The release in 2020 of the In Plain Sight report was a wakeup call about the need to address Indigenous-specific racism and discrimination in BC’s health care system. All health care workers have important roles to play in creating positive change, beginning by examining our beliefs, building our understanding of the past and present reality of health care for Indigenous peoples, and considering the role we can each play in … Read More
Standing up to the bystander effect in medicine
Anti-Asian hate crimes increased 878 per cent in 2020 according to a Vancouver Police Department third-quarter key performance indicator report. With racial tensions running high, our Asian Canadian physician colleagues are on the frontline of two wars: fighting the COVID-19 pandemic and racism. Speaking up for our Asian colleagues and patients is one of the ways we can create allyship and resilience. We need to overcome the bystander effect where … Read More
Standing up to anti-Asian racism
Vancouver saw more reported anti-Asian hate crimes in 2020 than any other city in North America according to a new report from the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at California State University San Bernadino. That won’t come as a surprise to anyone of Asian descent: almost half of such British Columbians experienced a hate incident in the past year. To help begin a conversation about this and … Read More
VPSA-funded project aims to increase awareness of vaping resources for youth
Vaping is becoming increasingly popular with youth. Healthcare workers are concerned as it can lead to nicotine addiction and other negative health effects. Healthcare and youth workers have other common concerns: the need to broadcast the same message and to have organized resources designed specifically for youth. With funding from the Vancouver Physician Staff Association’s Engagement Accelerator, the VGH Smoking Cessation Clinic and Legacy Airway for Health were able to … Read More
VPSA Dinner Groups – Getting to know the human side of your colleagues
Burnout is a serious concern among physicians and addressing it will require systemic change. In the meantime, there are other steps you can take to build resilience. “One theme that emerged from the VA/VC wellness survey that VCH conducted last fall was the desire for greater peer support,” said Dr. Fahreen Dossa, co-chair of the VA/VC Physician Wellness Steering Committee and a member of VPSA’s Community Building and Wellness Task … Read More