The Vancouver Physician Staff Association (VPSA) Facility Engagement Initiative was established in August 2016 to bring together a diversified group of physicians from VGH, UBC Hospital, GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre, and our Vancouver Community to focus on strategies for improving experiences in the workplace as well as for cultivating relationships and communication between physicians and Vancouver Coastal Health. A governance structure that reflects priorities identified by physicians has been developed. … Read More
Dr. Himat Vaghadia shares his tips for physician resiliency
In 2010, longtime VGH anesthesiologist Dr. Himat Vaghadia was working over 50 hours a week and was not paying attention to what his body was telling him. He had low energy, daily pain, poor sleep and was gaining weight. “That’s not unusual for physicians who work those kinds of hours,” Dr. Vaghadia told a group of VCH staff gathered for his recent Vancouver Physician Staff Association (VPSA) wellness presentation. “A … Read More
VCH CIO talks about the role of technology in our work
In an effort to increase communication between doctors and VCH leadership, VPSA hosts monthly breakfast meetings where matters of mutual interest can be discussed. VCH Chief Information Officer Ron Quirk was the series’ guest in May. Ron returned to VCH in September 2017 following a failed retirement during which he went from supporting health care systems and technology to being a health care consumer. He came to see the overwhelming fragmentation … Read More
Town hall shines light on Vancouver MSA’s advocacy role
There was spirited discussion amongst the physicians who met April 23 for the joint VPSA/Vancouver CoC Medical, Dental & Allied Staff Association’s town hall. The hot topics: the Vancouver MSA’s role as an advocate; and the opportunity to participate in a VGH physician lounge “dotmocracy.” “As the association’s new president, I want to know what members want,” began Dr. Simon Rabkin. “We’re in this together; your MSA can work to … Read More
The art and science of leadership: Dr. Faisal Khosa offers inspiring words
Leadership takes many forms. That was one of the takeaways from a recent Vancouver Physician Staff Association (VPSA) Unique Lives in Medicine luncheon. The guest speaker was our colleague, Dr. Faisal Khosa, a VGH radiologist as well as an award-winning scholar, researcher, mentor and philosopher. “What do all great leaders have in common,” Dr. Khosa challenged his audience. “They are beyond involved; they are fully committed. A good leader is … Read More