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:
Sept. 24, 9:30 – 11:00am: Alberta Health Services is hosting a panel of youth presenters at a virtual workshop, A Future of Hope: Reconciliation Through Intergenerational Healing. The panelists will share their stories and reflections on Truth & Reconciliation and intergenerational healing. Register here
Sept 25, 11:00am – 12:00pm MT: The Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion presents a webinar on Ten Years of Truth, a Lifetime of Action. Marking a decade since the TRC’s Calls to Action, this webinar explores the critical shift from truth-telling to sustained, transformative action. A panel discussion will reflect on the progress made, address persistent barriers, and chart a bold path for reconciliation in our organizations and communities over the next decade. AHS is a partner with CCDI and those registering with an AHS email can attend at no cost by selecting ‘employer partner’. Details and registration here
Sept. 29, 6:00 – 8:30pm MT: UCalgary’s Office of Indigenous Engagement and the Calgary Public Library present a free screening of Siksikakowan: The Blackfoot man. The film follows the director as he returns to his home nation of Siksika to provide unfiltered glimpses into the daily lives of his fellow Blackfoot men and reveal a portrait of Indigenous masculinity rarely seen on screen. Register here
Articles and resources:
The National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health completed an Environmental Scan of Cultural Safety Initiatives In Canada to identify the diverse actions and initiatives implemented across Canada to improve access to culturally safe health services for Indigenous Peoples. The environmental scan contains separate chapters for cultural safety initiatives undertaken up to June 2022 at the national level and for each province and territory.
JAMA Internal Medicine recently published an article called I’m Stepping Away. Can You Cover for Me?—Supporting Faith-Based Practices, highlighting how an investment on faith-based accommodations can revitalize resilience and hope in clinicians in the face of occupational stress.
The Community-Based Research Centre has an article on The Rise of Anti-Trans Laws: How Allies Can Support Canadian Trans and Gender-Expansive Youth detailing how allies can play an important role in creating affirming environments.
Recordings of recent webinars, podcasts and presentations:
A recording of a webinar on Advancing Health Equity in Organizations and Systems Using Frameworks as a Tool is now available from the National Collaborating Centre for Determinants of Health. The webinar presents results of a 2023 review of the literature which identified 47 actionable health equity frameworks
Minette Norman, author and leadership consultant, recently recorded a discussion on Psychological Safety, Inclusion, and Effective Meetings. Learn how to foster a culture of trust and openness by creating psychologically safe work environments.
A presentation on AI in Health, Ethical, Legal, Privacy, and Equity Challenges, hosted by the Health Data Research Network Canada (HDRN) on is now available to view.
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.