In many ways, Dr. Jan Hajek personifies VPSA’s values: connect; collaborate; and care. As an infectious diseases specialist, he provides inpatient consultations at VGH and works in its tropical medicine clinic. He also cares for clients who inject drugs and have severe infections at the Community Transitional Care Team on the Downtown Eastside. In addition, Dr. Hajek lends his expertise part-time to medical staff in Gulu, Uganda—providing clinical care in … Read More
Energy management and its impact on resilience
We would never send a child to school with just a can of coke and a slice of cake in their lunch box, yet we think grabbing a coffee and donut for ourselves is OK. The reasons our energy levels are low are all around us but we ignore them and persist in putting other people’s needs before our own. That was a common theme expressed by the physicians attending … Read More
New and seasoned physicians connect at VPSA Meet & Greet
Ever thought how much easier your job is when you know the physician on the other end of the phone? Or how pleasant it is when you greet colleagues you recognize in the hall? When we join a department, there is a tendency to become “tribal”: to create bonds with those we work with the most and focus on that microcosm. But we joined more than our department and our … Read More
Leaning in: VPSA hosts Appreciative Inquiry into meaningful leadership experiences and opportunities for women physicians
Over 20 women physicians and a handful of “manbassadors” gathered January 29 for a VPSA-sponsored Appreciative Inquiry workshop into a future where women and men physicians are working equally and together in strong leadership roles at VCH for the very best for our staff, as well as our patients, their families and supporters. Currently only 19 per cent of VCH’s medical leaders are women and the past four appointments are … Read More
Reconnect with meaning and purpose: Tips from Dr. Stephen Swensen, Professor Emeritus, Mayo Clinic
A trusted expert and internationally recognized caregiver advocate for reducing clinician fatigue and improving employee engagement, Dr. Stephen Swensen met with VPSA members for a number of special events this January. In a presentation open to all members, he shared lessons learned over his three-decade-long career with the Mayo Clinic. “Many physicians are working in a state of professional distress,” stated Dr. Swensen. “This goes beyond burnout and includes PTSD, … Read More