ZONE NEWS

Scroll down to view a collection of updates, news and upcoming events relevant to physicians across Alberta.

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Wellness

For more, follow on X (formerly Twitter): 
@CSM_PESJO

Online events, webinars, courses and conferences:

  • Jan. 6, 9:00am – 12:00pm MT:  The CSM community is invited to attend From Bystander to Upstander: Intervention Training, hosted by the Office of Faculty Development. This three-hour virtual course will prepare learners, faculty, and staff to speak up and stand up when they witness discrimination and harassment. (also offered in person on Feb. 11)  Register here

  • Jan. 13, 3:00 – 4:00pm MT:  One Child Every Child (OCEC) coordinates a hybrid (in-person at Foothills campus and Zoom) Reading Circle: Embers -  One Ojibway's Meditations by Richard Wagamese. All those interested in discussing the book and Wagamese’s thoughts on feeling joy in everyday things. Also offered May 12. Register here

  • Mar. 4 & 5:  The Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion presents a virtual UnConference on Belonging in complex times: Equity and courage at work. Early bird rates in effect until Jan. 16.

Articles and Resources:

  • Inside Higher Education recently published an article on Doing DEI when you can’t use the ‘D’, the ‘E’ or the ‘I’ word, with suggestions on how to keep doing the important work of trying to make higher education a kind, inclusive and equitable place comprising a rich diversity of people.

  • The Office of Indigenous Engagement has released its 2025 annual report on progress made on ii’ taa’poh’to’p, UCalgary’s Indigenous Strategy, Empowerment from the Circle. The report highlights some of the significant highlights in advancing the strategy, including an increase in the number of Indigenous graduates.

  • Proposal submissions are now being accepted for the Conference on Postsecondary Learning and Teaching, hosted in April 2026 by the UCalgary Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning. The 2026 conference theme is From Disruption to Connection: Digital Transformation in Postsecondary Education, with a great number of potential session topics, including those with an EDIA slant.  More information on submitting a proposal by the Jan. 9 deadline here

    Recordings of recent webinars, podcasts and presentations:

  • As you take some time to celebrate the holiday season and mark the winter solstice, check out a recording of the recent UFlourish keynote presentation on Leisure and Mental Health. This session discusses the topic of “work-life balance” and approaching leisure as an experience. 

  • The Docs With Disabilities Initiative podcast has a series of episodes that focus on the experiences of health care providers with disabilities by having critical conversations with the doctors, researchers, administrators, faculty, and policy makers who are working to make medicine an equal opportunity profession. There is an accompanying series, Research and Resources Rounds, where the podcasts provide an overview of the literature and resources relevant to disability inclusion in health professions education. reviewing critical commentaries and research articles in 15 minutes or less.

     

Physician Wellness

Resources available to support you in your wellness:

Well Doc Alberta
Well Doc Alberta is an initiative aimed at advancing a collaborative, co-operative, pan-provincial approach to physician wellness. Their work, focused on education and prevention, is supported by the science of physician wellness and driven by need. Well Doc works with physicians at the grassroots level and with leadership to grow capacity, empower change, shift culture, and achieve their vision of “Shaping the future of physician wellness, together.”

Alberta Medical Association Physician & Family Support Program
The AMA's Physician and Family Support Program provides confidential support and help with personal health issues and enhances the quality of patient care and public safety by promoting health and well-being for the medical profession that cares for all Albertans. More resources are posted on the AMA website link above.

Their phone line is available for you at any time:
1.877.SOS.4MDS (767.4637)
International: 403.930.0529 (you may call collect)
CONFIDENTIAL 24 hours a day/7 days a week/365 days a year

Canadian Medical Association Physician Wellness Hub
This Hub provides reliable wellness tools and resources to empower physicians, medical learners and leaders to create change in the culture of medicine.

Community Collect YYC
Community Connect YYC is a collaborative of Calgary-based agencies committed to helping community members quickly and easily access mental health and other social support services.

Vital Signs

Vital Signs began in 1996 as a black-and-white stapled newsletter. It evolved over the years, eventually becoming a sleek and modern digital magazine until it was discontinued in 2020. To learn more about the history of Vital Signs and those who helped create it over the years, take a look at the final issue.

Archives
Click on links below to view each year's issues in pdf format.