Family Medicine Residency Site: Abbotsford-Mission

“The social stigma, discrimination, and denial of rights faced by LGBTQ individuals have been associated with health disparities such as higher rates of substance abuse, psychiatric disorders, and suicide. LGBTQ youth are more likely to be homeless and to attempt suicide, while LGBTQ older adults may experience isolation and a lack of social services and culturally competent providers. To make matters worse, experiencing intolerance, bias, or discrimination from health care providers may cause LGBTQ patients to delay care or avoid it altogether.

By addressing LGBTQ health needs and working to eliminate disparities, nurses can help reduce disease transmission and progression; increase mental health, physical well-being, and longevity; and decrease health care costs. The following list includes free educational resources and reports related to the care of LGBTQ individuals, plus resources nurses can share with patients and their families.”

More here on Improving LGBTQ Health & Well-Being: Free, evidence-based resources for health care providers, individuals, and families (June 2020) by Dr. Tracy Ortelli via Nursing Resources.

Congratulations to our recent graduate, Dr. Ellie Parton, who is featured in the Wei Wai Kum Times! We are incredibly proud of her and her colleagues who have embraced the discomfort that learning creates, continued to pursue their goals, and aimed for mountain peaks.

“’By this point it’s become clear that the pandemic is not the ‘great equalizer,’ said sociology professor Sylvia Fuller, who conducted the study along with UBC colleague Yue Qian. ‘Yes, we’re all living with the threat of sickness and with fallout in terms of change to our daily lives, but just as some people have proved to be more vulnerable to getting really sick, some groups are more vulnerable economically and socially as a result of the pandemic. What we’re seeing here is mothers rather than fathers having their employment really dramatically impacted.’
….
The data points to the importance of a robust and well-funded public child care sector, Fuller said, and other policy measures that will help less educated mothers return to the labour market.

‘If this persists as the economy opens up, if parents are still facing a summer with limited child care available, summer camps being closed, and uncertainty with schooling in the fall, then there’s a real danger that the pandemic will open up fault lines in men’s and women’s employment that will increase inequalities for a long time to come,’ said Fuller.”

More here on Gender employment gap among parents increases over first three months of pandemic via UBC News.

“Pride in our diversity – diversity that makes UBC such an incredible place to live, work, and learn – is something to celebrate and honour all year-long. But Pride is also a recognition of a long-standing fight for equality and justice, and an opportunity to reflect on and consider what each of us can do individually, and institutionally, to be inclusive – so that we all feel welcome and can fully access, participate, and thrive in all aspects of university life.”

Read more here on UBC President and Vice-Chancellor Santa J. Ono’s Statement on International Pride Month.

Congratulations to the recipients of our Abbotsford-Mission Family Practice Residency Site Awards for 2019-20!

Peter Grantham Resident Teaching Award
Awarded to a first year resident who has demonstrated interest and excellence in teaching.
Awarded to: Dr. Monika Wojtera

Site Medical Education Awards: Peer Selected
Chosen by their peers, these awards recognize faculty in their work as clinical or academic teachers, scholarly faculty, leaders, mentors or coaches.
Awarded to: Dr. Iris Liu and Dr. Jacqueline Ashby

Dear Preceptors and Residents,

It gives me great pleasure to announce that Dr. Thanh Luu will start as Co-Site Director on July 1st. Dr. Luu brings a wealth of teaching experience. Currently, she is the lead of the Hospitalist Rotation and Site Curriculum Lead. She also brings program experience from her time at University of Saskatchewan where she created the EBM Curriculum and was the Unit Director for the Department of Academic Family Medicine, Regina Site.

Thank you for welcoming her to her new position and feel free to contact either one of us with anything at all about the program.

~ Holden

As research teams pivot to our new virtual environment, social media is becoming an important tool to support the work of the research community.

The WHRI is pleased to offer our first Summer Social Media Series, a 4-part workshop to support your social media needs. The workshop includes lectures, group discussions, and breakout sessions.

Topics include:

• Social Media 101: Platforms and practice
• Social Media Planning: Partnerships, recruitment, and knowledge translation
• Social Media Metrics: Tips and tools for data collection and visualization

Dates + Times:

• Wednesday July 15, 2 – 4 pm
• Wednesday July 29, 2 – 4 pm
• Wednesday August 12, 2 – 4 pm
• Wednesday August 26, 2 – 4 pm

Registration is open to both individuals and teams – students and trainees are welcome!

Register now

For questions, please contact Nicole Prestley at Nicole.Prestley@cw.bc.ca or 604.816.7552.

Register here for the Virtual Teaching in Clinical Environments session.

Just weeks before the pandemic hit, this image was taken to capture our faculty and staff retreat organized by our incredible Site Coordinator, Ann Douglas. When I look at this photo, I’m reminded that our site’s success is reliant upon the efforts of our staff and faculty that are in the constant loop of rethinking and reimagining medical education.

Ann is instrumental in navigating our program through uncharted waters. She amazes us with her ability to organize, strategize, and coordinate our Residents’ educational journey; facilitate site events; and keep us on track. Over the years, she has supported our curriculum and broadened our Residents’ exposure to long-term care facilities as well as shared her knowledge, connections, and resources on the topic. She thoughtfully designs and supports our Preceptor Appreciation events, Resident graduations, and faculty retreats where we all feel cared for and welcomed.

We have grown exponentially, as individuals and as a team, since she joined us and we greatly appreciate her energy and wisdom that she brings to our collective intelligence.

Congratulations Ann!

~ Jacqueline

To Team 2020!

Seems like yesterday when we met early one morning and climbed a mountain together. Little did we know that we’d encounter such a large one nearing the completion of your journey that would challenge us in unique ways.

However, during that reflective jaunt in the wilderness, I learned a great deal about you and your desire to share, collaborate, and grow together. Throughout these last two years your enthusiasm, creativity, and desire to achieve have been inspiring. I loved the idea of inviting celebrity chef Michael Smith to our AHD! (Wish I could have been there!)

Your CaRMS video was hilarious and one of those classic keepers. The volleyball games showcased your competitiveness and team spirit. Your energy during our Pub & Papers Scholar Evening made it fun and so well organized. How many zoom meetings run ahead of schedule (and include a goat)?! You were spotless.

Therefore, I’m awarding Team 2020 the Coach’s Award for your perseverance, dedication, and excellence to your craft. I’m proud of you and am looking forward to your future accomplishments and successes. I also want you to know that I’m here, always, should you need to talk and sort things out.

Congratulations! Just keep climbing. And remember when exploring new terrain, be prepared for the unknown and make sure you pack the essentials and a few extras for your comrades.

Your Coach,
Jacqueline