It has been great to see so many VPSA members enjoying the new Physician Hub for Engagement and Wellness (PHEW) at VGH. We conducted a survey recently regarding issues that have come up since the space opened. Using your responses, we have created guidelines for access and usage.
Going forward, the PHEW may only be accessed by residents, fellows, or students when accompanied by a member of the medical staff. As the space is designed as a place to refresh, reset, and reconnect with one another, staff physicians should not hold small group meetings there with their teams. Also, the PHEW is not available for division or departmental meetings or rounds. Adhering to these guidelines will ensure the intent of the PHEW is met.
VPSA’s Community Building and Wellness Task Group is the steward of the PHEW. If you have any questions or wish to inquire about holding an event there, please contact the group via Initiative Manager Andrew Pinfold.
The PHEW’s coffee machine has been a big hit and a great way to attract physicians to the space. Unfortunately, our budgets don’t allow for us to continue offering free coffee indefinitely and we will soon be restricting complimentary coffee to two weekdays per week as well as weekends.
We are planning to host a series of physician appreciation lunches in the PHEW, like those held at St. Paul’s, Lions Gate, and Richmond hospitals. These lunches will offer you a chance to connect and network with colleagues.
Your executive meets monthly with senior leaders at VCH and we have been presenting and advancing the cause of physician opinions. The medical staff endorsed the concept of evaluation of leaders at our institution in order to provide a responsive leadership. VCH is slowly moving in that direction. We have also been working at improving the working dyads—physician and operations managers at VCH. There has been a successful event in Vancouver Community and an event is planned for later this month.
Funding from the Specialist Services Committee allows us to provide financial support to physician-led engagement projects. If you have a project in mind, please note that the deadline for 2020 Engagement Accelerator projects is November 25, 2019. You can learn more here. We have been able to fund some very exciting and interesting projects and I encourage you to take advantage of the up to $20,000 available. These projects provide opportunities to build relationships and effective communication across the physician community.
We are having an outstanding speaker and event at the end of the month. Dr Robin Walker who, as Integrated Vice President, Medical Affairs & Medical Education, London Health Sciences Centre and St. Joseph’s Health Care London, aided in the transformation of his institution into one where physician enjoyment at work skyrocketed. He will be speaking on November 28. Come and hear him and get together with colleagues. (Register here.)
Lastly, I’d like to alert you to the VMDAS annual general meeting and election of officers that is scheduled for December 2. There are five to seven board positions that will require filling, and this is an excellent opportunity for you to get involved and advance the voice of physicians. Learn more here.
Sincerely,
Dr. Simon W. Rabkin, President
VPSA/VMDAS
November 2019