Doctors of BC
#115-1665 West Broadway V6J 5A4 Vancouver, BC, Canada

In his latest #PrezBlog, Dr Matthew Chow recognizes the crucial work of non-frontline workers who have been working tirelessly behind health care scenes since the onset of the pandemic. Read more: http://ow.ly/JuvR50E1qqo

On the first Canadian Women Physicians’ Day, we celebrate and honour the amazing women who lead, innovate and heal in medicine every day. Read more about inspiring female doctors in Dr Matthew Chow's latest #PrezBlog and tweets to come. #CWPD2021 http://ow.ly/SqB250DWpRR

Are you interested in collaborating with your colleagues to build a stronger health care system that serves all British Columbians? Joining one of our committees is a great way to make a real difference. Applications close Apr 1. Apply: http://ow.ly/VGHU50DVrln

Each year, we acknowledge the outstanding contributions of doctors across the province with our Doctors of BC Awards. We are proud to congratulate 2020’s winners and to honour their impressive work. Learn more and view the Awards booklet here: http://ow.ly/PMM950DUBaB

Watch: To mark #InternationalWomensDay, a few of the inspiring female leaders who work for Doctors of BC share why we’re better together. Let’s all commit towards supporting the empowerment of female leaders every day. http://ow.ly/wrtC50DTlvg

Wearing a mask is mandatory in all public indoor settings and workplaces. Do your part to protect our communities. #MaskUp

The Ministry of Health is accepting Expressions of Interest (EOI) for doctors interested in pursuing the Practicing Full- Service Family Physician Group Contract introduced earlier this fall. http://ow.ly/ynvJ50Cn9iX

Show you care. Wear a mask to protect yourself and others.

With COVID-19 symptoms and flu symptoms being so similar, it is even more crucial this year that everyone gets the flu shot. BC doctors are working hard to ensure access to people who need it. As a family doctor, it is so important to me that my patients can access the flu shot in a safe and timely manner, and the outdoor flu clinics are providing that. The outdoor flu clinics in Tri- Cities and New Westminster allowed for COVID- safe flu shot administration, which has alleviated the pressure on family doctors’ offices, pharmacies and public health offices, says Fraser Northwest Division co-chair Dr Stephanie Aung. #IGotTheShot https://www.doctorsofbc.ca//fraser-area-physicians-rise-ch

Resident doctors - Join a webinar on how to get involved in ‘Advocating for youth mental health care in BC through a Community of Practice’ with Dr Matt Chow and a panel of leaders and residents on Nov 19 from 5-6 pm. Register: http://ow.ly/quUQ50CczN3.

#MaskUp to show you care. Prevent the spread of COVID-19 and save lives.

Members: It's time to vote. Meet your Doctors of BC president-elect candidates, Dr Ramneek Dosanjh, Dr Simon Rabkin and Dr Alastair Younger. Have your say before Dec 9. https://www.doctorsofbc.ca//20202021-doctors-bc-election-c

For Dr Chan, being the only colorectal surgeon in the Campbell River catchment offers many rewards. She says, I feel as a surgeon I’m doing a public service. It’s great to know my skill set is needed here, and rewarding to treat patients who would have otherwise had to travel several hours to Nanaimo or Victoria for subspecialty surgical care. Read more: https://sscbc.ca//spotlight-specialist-%E2%80%93-dr-tiffan

Members are encouraged to participate in the current negotiations survey on the next Physician Master Agreement (PMA). We want to know what's important to you when it comes to negotiating on your behalf, and this survey is an important tool in helping us better understand your priorities and better advocate for you and the profession during negotiations. Deadline: Nov 10. Learn more: http://ow.ly/2Nzh50C4f5g

Do your part to stop the spread of COVID-19 and save lives. #MaskUp

This flu season, protect yourself and help reduce the strain on the health care system. Get your flu shot today and tell your friends using the hashtag #IGotTheShot.

Help BC #SlowTheSpread of #COVID19 by sharing your creative tips on how you practice safety precautions in your daily lives, as a physician or an individual in the community. As cases continue to spike in BC, were looking for ideas on staying safe and navigating challenges to help people adapt to changes as the pandemic continues. What are your creative tips on preparation for the flu season, working from home, limiting social interactions and helping kids go back to school? Post in the comments, email us at [email protected] or tag us @DoctorsofBC. Well share your ideas via social media and our website.

Keep hospitals safe for health care workers and vulnerable patients. Always wear a mask when visiting a hospital to help stop the spread of COVID-19. #MaskUp

Innovative BC doctor creates solution to vaccinating during pandemic . Read more: http://ow.ly/Fr8o50BSLuJ

Physicians: Interested in developing policy on decriminalization and pharma alternatives to street drugs? Help address the overdose crisis in BC by applying for the new Project Working Group on Decriminalization, Safe Supply, and Addiction Care. https://www.doctorsofbc.ca//get-involved-new-working-group

Prevent the spread of COVID-19 and save lives. Wear a mask inside public places and outside when you can’t physically distance. #MaskUp

BC physicians with community offices who implemented a COVID-19 safety plan are eligible for a $1,000 grant from the Joint Collaborative Committees. Read more and apply here: https://www.doctorsofbc.ca//covid-19-office-safety-plan-su

We asked our doctors how to stay safe this fall.Wearing masks saves lives, wear yours with pride, is one of the many tips they are sharing on how you can help BC #SlowTheSpread of #COVID19. Read more: https://www.doctorsofbc.ca//doctors-share-their-tips-help-

Community specialists in BC: Complete this short survey by Sept 25 to help us better understand your challenges and unique needs in providing patient care. Outcomes will help inform the work of the Specialist Services Committee. https://sscbc.ca//community-specialists-we-are-looking-you

Members: Do you have an interest in developing policies to advance the profession and build a stronger health care system? #TakeTheOpportunity to make a difference by joining one of our many Doctors of BC committee openings. October 1 deadline. Read more: http://ow.ly/SQ5c50BAlCn

How are you contributing to #SlowTheSpread of #COVID19? Its time for BC to scale back on social interactions and refocus efforts to flatten the curve once again. #DoYourPart by keeping contacts low, wearing a mask and committing to bigger spaces and fewer faces.

Anxiety is increasing for children and parents in the face of many unknowns as schools reopen this fall. Child psychiatrist, Dr Ashley Miller believes theres an opportunity for families to work together to help prepare for that day. As a healthcare professional AND mother, Miller stresses the importance of staying the course with our kids and taking action in the present to help kids in the future. Please hear Dr. Henrys message again through new ears. Stay calm, stay kind..., stay safe and know that every time you choose to keep physical distance and connect with fewer people, you are directly helping kids mental health now and in the future. By modelling kindness and fostering a sense of community here in BC, we can protect the wellbeing of our young people as we continue adjusting. http://ow.ly/VP2w50BdMNY See more

BC physicians: With challenges of COVID-19 upon us, it is more important than ever that you share how you are feeling about engagement and interactions with your health authority and/or local hospital. Complete the 5th annual Health Authority Engagement Survey and help drive the positive changes you seek. Deadline is Oct 14. Learn more: https://www.doctorsofbc.ca//help-drive-change-you-want-see

Family physicians and MOAs can now register for the fall GPSC Billing Education Webinar series, starting Sept 15. You may choose to attend the content areas most relevant to their practice needs; however, content presented earlier in the series will not be repeated. Webinars are not recorded, and space is limited. Learn more: https://gpscbc.ca//gpsc-billing-education-webinar-series-s

Are you asking yourself what to do if your child becomes ill as the school year progresses? Check out our easy-to-follow guides for parents and physicians. Help protect your child and the health and safety of all kids and staff at school. https://www.doctorsofbc.ca//what-do-if-your-child-becomes-

New support is available for family practices to sustain high quality Electronic Medical Records (EMR) data and work flow processes related to panel management. Physicians and their teams can receive a combined maximum of 15 hours and up to 45 Mainpro+ credits when working through a panel maintenance cycle with the help of the Practice Support Programs coaches and peer mentors. Before applying for panel maintenance, physicians must have completed the three panel management... phases and received the panel development incentive at least four months ago. Contact [email protected] or your local practice support team for more information.

Do you need help to prevent or respond to violence in your clinic? Read our "Violence Prevention Guide for Community Practices" that includes an office safety checklist as well as tools and resources to deal with a potential violent occurrence. Learn more: https://www.doctorsofbc.ca//guide-help-protect-physician-o

Dr Kathleen Ross shares her sorrow over the senseless act of violence on Red Deer physician, Dr Walter Reynolds, and what needs to happen moving forward: "We will never be completely safe from harm, as the recent tragedy has so terribly emphasized. What we can do, is have open discussions about our risk and practices to mitigate that risk. Our lives depend on these crucial steps. Each of us is valuable and precious, and we simply cannot afford to take chances that lead to another physicians life being cruelly cut short." #PrezBlog https://www.doctorsofbc.ca//senseless-act-violence-red-dee

August is Drug Free Kids (DFK) Canadas Drug Drop Off Month. In light of the #COVID19 pandemic, and possible increase of substance use, it is more important than ever for parents and caregivers to securely store and properly dispose of unused medications. Read advice from Drug Free Kids Canada for British Columbians: https://www.doctorsofbc.ca//keep-your-kids-safe-prescripti

When you know someones story, youre better able to tailor your relationship with that person into something thats meaningful. I call it care choreography. This is not easy work. It takes time to understand, to put together, translate, and implement. Its like a PDSA cycle every time. Read about geriatric psychiatrist, Dr Carol Ward, who masters applying the power of story to help adult and older adult patients navigate their complex mental health challenges. #DoctorsMakingADifference https://www.doctorsofbc.ca//dr-carol-ward-geriatric-psychi

Call out to BC physicians interested in promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyles. Make a difference by joining our Athletics and Recreation Committee. More info on this and other committee openings. Learn more: http://ow.ly/PTPw50AREMj

As pandemic restrictions lift, physicians are in the process of increasing in-person care in their clinics. The "Doctor is In Guide" highlights areas to support the implementation of safety guidelines through this process. Learn more: https://www.doctorsofbc.ca//expanding-person-care-resource

A new data-sharing app allows physicians to compare EMR data in order to note trends, track changes over time, discuss tips with colleagues, and enhance learning, ultimately improving care for patients. Learn more: https://www.doctorsofbc.ca//how-bc-physician-using-emr-dat

In the latest #PrezBlog, Dr Kathleen Ross tells us how tomatoes helped her amid the myriad of negative physical and psychological demands relating to the SARS-CoV 2 pandemic. "I found this daily check-in made me feel connected to something greater". https://www.doctorsofbc.ca//principe-borghese-et-ipse-mecu

Members: Are you hesitating to apply to one of our committees because you think you need leadership or committee experience? Instead, think of where you can do the most good. What aligns with your passion? Where can you best lend your voice? The fact is, we need diverse voices with diverse experiences.... Take the opportunity! Apply to join one of our many Doctors of BC committee openings. Aug 6 deadline. Learn more: https://www.doctorsofbc.ca//make-difference-joining-doctor

Our work now is to remind health authorities and the Ministry of Health that specialists work within facilities, but they also work in the community and are actively contributing to the health care system. These physicians play a valuable role in the system and need to be supported. Read about Dr Kathy Lee's journey to effect change. #DoctorsMakingADifference

BC family physicians read the latest on programs and supports from the General Practice Services Committee (GPSC), a partnership of Doctors of BC and the Ministry of Health. June issue includes: fee updates, help to expand in-person care, and Dr John Yaps journey into the world of virtual care. http://www.gpscbc.ca/news/publications

In honour of #IndigenousPeoplesDay tomorrow, we want to highlight innovation in health care & the value of partnerships to ensure #CulturalSafety & #AccessToCare. Read our article "First Nations Virtual Doctor of the Day" to learn more. First Nations Health Authority Rural Coordination Centre of BC - RCCbc #NIPDCanada... https://www.doctorsofbc.ca//first-nations-virtual-doctor-d

One on one coaching and peer mentoring is now available through the Practice Support Program to help physicians develop a work safe restart plan and to transition toward a hybrid delivery model combining virtual and in-person care. https://www.doctorsofbc.ca//practice-support-program-helps

Call for nominations Doctors of BC is seeking applications from our membership to fill 8 positions on the Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Group. The Advisory Group will advise and provide input to the Board of Directors as they work to consider the viability of and best approaches to the implementation of the recommendations from the Barrier Assessment report, the development of a high-level diversity and inclusion vision statement as well as reports regarding progress on ...diversity and inclusion related work. As much as is possible, members of the Advisory Group should reflect the diversity of Doctors of BC membership. This includes an intention to ensure representation of physicians based on factors including, but not limited to: type of practice, stage of career (including residents and medical students), rural/urban practice setting, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, cultural background, religion, Indigenous/First Nations identity, disability, and/or age. All applicants must be a member in good standing of the Doctors of BC. Closing date is Thursday, August 6th, 2020. Learn more: https://www.doctorsofbc.ca//diversity-and-inclusion-adviso

Join us June 29 + 30, 2020 at the BC Rural and First Nations Health and Wellness Summit, a virtual gathering of communities and share your perspectives, thought...s and ideas about how we can shape practical next steps for how our rural healthcare system can be improved. RCCbc, First Nations Health Authority, and the Joint Collaborative Committees invite you, your colleagues, and your community to help lead this next phase of health care system change. Do you want to have the option to continue seeing your doctor or NP virtually? How can we improve cultural safety for Indigenous citizens in healthcare? What was the most important achievement (or gap) in your community during the COVID-19 pandemic? What changes did you make that you want keep permanently? Join this conversation and let us know what's important to you. Lets work together to strengthen rural healthcare for you, your family, your community, and your province. To register as a participant, or to facilitate a community discussion, sign up at https://rccbc.ca/summit. Its free and family-friendly. (View the entire video here: https://youtu.be/8mCXtwHt3vk)

A big congratulations to those who are completing their residency programs this year. We know that 2020s graduation celebrations will look a little different, but we are proud to support your Program Directors in celebrating this momentous milestone with our Resident Graduate Sponsorship Program. This small gesture is an acknowledgement of your incredible achievements in the face of a challenging year for all of us. Thank you from Doctors of BC! Resident Doctors of BC

It's the little things that make a big difference in containing the spread of COVID-19 in our communities. Make smart, informed choices and continue to think of others as we move #ForwardTogether.

With gratitude to our members who have provided extensive input, we're moving forward with our efforts to encourage greater diversity and inclusivity of physician leaders within our governance structures the Board, Representative Assembly and Committees. One key action is the development of a member-led #DiversityAndInclusion advisory group. Their task will be to provide the guiding vision for the consideration of implementation of many of the recommendations to come from our consultation. Want to get involved? Watch for a call for nominations soon!

In the latest #PrezBlog, Dr Kathleen Ross discusses diagnoses in the time of COVID-19: We are learning to retrain our brains to see beyond our usual patterns, and respect the potential for coronavirus across disease spectrums.

As the only black student you feel you cant make any mistakes, you cant slip up, because youre essentially representing your people. Motivated by his experience of being the only black medical student in his first year at UBC, and the isolation he felt as a result, Gbolahan GB" Olarewaju began advocating for increasing black representation in medical schools, eventually becoming the inaugural Chair of Black Medical Students' Association of Canada. #DoctorsMakingADiffer...ence #DoctorsOfTomorrow #DifferentTogether #BlackInMedicine Black Medical Students' Association of Canada See more

#DifferentTogether. Our statement on diversity, inclusion and tolerance. https://www.doctorsofbc.ca//statement-diversity-inclusion-

Would a rolling iPad device called "Interpreter on Wheels" be as effective as a live interpreter in the ER? Dr Matthew Kwok spearheaded a Physician Quality Improvement (PQI) project to find out. He's our #DoctorsMakingADifference

#DoctorsOfTomorrow: As an 11-year-old girl, Radhika Shankar never imagined a career in medicine. Today she is a fourth-year UBC med student and grateful recipient of a Doctors of BC bursary.

New document #TheDoctorIsIn provides information to support #BCdocs in the gradual re-opening of offices and clinics.

BC physicians if you are tempted to spend your long weekend developing a detailed plan to re-open your offices, let us take this off your plate. Watch for a document this week that will bring together all the guidelines in a clear and concise way. Remember, it is not required that you open your offices next week. This will take time, and we are here to help. #BetterTogether

Do your part by staying close to home this long weekend. Lets #HoldTheLine together. #DoYourPartBC

MSPQI, the initiative to measure quality improvement in BCs health care system is moving to the next stage.

As physicians we are just one part of a large community caring for children and youth. We need to work with all our partners to ensure that our actions are coordinated, and that services are reaching those that need them the most right now. - Dr Matt Chow, Doctors of BC President-Elect #May7icare #united4CYMH