to department members with NSH login)
DoM SharePoint site @ Dalhousie University
(Note: site in development for members; accessible with NetID)
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Faculty of Medicine Awards
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The Faculty of Medicine invites nominations for awards that recognize outstanding contribution to education and teaching, administrative leadership, community service, medical research, and continuing medication education.
For more information:
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- Faculty of Medicine Awards of Excellence in Leadership - due May 1
- Faculty Awards of Excellence in Education - due March 31
- Community Teacher of the Year Award - due March 31
- Faculty of Medicine Awards for Excellence in Medical Research - due April 29
- Faculty of Medicine Wayne Putnam Award - due March 31
- Excellence in Clinical Practice Award - due March 31
- Allan Cohen Memorial Award in Community Service - due March 31
Process varies for each award; please refer to nomination forms.
If you are submitting a nomination to the Faculty of Medicine, please advise the DoM Awards & Recognition Committee by emailing anne.veinotte@nshealth.ca.
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New Centralized Process for Hematology Referrals
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Teams at the QEII Cancer Centre and the Cape Breton Cancer Centre have worked together to develop a formalized central referral process for hematology.
Beginning March 1, 2022, all referrals to hematology, for both benign and malignant conditions, should be emailed (HemReferralQEIICC@nshealth.ca) or faxed (902-473-3910) to the Central Referral Office in Halifax. Referrals will be centrally triaged in Halifax and sent to the appropriate site as per the catchment area. This change will help streamline and expedite the referral process.
In the past, referrals to hematology were accepted at both the Cape Breton Cancer Centre and the QEII Cancer Centre and those received in Cape Breton were forwarded to Halifax for triaging. As of March 1, 2022, hematology referrals will no longer be accepted in Cape Breton. Any referral sent to Cape Breton Cancer Centre on or after this date will be returned to the referring physician with direction to resend to the central office in Halifax.
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Research Mentoring Guidelines
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Leah Cahill has compiled research mentoring guidelines, roles and responsibilities which have been reviewed by the Research Committee and Resident Research Committee.
The document is a resource for DoM faculty, residents, students, etc., for building and maintaining effective research mentoring relationships. This document is also available on our resident resource site (Google site).
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Upcoming award deadlines
View a list of upcoming awards (excel document):
(for members with NSH login)
OR
(site in development; for members with active NetID)
For more information:
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Let's Talk Informatics
Topic: Artificial Intelligence (AI) - ChatBots
When: Thursday, March 31 @ 7:30 - 8:30 AM
Where: Virtual via Zoom
Meeting ID: 813 3776 3988
Passcode: 989008
For more information:
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DoM Research Week
DoM Research Week will be held virtually April 19 - 22. Includes:
- Keynote and Podium Presentations
- Virtual Poster Spotlights
- Research Awards
See outlook calendar invitation from DoM Research to join sessions.
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DoM Quality Day
The inaugural DoM Quality Day will be held on May 31, 2022. This will be an exciting opportunity for DoM faculty/teams and residents/trainees to showcase their Quality Improvement (QI) initiatives and share their project successes with other attendees.
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63.4%
With booster dose (18+)
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5.0%
Partially vaccinated
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3,453
Positive PCR tests March 16-22
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245
Total deaths (Omicron deaths: 133)
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42 people currently admitted due to COVID-19 including 13 people in ICU;
median length of stay is 6.7 days
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As of March 24, 2022
Daily reporting ended March 4, 2022; now reported weekly
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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.
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COVID-19 Restrictions Easing Next Week, Fully Lifted on March 21 in Nova Scotia
Phase 1 - Monday, February 28
- The current requirement to show proof of full vaccination before participating in non-essential, discretionary events and activities ends. Other restrictions continue.
COVID-19 Data - Friday, March 4
- Last daily news release on COVID-19 data; changes to weekly release
Phase 2 - Monday, March 7
- People who test positive for COVID-19 will still be required to self-isolate but they will no longer be required to notify close contacts outside their own household. Other restrictions continue.
Phase 3 - Monday, March 21
NOTE: Nova Scotia Health remains in Tier 4 (extreme caution) for all zones. Current measures/restrictions remain in place.
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Medicago's homegrown, plant-based COVID-19 vaccine
Health Canada has approved a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine developed by Medicago, a biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Quebec City, which will soon give Canadians the option of getting a homegrown shot against SARS-CoV-2.
Read more
www.cbc.ca
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QUICK REFERENCE /
RECURRING CONTENT
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Mental Health & Well-Being
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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
Nova Scotia Crisis Text Line
- Text – NSSTRONG to 741741
Online Wellness Sessions (NSH Library Services)
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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/
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The DoM Awards & Recognition Committee would like all department members to be aware of upcoming award deadlines.
DoM SharePoint site @ Nova Scotia Health
(Restricted to department members with NSH login)
OR
DoM SharePoint site @ Dalhousie University
(Restricted to department members with NetID)
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Summer Grand Rounds 2021 (playlist)
DoM Grand Rounds Sept 2021 - June 2022 (playlist)
Videos are unlisted on the Department of Medicine YouTube channel, so you must have the link to view. All recordings are copyright.
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Resident Research
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.
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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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COVID-19 resources for health care providers
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Occupational Health Safety & Wellness
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OHSW Reporting Forms
- Do you have symptoms of COVID and need help with OHSW?
- Phone 1-833-750-0632
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Spectrum MD App
(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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Dalhousie University Faculty of Medicine
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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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All press briefings are listed
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Canada (as of March 25, 2022)
3.4 million cases
37 K deaths
59 million tests performed
81 million vaccine doses administered
81% of total population fully vaccinated
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World Health Organization
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Globally (as of March 25, 2022)
475 million cases
6.1 million deaths
10.9 billion vaccine doses administered
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When you take care of yourself, you take care of others.
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