DEPARTMENT OF MEDICINE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
OCTOBER 2022
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Dr. Gaeth Al-Zaneen, Division of Nephrology, started a Home Dialysis Fellowship program on September 21, 2022 and will be working with Drs. Karthik Tennankore and David Clark.
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Dr. Alfredo De La Torre, Division of Hematology, joined the AFP as a full-time member effective October 1.
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Dr. George Worthen, Division of Nephrology, will locum from October 3, 2022 to January 2, 2023.
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Dr. Firouzeh Daneschmand, Division of General Internal Medicine, will do a short locum from October 20-27, 2022.
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Dr. Matthew Miles, joins the Division of Digestive Care & Endoscopy as a full time member on November 1, 2022.
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Dr. Sherry Hu, joins the Division of Neurology as a full time member on November 1, 2022.
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Dr. Scott Lee, Division of General Internal Medicine, will do a short locum from November 11 – 17, 2022.
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Taylour Stevens is working part-time with the DoM Finance Office.
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Nicole Deveau, Team Lead, Division of Medical Oncology, left the Division in September.
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Shelley Melanson, Administrative Assistant has left the Department for another opportunity.
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Dr. Clifford McCarville, Division of General Internal Medicine (Dartmouth General Hospital) retired in June 2022.
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Welcome to Diane and Basia who will be leading their team to help us develop a robust process for dealing with culture and conflict. | |
Diane LeBlanc, PhD
After leading and collaborating with people aiming to transform the telecommunications industry, Diane shifted her focus to her own education. She completed an BSc (Hon) in psychology and statistics, and MSc and Ph.D. in industrial-organizational psychology. Driven by a need to understand behaviour, armed with knowledge that workplaces are critically important to well-being, and excited by the power of collaboration, Diane has developed practical approaches that help people and organizations to realize their potential.
In addition to her formal education, Diane has substantial knowledge and experience in organizational development activities related to project management, process improvement, leadership, change, and conflict management. Diane’s goal is to partner with leaders to implement evidence-based changes designed to improve organizational health and performance. Diane has worked extensively with healthcare organizations to improve processes, advance collaboration, and help healthcare workers reconnect with their passion for care.
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Basia Solarz, MAdeD, PCC
Basia brings over 25 years’ experience facilitating difficult conversations in educational, workplace, and community settings. She served as the Consultant for Communication & Conflict Competence for the award-winning conflict resolution program at Nova Scotia Health, where she offered conflict coaching, mediation, and educational services. A Certified Transformative Mediator and Fellow of the Institute for the Study of Conflict Transformation, Basia is particularly interested in the moral-ethical dimensions of conflict as well as the intersection of adult learning and the transformative approach (Bush & Folger) to working with conflict. She is the founder and president of Braver Path Coaching, Consulting and Facilitation.
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Executive Retreat News
On September 29, the executive of the Department of Medicine met for a day-long retreat at the Atlantica Hotel.
Dr. Jackson and Dr. Anderson opened the event by talking about the challenges we have faced in the last few years, and how these are common issues, the purpose of the day's activities, and the role leadership will play in supporting change in the DoM. Participants heard from Lorie Campbell and Basia Solarz about the work done at previous retreats, and how the department's issues line up with the issues the leadership expert Brene Brown suggests are universal across organizations. The day then turned to the main theme, which was giving and receiving feedback well in order to advance organisational goals. Diane LeBlanc led a value exercise and introduced the feedback process. Basia Solarz spoke on how to prepare one's self for this process, and then Dr. Gaynor Watson Creed spoke about anti-oppression and how to deal with problematic behaviours. Finally, Diane LeBlanc presented on counterproductive behaviour, and how peer-to-peer feedback is the most effective way of dealing with conflict and similar issues in the workplace. The day closed with each attendee identifying one concrete step that can be taken to help improve the function of the Department of Medicine. The facilitators will return with recommendations in the coming weeks. Thank you all for being there and engaging in the retreat!
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Communication Tip
“Are they delivering the feedback in a respectful manner (by e-mail? Are you kidding?)."
- D. Stone and S. Heen.
When delivering feedback, it's best to sit down face-to-face with the person in question. Feedback via email or text is always a fraught proposition. When we are physically present with someone, we read their body language to complement their words. But in email, we lack that critical information, which makes misunderstandings much more likely.
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That said, sometimes we can only reasonably reach someone through email or via text. In that case, it's important to write your body language into the email, or find another way of providing context
For example, "As I write this email, I feel worried that you will interpret it to mean I'm not satisfied with your work. I am very satisfied, and I only raise this issue with you because I want you to excel." This way, we can insulate ourselves from some of the problems that email communication can create.
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Get to Know Jillian Vandenbrand
Jillian (Jill) Vandenbrand joined the department as the Research Program Administrative Coordinator in July of this year. Originally from the South Shore, Jill recently returned to her hometown after living in Calgary, Alberta for the past 17 years. Jill is an avid gardener and is currently in the process of turning her family farm back into a working acreage. She is a fan of heavy metal and a self-professed coffee addict: “I drink too much coffee for one human to reasonably consume!” she says.
Prior to joining DoM, Jill worked in research project coordination with the Alberta health system. She has earned certifications in patient-oriented research and the administration of large clinical trials within hospital and community settings for local and national projects. Jill specializes in facilitating system access, grant application assistance and anything related to starting up and closing out projects, including contracts, facilitation of hiring of research assistants, and project archiving. She is eager to learn and will be supporting the work of the department’s research initiatives. While Jill is still new to NSH, she said she is enjoying learning about the wide breadth of research that is currently underway in the department. To reach Jill, you can email jillian.vandenbrand@nshealth.ca or call her at 902-473-2255.
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Resident Research Supervisors Database
Revised: October 12, 2022
View PDF
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Call for volunteers - reviewers
The Faculty of Medicine Scholarship committee needs additional reviewers in advance of our next round of scholarship competitions.
We are looking for faculty members at all career stages, both basic science and clinical faculty, to participate as reviewers in support of the work of the scholarship committee. The work of this committee ensures that research excellence among our students and postdoctoral is supported. Please consider serving as a reviewer. We are especially interested in expanding the diversity of the committee makeup.
Please email Sandy (sandy.bennett@dal.ca) if you are interested in serving as a reviewer for a three-year term starting 2023.
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Research Evening – Date TBA
Stay tuned for more information on Research Evening coming in November!
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Dr. Chris Koilpillai receives lifetime award
Congratulations to Dr. Chris Koilpillai for receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Canadian Society of Echocardiography.
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Dr. Whitney Faiella wins recognition award
Congratulations to Dr. Whitney Faiella on winning the 2022 Trainee Excellence in Education Award.
Each year, the Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) recognizes the outstanding achievements of individual Canadians and Canadian organizations for their contributions to cardiovascular health and care. All awardees are nominated by peers, and all nominations are heartily celebrated. 2022 marks the Society's 75th anniversary.
Recipients will be formally recognized at #CCCongress on Thursday, October 27.
https://ccs.ca/news/congratulations-to-the-recipients-of-the-2022-ccs-recognition-awards/
August 24, 2022
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Dr. Simon Jackson completes interim role as Central Zone Medical Executive Director
The Department of Medicine recognizes and appreciates Dr. Simon Jackson’s leadership involvement within Nova Scotia Health. He completes his interim role as Central Zone Medical Executive Director.(October 2022).
“I would also like to take a moment and extend gratitude on behalf of the entire organization to Dr. Simon Jackson. Dr. Jackson stepped into this leadership role committed to only taking it on for the interim. Dr. Jackson does nothing with half of his intention and during his interim role moved so much work and collaboration forward, starting new initiatives like the Central Zone urgent bulletins for physicians and a regular communication tool for medical staff in Central Zone.” ~ Dr. Nicole Boutilier, Vice President of Medicine
“We extend our deep gratitude to Dr. Simon Jackson, who held the ZMED role on an interim basis. We all benefitted from Dr. Jackson’s compassion and superior communication skills during a highly challenging time. The organization is stronger having had him in this role as a trusted partner and we appreciate his leadership over the past 10 months.“
~ Eileen MacGibbon, VP Operations, Central Zone
~ Jill Flinn, Executive Director, QEII, Central Zone
~ Randi Monroe, Executive Director, Health Services, Rural and Community, Central Zone
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Cardiac Catheterization Lab for Cape Breton
https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20221007001
October 7, 2022
"A cardiac catheterization lab is the biggest healthcare initiative announced for Cape Breton since the opening of the Cape Breton Cancer Centre in 1998. It will improve patient outcomes, reduce wait times for cardiac services and free up hospital beds in Cape Breton and across the province. This is a major step forward for healthcare in Cape Breton and for all Nova Scotians."
Dr. Paul MacDonald, Medical Site Co-Lead, Cape Breton Regional Hospital, and Chief of Cardiology, Eastern Zone, Nova Scotia Health
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Did you know?
There are two physicians at Nova Scotia Health named Dr. Paul MacDonald. Dr. Paul MacDonald referenced here is a Cardiologist and member of the Department of Medicine. There is also a Dr. Paul MacDonald in General Practice (Pictou County Health).
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'Lifesaving' heart catheterization lab coming to Cape Breton Regional Hospital | CBC News | When the Cape Breton Regional Hospital expansion project is finished, the facility will include a new heart catheterization lab that will keep almost 900 patients a year from having to travel to Halifax for diagnosis and treatment of heart disease. | | | |
Dr. Rockwood in DMRF Impact Report 2021-2022
Dr. Kenneth Rockwood was featured in the Outstanding Achievements section of the 2021-2022 Dalhousie Medical Research Foundation Impact Report for receiving the globally acclaimed Ryman Prize. Congratulations Dr. Rockwood!
Since 2001, DMRF donors have contributed $2.2 million to Dr. Rockwood’s frailty and aging research.
Dalhousie Medical Research Foundation Impact Report 2021-2022 (PDF)
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CEHA's first research project
Congratulations to the Centre of Excellence for Healthy Agency (CEHA) at Cape Breton University for launching its first research project. CEHA is serving as the Atlantic node of the CAN THUMBS-UP, a clinical research trial sponsored by the Canadian Collaboration on Neurodegeneration in Aging (CCNA). THUMBS-UP is part of an international trial looking at community-based interventions to prevent the onset of dementia.
CEHA has opened a home base in the new CBU complex in downtown Sydney, has hired a project manager and support staff, and has enrolled the first cohort for the trial, which will start later this fall.
The Centre of Excellence for Healthy Aging was created in 2021 by Research Nova Scotia, the Department of Health and Wellness and Nova Scotia Health to mark Dr. Ken Rockwood’s receipt of the Ryman Prize, which is given annually for the “world’s best discovery, development, advance or achievement that enhances quality of life for older people”. Dr. Rockwood serves as an advisor to CEHA.
References (October 5, 2022):
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Is it Ageing or Aging?
Aging and ageing are the same word spelled in two different ways. The UK keeps the “e” when adding a suffix, while North Americans drop the “e”. Use aging when writing American English; use ageing in The UK, New Zealand, and Australia.
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CIHR features Hematology Team for World Thrombosis Day
In connection to World Thrombosis Day on October 13, congratulations to Dr. Sudeep Shivakumar, Susan Pleasance, and team for being featured by the CIHR for their continued research in the simplification of blood thinners after hip and knee replacements.
Read the full article here:
https://cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/53219.html
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Dr. Lori Wood Receives Michael A.S. Jewett Award of Excellence
"Please join me in congratulating Dr Lori Wood, on receiving a very prestigious award at the recent Canadian Kidney Care Foundation meeting in Toronto. The Michael AS Jewett Award of Excellence recognizes extraordinary vision, leadership, and dedication in kidney cancer research. A well-deserved award for someone who has done so much for both research and patient care of so many people in Nova Scotia and beyond. We are so very lucky."
Debbie for Dr. Bailly
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Dal Med Ranks Seventh in Maclean's
October 2022
"Dalhousie has advanced into seventh place in Maclean’s ranking of Canada’s best Medical Doctoral universities — an improvement over its eighth place ranking last year."
Read full article:
https://www.dal.ca/news/2022/10/07/dalhousie-climbs-higher-in-2023-maclean-s-university-rankings.html
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QEII Redevelopment: Celebrating a milestone
October 2022
The week of October 3, the first procedures were performed at a new hybrid operating room (OR) located at the QEII’s Halifax Infirmary. The project is a first for Atlantic Canada and a significant milestone in the QEII Redevelopment Project.
Here is a virtual tour of the new space.
Patients will benefit from the advanced technology a hybrid OR provides for surgeons performing diagnostic imaging, minimally invasive procedures, more complex surgeries or a combination of all three. Patients also now have shorter recovery times, resulting in improved health outcomes.
This project, started in 2018, would not be possible without a $4 million contribution from donors to the QEII Foundation, $1 million of which was donated by Stewart E. Allan of Truro. The hybrid OR will be named in his honour. Thank you and congratulations to all involved.
Excerpts from:
Eileen MacGibbon, Vice President Operations, Central Zone
Dr. Christine Short, Senior Medical Director, QEII New Generation Project
Stephanie Walsh, Senior Director Clinical Planning, QEII New Generation Project
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Stewart E. Allen Hybrid OR | | | |
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