We have all been there. Not all medical procedures go as intended and it is often left to physicians to deliver distressing news. Communicating unexpected medical outcomes is daunting. It can create fear and anxiety for everyone involved. It is important to know how to convey unanticipated results in a sensitive manner, but few physicians receive communication training. As part of a provincial quality improvement initiative, VPSA is working with … Read More
VPSA funds wellness projects
Physician wellness is one of VPSA’s strategic priorities. To that end, we are making up to $47,000 available annually for protected time to bring together division and department members to identify barriers to wellness and fulfillment in their group, along with funding for the time required to design and test interventions to address these factors. Each group can receive up to $7,500 per year from VPSA. We are pleased to … Read More
President’s update
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
VPSA Leaders Forum increases collaboration
The Vancouver Physician Staff Association has created a Leaders Forum to enhance the work of its task groups and committees. The forum, which meets quarterly, includes representatives from each of the association’s groups. “The Leaders Forum is a place for information sharing and discussions that can generate ideas,” said VPSA President Elect Dr. Alison Harris, who chaired the first meeting of the group in late October. “We want to enhance … Read More