2021, Vol. 3 | Pour accéder à la version française de ce bulletin, cliquez ici.
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Today is Earth Day! What began over 50 years ago as a grassroots movement to bring political attention to environmental issues is now a global day of action for creating change that protects the planet and our future. In Family Medicine, we strive to provide quality care to all that is equitable and meets the needs of our communities. This is a weighty responsibility, and it can sometimes be easy to overlook the importance of a healthy environment to the health of our patients, and ourselves. It is becoming increasingly clear that environmental health is fundamentally linked to human health, and we cannot expect the best possible health outcomes if we live in a degraded and unhealthy environment. We must also recognize its importance as a social determinant of health, and acknowledge that it is our marginalized and vulnerable patient populations who are most impacted by climate change, waste and pollution. As physicians, we have the opportunity to be collaborators, leaders and advocates for both planetary and human health. I hope the stories in this issue inspire you to act and speak out on equity, social justice and environmental protection. An easy way to get started is to bring along a garbage bag and a pair of gloves on your next walk to help clean up your community.
Do you have any ideas on initiatives we can promote at the DFM to protect the environment? What are some of the ways you act as an advocate for your patients and our planet? I would love to hear from you!
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STORIES IN FAMILY MEDICINE |
Join these Ottawa family doctors advocating for a sustainable recovery from COVID-19
The intrinsic connections between climate health and human health are becoming increasingly obvious. Ottawa-based family physicians Dr. Eugenie Waters and Dr. Sarah Sloan are joining a growing chorus of healthcare leaders to advocate for a sustainable recovery from COVID-19 that highlights the importance of climate action on improved health outcomes for all. Find out more about their work to advocate for their patients and the environment, and how you can get involved.
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Tips to "green" your clinic
There are several small changes you can introduce in your clinical environments right now to make a big difference in reducing waste, improving efficiency and saving money. The Green Office Toolkit is a comprehensive guide to making eco-friendly office improvements, and Green Office Solutions for Physicians provides a checklist of simple tips for a healthier, greener office. We have put together a list of the top three ways to reduce waste and protect the environment – and you can start today!
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This is Family Medicine celebrates six months of student-led campaigns!
This is Family Medicine (TIFM) is a student-led campaign here at the University of Ottawa that seeks to celebrate the contributions made by family physicians and encourage medical students to consider a rewarding career in Family Medicine. First launched in September 2020, TIFM has been online for over six months - and has gained an audience of nearly 1,500 Instagram followers! Check out their latest stories and find out how you can get involved with TIFM.
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CAPE's Climate Change Toolkit for Health Professionals
This toolkit consists of eight modules and has been designed as a tool for health professionals and students in the health care and public health sectors who want to engage more directly on the issue of climate change.
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Meet Chad Chartrand (and learn about regenerative agriculture!)
The DFM is pleased to welcome Chad Chartrand as the new DFM/BRI Writer-Editor. Get to know Chad, and hear more about one of his personal areas of interest: regenerative agriculture.
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Educating ourselves through documentary filmmaking - Ireen's Top 10
The DFM's Communications Intern, Ireen Savoy, has compiled a list of documentaries related to social justice, climate change, the environment and the human spirit - and where to find them! Why not choose from our list for your next movie night?
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Family Medicine Grand Rounds
We're hiring!
DFM in the News
Dr. Amy Hsu and Dr. Doug Manuel
Share a story!
Upcoming Events
Quick Links
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UNDERGRADUATE
Congratulations to those who presented at Meridith Marks Day and Journées Montfort!
In-person pre-clerkship activities have been put on hold given the COVID-19 pandemic.
Congratulations to all of our students who matched to a residency program on April 20.
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POSTGRADUATE
The first iteration CaRMS match was on April 20! While we still have some work to do, we want to thank everyone who has helped this year.
We are pleased to announce that Dr. Ellias Horner has been selected as the 2021-22 Program Chief. The nominees for the unit Chief Residents have been received and results will be announced shortly.
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FACDEV
Registration is free, but for $30, you get a bag of goodies for the mindfulness exercise! Please register by April 28.
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8 IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS |
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1) Dr. Jonathan Fitzsimon receives OMA Award
The DFM wishes to congratulate Dr. Jonathan Fitzsimon who was recently selected as the recepient of the OMA's Glenn Sawyer Service Award. This award recognizes signifcant contrbutions to medicine at a community level. You can learn more about Dr. Fitzsimon and his work with the the Renfrew County Virtual Triage and Assessment Centre (VTAC) in an article from our January issue of PULSE.
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2) Dr. Roland Halil shares his advice on the AstraZeneca vaccine
Many Ontario pharmacies and family medicine clinics are now able to adminster the AstraZeneca-Oxford COVID-19 (AZ) vaccine - and that is great news! Some of your patients may have questions about this vaccine due to recent reports of blood clots. DFM pharmacist Dr. Roland Halil has some facts to share that affirm the importance of getting your COVID-19 vaccine (recently updated!).
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3) Two DFM members selected to the Action Committee on Anti-Racism and Inclusion
The DFM's Asiya Rolston and Dr. Oussama Outbih were recently selected to the University of Ottawa Action Committee on Anti-Racism and Inclusion. Their membership will provide excellent input and representation from Family Medicine and we are proud to support their work on the committee. Learn more on the University of Ottawa website.
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4) DFM researchers receive CIHR grant to investigate health impacts of cannabis retail policies
Congratulations to Dr. Peter Tanuseputro, Dr. Doug Manuel and Dr. Daniel Myran (DFM graduate) and their research team on receiving funding for their project, Investigating the impact of cannabis retail policies on health harms and benefits, in a recent CIHR Project Grant Competition.
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5) Apply for a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Social Accountability
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6) Treat every day like Earth Day
Making positive changes for the environment can happen any day, not just on April 22. The team at EARTHDAY.ORG has created a list of 51 actions and tips you can use to make a difference, every day of the year.
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7) Help identify barriers and facilitators for early career researchers
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8) REMINDER: Participate in the Colloque Climat et santé
This Francophone event is the only one of its kind that brings together doctors, healthcare professionals, biologists, and specialists from the environmental sector, law, economics and non-profit organizations working in the environmental sector (eligible for Mainpro + credits). May 17-21. View the agenda and register online. Contact: 1 800 387-2228 ext. 222 / [email protected].
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