“Food is the single strongest lever to optimize human health and environmental sustainability on Earth.” This quote from the EAT-Lancet Commission supports the belief that what we eat plays a vital role in both human and planetary health. Dr. Annie Lalande, a surgical resident and PhD student in resources, environment, and sustainability at UBC, used it as the jumping off point for her recent presentation to VMDAS members. Dr. Lalande’s … Read More
Senior leaders provide input into EDI and wellness activities
VPSA/VMDAS board and staff meet regularly with VCH senior leaders to develop a collaborative relationship between medical staff and the health authority. The March meeting included updates about medical staff EDI and wellness initiatives. Medical Staff Equity, Diversity and Inclusion update EDI Regional Medical Director Dr. Joy Masuhara reviewed the committee’s recent activities. The regional lactation project is well underway, with spaces opened or soon to open at VGH, UBC … Read More
Women surgeons share their experiences for International Women’s Day
Well over half of students enrolled in Canadian medical schools are women and that’s been the case for 30 years. However, women continue to be underrepresented in surgical specialties. While parity has been achieved in OBGYN, trends in Canadian medicine and surgery anticipate gender parity will not be achieved for general surgery until 2043, plastic surgery in 2053, otolaryngology in 2062, ophthalmology in 2070, urology in 2123, orthopedics in 2124, … Read More
The benefits of a plant-based diet: A nurse practitioner offers her thoughts
Jennifer Bramley has been following a plant-based diet for 15 years, including during her current pregnancy as well as when she was carrying her now four-year-old daughter. “Some people questioned my diet, but I’ve had no issues and my daughter, who also doesn’t eat meat or dairy, is very healthy,” said Jennifer. “I was a pretty hard-core vegan when I first started but will eat honey now and occasionally eggs.” … Read More
VMDAS quarterly meeting focuses on CST
Over 100 members gathered online and in person recently to hear updates on Cerner and CST: how it has rolled out at VGH, UBC Hospital, and various clinics, as well as its future. Dr. Raheem Kherani, chair of the VPSA CST Task Group, Dr. Eric Grafstein, the chief medical information officer for Vancouver Coastal Health and Providence Health Care, and Dr. Vinay Dhingra, the physician lead for CST at VCH-Vancouver, … Read More