VPSA’s monthly physician lunches are a popular place to meet and chat with colleagues. They are also an opportunity to get to know more about other departments and providers so we don’t operate so much in silos. February’s lunch at VGH saw the launch of a VCH initiative to get to know our colleagues better. “A key takeaway from my meetings with some of the Vancouver Acute medical directors and … Read More
Profiling our task groups and committees: Projects Committee
VPSA’s Projects Committee oversees physician-led projects that increase collaboration amongst the physician community and with VCH. Funding of up to $5,000 per year is available through the committee’s Small Steps, Big Idea initiative. Committee members develop the process and criteria for selecting the projects and provide ongoing leadership and support to project leads. Dr. Nicolas Lenskyj chairs the committee. Its other members are Drs. Melanie Altas, Tong Lam, Colin Siu, … Read More
VPSA supports basic life support training
When Dr. Debra Miller heard about a pilot program offering physicians’ basic life support training, she jumped at the opportunity. She and her colleagues who work at the Joseph & Rosalie Segal & Family Health Centre at VGH eagerly responded to the offer from the VGH Simulation Centre. “Our patients have complex mental health and medical needs; they’re all ages; some are active drug users—they are at risk of having … Read More
VPSA funding recruitment and retention projects
Health human resources (HHR) are proving to be some of the most difficult challenges health-care facilities are currently experiencing. Recruiting and retaining physicians and medical staff are priorities for VPSA as HHR-related issues can be a leading cause of burnout. The Facility Engagement Initiative’s funding guidelines were updated recently, allowing VPSA to fund recruitment and retention projects. All VA and VC department and division heads have been invited to apply … Read More
Life beyond medicine: Planning for the unknown
Dr. Sunil Mangal was ready to start winding down his career in emergency medicine. He had practiced from coast to coast—from PEI to Tofino—and spent over 20 years providing care at St. Paul’s Hospital. He had just discovered mountain biking and was thinking that alternating two weeks in Whistler with two weeks working in Vancouver was a good step towards retirement. He was planning to slow down: take fewer shifts, … Read More