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:
July 3, 10:00 – 11:00am MT: The Mount Sinai National Chats for Change webinar series continues with Expanding Inclusion: What does this term mean for anti-racism work?. This session delves into the evolving landscape of inclusivity, exploring its nuances, challenges, and opportunities in unsettling times. More details and registration here
Sept. 27-28: The Federation of Medical Women of Canada 2024 Educational Conference and AGM is taking place in Ottawa, with the theme, Catalysts for Change: Celebrating 100 Years of Medical Women in Canada. Medical students, residents, and physicians who are current FMWC members are invited to submit abstract submissions for the poster session – deadline is July 31. More details and registration here
Articles and resources:
The US National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Centre has posted a recorded webinar on Culturally Responsive Cervical and Breast Cancer Screenings for LGBTQIA+ Communities, that discusses performing cervical and breast cancer screening exams in a way that is affirming for these patients, including communication and documentation. More details and registration for the webinar here
The Othering and Belonging Institute at UC Berkeley offers free online classes to learn about structural marginalization, the processes of othering, and the building blocks of belonging. Learn more here
Statistics Canada has an Accessibility Hub with information on accessibility in Canada, including statistics on the number of people with disabilities, workplace accommodations, and other content.
Recordings of recent webinars, podcasts and presentations:
Hidden Figures is a podcast that shares the experiences of BIPOC groups in Canadian academia by interviewing BIPOC scholars in different disciplines within the social and natural sciences, and spotlighting their contributions to their respective fields of study.
The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund hosted the Honourable Murray Sinclair, former Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, in a candid conversation on education, business, and reconciliation. View the recording
UAlberta’s John Dossetor Health Ethics Centre recently presented a webinar on Ableism and the Tyranny of Autonomy. Heidi Janz discussed the prevalence of ableism within the healthcare system and the link between ableism and the biomedical paradigm of disability.
View the recording
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. They have numerous COVID-19 physician wellness services. Well Doc Alberta also provides newsletters, support services, and a literature corner.
Well Doc Alberta hosts a physcian wellness podcast series. The EZMSA Vice-President, Dr. Cheryl Mack, is featured with Dr. Eric Wasylenko in Ep. 7 on “Physician Wellness through an Ethical Lens”.
Alberta Health Services
AHS also has resources available for medical staff. Every second Tuesday they host “AHS Physician Wellness during COVID-19” from 5-6pm via zoom. Registration is available on their website link above. This meeting is hosted by EZMSA Treasurer, Dr. Jennine Wismark, Associate Chief Medical Officer, Physician Wellness and Development at Covenant Health, and Dr. Debrah Wirtzfeld, Associate Chief Medical Officer, Diversity and Wellness at AHS.
AHS provides general resources by clicking the link above and MDwellness@ahs.ca as a contact.
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.
They have released a new podcast featuring physicians, learners, and leaders about what being a “healthy” physician means, the barriers that still exist, and the people, programs, and projects that are helping medical professionals stay well.
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.
The CCYYC recently released a one pager including some important statistics about the collective and feedback from those who have accessed their 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.