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. 13, 2:00 – 3:00pm MT: UFlourish continues with an online workshop on Neurodiversity in the Workplace & The 6 Principles for Inclusion. Everyone is invited to attend to learn about observable language and other differences, along with practical strategies to create a more neuroinclusive workplace. More details and registration here

  • Nov. 19, 6:00 – 9:00pm MT:  Everyone is invited to attend the 10th annual Calgary Student Run Clinic’s Health Equity Dinner & Fundraiser at the Foothills campus Azrieli Atrium. This event is a community-driven fundraiser that brings together students, faculty, local stakeholders, physicians, and community members to financially support the Clinic, a medical student-led non-profit organization working with physicians to provide accessible, quality after-hours healthcare to Calgary's inner-city population. Register here

  • Nov. 23, 8:30 – 9:30am MT: As part of the Community Based Research Centre’s annual conference, a free online panel discussion, Taking Up Space, will be offered. The panel will focus on 2S/LBTQ+ women and gender-diverse communities' needs and experiences in multi-disciplinary research. More details and registration here

Articles and Resources:

  • The results of the Canadian Medical Association’s 2025 National Physician Health Survey have been released showing that 74% of physicians reported experiencing bullying, harassment, microaggressions, or discrimination. Check out more details here

  • The Government of Canada has released new Accessibility Standards on the Use of Plain Language. This Standard will help organizations to create accessible, clear, and efficient communication. It shows how to identify, prevent, or remove barriers to communication that their audiences, including persons with disabilities, may face. Details guidelines are available on evaluation, wording and expression, design, and visuals. View or download the full document here, or read the summary here.

  • StopHateAB is leading a new research study, funded by the Canadian Race Relations Foundation, on the Mental Health Effects of Hate Crimes in Alberta. This first-of-its-kind study seeks input from racialized individuals over the age of 18 who live or have lived in Alberta and have experienced a hate-related crime/incident. 

    Recordings of recent webinars, podcasts and presentations:

  • This podcast, “A Few Bad Apples”? Why That Narrative Protects Power More Than People, discusses how systemic racism isn’t just about a handful of managers or employees doing racist things (bad apples). It discusses how the bad apples narrative makes it possible for leaders and organisations to keep repeating this excuse. No time for the podcast? Check out this LinkedIn article

  • 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.

  • 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.