Our health-care system is in crisis and physician burnout is significant. A 2021 wellness survey carried out by the VCH Emergency Department identified a 75 per cent burnout rate among its 71 physicians and locums. While many drivers of stress can only be addressed at an organizational level, three Emergency Department members are acting as wellness champions for their colleagues: Drs. Ka Wai Cheung, Ariana Murata, and Zafrina Poonja. “We … Read More
Why physician wellness measurement counts
We all know there is a health-care crisis and that the toll it is taking on physicians and other medical staff is enormous. Burnout is widespread among health-care providers. While physicians can take individual steps to promote their own self-care, systemic change is needed to make a significant difference to wellness. One of the ways we can argue for change at the organizational level is by measuring wellness within physician … Read More
Update on VPSA’s strategic plan goals
Since publishing its strategic plan in February 2022, VPSA board and staff members have been working diligently to realize its goals. An update on ways we are achieving these is now available. The plan guides VPSA’s actions through until 2024; it has four priorities: Increase member engagement and support, especially with under-represented departments. Improve member physician engagement with Vancouver Coastal Health leadership. Implement robust performance management, monitoring and evaluation systems, … Read More
Understanding anti-Black racism in the health-care system
VCH physicians and medical staff were given two opportunities during Black History Month to hear from the president of Black Physicians of Canada, Dr. Modupe Tunde-Byass. She spoke to members about the impact of race in health care as well as inclusion in health care. Physicians attending her second talk were able to earn CME credits. Dr. Tunde-Byass defined racism as the belief that a certain race is inherently superior. … Read More
Quality improvement, Indigenous Health, and an address from the new DoBC president
Over 100 medical staff attended the February 13 VMDAS quarterly meeting in person and online. They had the opportunity to learn about the Physician Quality Improvement initiative, the efforts being undertaken by VCH’s Indigenous Health team, as well as to hear from Doctors of BC President Dr. Joshua Greggain. Physician Quality Improvement Overview Physician QI Chair Dr. Kelly Mayson provided a summary of quality improvement opportunities for medical staff at … Read More