I am honoured to have been confirmed at the recent VMDAS and VPSA AGM as your president and I am looking forward to working with my fellow board members in serving all our members. Recognizing that this has been another difficult year, VMDAS and VPSA have focused efforts on several key areas such as wellness and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. These will continue to be priorities for us. In … Read More
Planetary health and what it means to us
Planetary health and personal health are intertwined. That was one of the messages when VCH Regional Medical Director of Planetary Health, Dr. Andrea MacNeill gave a presentation to VMDAS and VPSA members at the organizations’ joint December annual general meeting. “If healthcare were a country, it would be the world’s fifth highest emitter of greenhouse gases,” said Dr. MacNeill. “It accounts for 4.6 per cent of all global emissions—the same … Read More
Doctors of BC president shares his optimism in the face of difficult challenges
Dr. Matthew Chow was one of the guest speakers at the December 6th VMDAS/VPSA joint annual general meeting. Dr. Chow, who is finishing his term as president of the Doctors of BC, attended via Zoom and thanked all members for their dedication and commitment over this past difficult year. “The pandemic has created many divisions in our society,” noted Dr. Chow. “There are anti-vaccine, anti-mask, and anti-government sentiments and there … Read More
New board presented at VMDAS/VPSA joint AGM
VMDAS and VPSA have a new board of directors who were confirmed at the recent annual general meeting of the two associations. Dr. Alison Harris assumes the position of president, with past president Dr. Eric Yoshida now serving the board in an advisory capacity. Dr. Ka Wai Cheung (who previously served as a member-at-large) was elected as our vice president. Dr. Michael Nimmo remains as secretary with Dr. John Ridley … Read More
The impact of civility on physician wellbeing
Civility—or basic behavioural codes—has a strong impact on peoples’ wellbeing. Incivility in medical environments negatively affects clinical outcomes. And this is not to be treated lightly: any behaviour that impairs a healthcare team’s ability to function well creates risk. That was one of the messages award-winning physician and author Dr. Jillian Horton gave at her recent keynote to VPSA members on fostering a culture of wellbeing. “My talk was about … Read More