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, and newcomers Drs. Mostafa Fatehi Hassanabad and Lynn Straatman.

“As a staff surgeon who trained at VGH, I’m familiar with the clinical and operational aspects of our institution, which positions me well to contribute to this committee,” said Dr. Hassanabad. “I spend many hours at VGH and am well integrated into the hospital’s culture. That gives me a broad perspective on the needs and opportunities for improvement. I bring a fresh and dynamic outlook and will assess project applications with a balance of innovation and practicality.”

Dr. Straatman has been on the receiving end of VPSA project funding and has also secured funding from sources such as CIHR, Heart and Stroke, Health Excellence Canada and both Shared Care and Specialists Care Committees from Doctor’s of BC. That gives her a unique perspective on evaluating applications for project funding.  “I would like to encourage, mentor and sponsor individuals who submit projects to utilize the funding from VPSA as a stepping stone to applying for larger grants to fully envision their projects,” she said. “Throughout my career I have engaged in consensus building activities and acknowledge that the funding to support projects has the ability to build consensus between multiple groups both within VA/VC and the greater community.”

Small Steps, Big Idea’s application process begins with a letter of intent. Once approved, applicants are invited to submit detailed proposals and the time spent completing this is compensated at the current sessional payment rate.

Click here for a list of current Small Steps, Big Idea projects and here for information on previously funded projects.