ZONE NEWS

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

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Wellness

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@CSM_PESJO

Online events, webinars, courses and conferences:

  • May 6, 12:00 – 1:30pm MT: The Alliance against Violence & Adversity (AVA) presents a webinar, What Does Masculinity Have to Do With It: Men, Fathers’ Rights Groups, and the Complexities of Masculinity. Connor MacMillan will discuss that rising gender-based violence is precipitated by an uncertainty of masculine gender norms and expectations. Details and registration here

  • May 7, 6:30 - 8:30pm MT: Join the Libin Women’s Cardiovascular Health Initiative in partnership with the Calgary Public Library at the Crowfoot Library for Heart Health for Her: Empowering Women at Every Beat to discover how heart disease can look different in men and women and to learn practical tips to protect your heart at every stage of life. Register here

  • May 7 & 8: Registration is now open for the 2nd annual Black Child and Youth Wellbeing Conference, taking place at UCalgary’s downtown campus (early bird rates until April 15!). The conference theme is Transforming the Lives of Black Children and Youth in Canada: From Data to Action. The event will bring together and engage trainees, youth, parents, members of Black communities, policy makers, an interdisciplinary group of researchers, and other key stakeholders, to collectively improve the health and well-being of Black youth in Canada.

  • June 11-13: The Canadian Women in Medicine Conference takes place in Winnipeg. This accredited conference is the largest gathering of women physicians in North America, and includes inspiring keynote addresses and workshops, social gatherings, and networking opportunities.

    Articles and Resources:

  • A ten-year old, but still relevant article in The Conversation Looks at the Psychology Behind the Unfunny Consequences of Jokes that Denigrate. It argues that by disguising expressions of prejudice in a cloak of jokes, disparagement humor appears harmless, but research is demonstrating that this type of humor can foster discrimination against targeted groups.

  • Psychology Today has an informative article, Say It Right: A Neurodiversity Language Guide for Allies, that provides a practical guide to neuroinclusive language.

  • The Government of Canada is seeking a new Chairperson for the Canadian Race Relations Foundation Board of Directors. This part-time leadership role is central to advancing anti-racism, equity, and strong race relations across Canada. Applications due by May 14.

    Recordings of recent webinars, podcasts and presentations:

  • The National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health hosted a four-part webinar series exploring topics including Indigenous-based health research, health impact assessment, Indigenous-led community-based participatory research, and impact measurement. View this series and other NCCIH webinars here

  • The recording of UCalgary’s Office of Indigenous Engagement recent webinar, Is Reconciliation Dead?  by Dr. Terry Poucette is available for viewing.  This is the first of the OIE’s 2026 Indigenous Knowledge Lecture Series.

  • The Continuing Education department at the University of Alberta is offering free registration until Feb. 28 for an asynchronous micro-course, Black Canadians: History, Presence, and Anti-Racist Futures. The 8-hour course explores some of the major histories, migrations, artists and activists that have contributed to the presence and survival of Black people in Canada.

     

     

     

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.