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:

  • Nov. 27, 11:00am – 12:00pm MT: The next Big IDEAS about Health Data, presented by the Health Data Research Network Canada, is Social Determinants of Health Data. Dr. Andrew Pinto, director of Upstream Lab, will discuss his work on the social determinants of health, population health management and using data science to enable proactive care and promote health equity. Register here

  • Dec. 1, 12:30 – 2:00pm MT:  The CIHR is hosting a webinar for participants to understand the requirements and application process for the 2025 Research Excellence, Diversity, and Independence (REDI) Early Career Transition Award. This funding opportunity is available to postdoctoral researchers, clinicians, and research associates to help them launch their research faculty careers in Canada. It is open to those who identify as Black (any gender), a racialized woman or gender-diverse person, First Nations, Inuit or Métis. Join here

  • Dec. 2, 11:00am – 12:00pm MT: The Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion presents a virtual workshop, Strengthening our Workplace Culture Through Psychosocial Safety. This webinar will explore how to mitigate workplace psychosocial hazards through equity, accessibility and inclusion approaches. 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

  • CIHR has launched the next iteration of the Research Excellence, Diversity, and Independence (REDI) Early Career Transition Award. The REDI program aims to promote scientific excellence and promote diversity in Canada’s research ecosystem. It is a two-phase program designed to support trainees (post-doctoral researchers, clinicians, and PhD-holding research associates) from underrepresented groups who are aiming to launch an independent research career in Canada, and would benefit from 1-3 years of structured, mentored development to support that transition. UCalgary Research Services provides support for submitting an application – register by Feb. 2, 2026 to participate!

Articles and Resources:

  • UToday, the e-newsletter of the University of Calgary, had a recent article, Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action turns 10: What progress has UCalgary made? Read more about ii' taa'poh'to'p, UCalgary’s Indigenous Strategy.

  • Despite what social/mainstream media and some political parties may say, results from the most recent Survey on Employment and Skills shows that most Canadians view EDI measures in the workplace positively. The survey results show strong support among equity-deserving groups, younger workers and those with positive job experiences. Read the full report here

  • The Black Women's Institute for Health has released Voices Unheard: Canada’s First National Health Survey of Black Women and Girls. The report describes the lived experience of Black women, girls, and gender-diverse people across the social determinants of health, from accessing healthcare to navigating mental wellness, employment, education, and more.

    Recordings of recent webinars, podcasts and presentations:

  • The Health Data Research Network Canada (HDRN) Pragmatic Trials Training has produced an online module that explores Choosing Outcomes & Endpoints - The Equity Lens in pragmatic trials. The video emphasizes co-defining success with communities and recognizing how positionality and bias affect research priorities. Researchers are encouraged to consider cultural relevance, accessibility, and community validation, and embedding EDIA principles to help generate findings that are both valid and meaningful across diverse populations.

  • Recordings from the UCalgary’s Office of Indigenous Engagement’s Traditional Knowledge Teaching Series are available for viewing for those who missed the live webinars.  This series provides a platform for Elders and Traditional Knowledge Keepers to share traditional knowledge and knowledge systems. Most recently, Blair First Rider presented on the medicine wheel knowledge.

  • The Canadian Race Relations Foundation has produced a documentary on the Science of Racism, exploring the ways in which our brain compartmentalizes, classifies and subconsciously discriminates in order to make sense of the world around us.

     

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.