VMDAS members gathered online and in person on September 14 for the announcement of the 2020 VMDAS awards for achievement and long service milestones. The pandemic has shined a light on how important the services that we provide are and the evening, presided over by VMDAS President Dr. Eric Yoshida and Vice-President Dr. Alison Harris ,was a chance to pay tribute to the extraordinary contributions members make to patient care … Read More
President’s Update
The summer has provided a welcome respite from our preoccupation with COVID-19. But the fall holds uncertainty as to how the pandemic will unfold. Throughout this time, your MSA and VPSA have organized various supports ranging from activities to guard your wellness, food to keep you nourished, and childcare and temporary accommodation so you can focus on your work without worrying about its effect on your family. We have also … Read More
Every picture tells a story: Behind the Mask photos soon to be displayed
Earlier this year anesthesiologist Dr. Cyrus McEachern captured glimpses of his colleagues at work and at play. The project garnered considerable media attention and motivated VPSA to work with the VGH and UBC Hospital Foundation to display some of the photos in the hallway between ICU and the pre-operative care centre at VGH. VPSA members were invited to vote on their favourite photos; the top 10 of 18 will soon … Read More
Approaching Indigenous cultural safety with curiosity and humility
“We call upon those who can effect change within the Canadian health-care system to recognize the value of Aboriginal healing practices and use them in the treatment of Aboriginal patients in collaboration with Aboriginal healers and Elders where requested by Aboriginal patients.” – Call to Action #22, Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada When it comes to providing healthcare to Indigenous peoples, it is vital that physicians and other medical … Read More
Ministry of Health remuneration
Since March 15, Medical Staff Associations (MSAs), Divisions of Family Practice, health authorities (HAs), and other primary care partners throughout the province have taken and continue to take action to rapidly reorganize and stand up services in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. At the height of the pandemic, the Ministry of Health (MoH) and Doctors of BC were working behind the scenes to clarify how physician planning time would be … Read More