DEPARTMENT OF MEDICINE NEWSLETTER

DEPARTMENT OF MEDICINE
NEWSLETTER
March/April 2009
Spring Edition
MESSAGE FROM DR. JOHN CONLY
Improving Orientation for New Recruits to the Department of Medicine
During the past two Department of Medicine (DOM)
Retreats, we discussed how to improve communication,
including the orientation provided to new recruits to the
DOM. With Calgary’s population growth as the major
driver and the increase in the medical student and
resident population as a secondary driver, we have
seen significant recruitment to the DOM over the last
several years, both in geographic full-time members,
major clinical members and clinical members. Several
members of the DOM have participated in this iterative
process. Drs. Jane Lemaire, Ghazwan Altaabba and
Jean E. Wallace, were engaged in surveys of the
membership and discussions with the Division Chiefs.
Cathy Toupin and Shari Derksen, the present and
former Coordinators of the Office of Recruitment and Evaluation, were also engaged in this
process. Dr Jeff Schaefer has volunteered to provide some software expertise in its future
development.
One of the outputs is the recent development of the “Orientation Blueprint”. This document
will provide a useful tool to smooth out the recruitment process by serving as a blueprint for
new recruits, ensuring that all areas relevant to a new recruit are addressed. Some recruits
may be more knowledgeable than others but the blueprint will still serve as a useful template
for all.
The “Orientation Blueprint” provides an introduction to the following areas: orientation to the
University of Calgary, Alberta Health Services, Alberta Medical Association, and the Alberta
College of Physicians and Surgeons; orientation to career development, evaluation,
promotion and wellness; orientation to clinical, research and academic duties; and an
orientation to salary or stipends as relevant to the member, fee schedules, and billing issues.
Each of these general sections has between three to 17 individual items within them that
should systematically cover the orientation process. Given the iterative nature of the process,
it will be facile to add new items in the future.
Our Mission
"To be widely recognized for
advancing health and wellness,
leading innovation, creating
technologies and disseminating
knowledge."
Our Vision
“Building the medical network of the
21st century, a network without
walls, without boundaries, without
limits to quality patient care,
research and education.”
In this issue:
Message from Dr. Conly
1
Communication Update
1, 2
New Recruits
2, 3
A Day in the Life
4, 5
Accreditation
6
General Internal Medicine 7
Retreat
I would like to thank the members who have participated in this important process and look
forward to its deployment as we continue to welcome new members to the DOM.
Internal Medicine
Residents Retreat
7
COMMUNICATION UPDATE - DR. C. MARIA BACCHUS
Dermatology
8, 9
The Fall/Winter 2008 edition of the newsletter highlighted some of the strategic
recommendations proposed by the Department of Medicine’s (DOM’s) Communication
Working Group. One suggestion was to focus more on our patient and community
experiences. You will learn more about these perspectives in our “Innovation Alley” and “A
Day in the Life” feature articles which profile the Interventional Pulmonary Medicine Program
and our Home Parenteral Therapy Program teams.
Contests
10
Innovation Alley
11
Where are they now?
12
We would like to thank everyone who submitted their valuable feedback to our revised
newsletter and participated in our last photo contest.
Award Winners
13
If you have any suggestions of a team or individual who you would like to see profiled for our
Administrative News
13
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Department of Medicine Newsletter
Spring Edition
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“Innovation Alley” and/or “A Day in the Life” features, please contact us through our new communication tool, the
DOM NewsFlash.
Please note all important and time sensitive communications related to the DOM will be sent through this email alert.
If you have any questions or suggestions on how we can improve our communication, please contact me at
[email protected] or through the DOM NewsFlash at: [email protected]
WELCOME DR. SUBRATA GHOSH
Dr. Subrata Ghosh joined the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Calgary in March 2009 as
a Professor and Head of the Division of Gastroenterology. He was most recently the Chair of
Gastroenterology at Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, England. He attended
medical school in Calcutta and trained in Gastroenterology in Bristol, Tokyo and Edinburgh. His
scholarly interest is focused on how the normal intestine tolerates exposure to bacteria and
food antigens and how disease is caused by breakdown of such tolerance. He has 240 peerreviewed publications including articles published in Nature Medicine, Lancet, New England
Journal of Medicine, Gastroenterology, Gut and American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
We have asked Dr. Ghosh to answer a few questions to help us get to know him better. Please
join us in welcoming him to our team.
1. What was your first impression of Calgary?
Very impressed by a young and dynamic Division with immense talent and commitment.
Excellent facilities for colorectal cancer screening. Very welcoming people with typical Western
Canadian hospitality.
2. What attracted you to Calgary?
I used to come to Banff in the past as a tourist and was always struck by the awesome landscape and the outdoors. I then was
attracted by the talented faculty at the University of Calgary performing cutting edge scientific studies.
3. Is there anything that you would like to accomplish in your future here?
I would like to mold this young Division into a world class unit excelling in scientific research, clinical services and education –
the talent is here. I would also wish to set up facilities to personalize medicine by molecular studies to maximize treatment
success and minimize side effects.
4. Do you have any hobbies?
Hiking, tennis, racquet sports and swimming. I would like to pick up curling once again which I gave up when I moved from
Scotland.
5. What are some of your major personal and professional accomplishments?
I have a large number of international scientific collaborations in Europe, Middle East and the Far East and I enjoy the
intellectual stimulation and friendship these provide me. I cherished the full chair of gastroenterology I obtained and held at
Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College London, considered one of the major chairs in United Kingdom. I was nominated as a
member of the International Organization for Study of IBD (IOIBD), considered a prized measure of esteem from your peers. I
was also elected to the Council of British Society of Gastroenterology and chaired the medical advisors of National Association
of Colitis and Crohn’s disease in United Kingdom. I am most proud of my paper in Nature Medicine on prion protein expression
in the gut and on my paper in Lancet on how bacteria may interact with the host to give rise to intestinal inflammation.
6. Is there anything you would like to share about your transition to Calgary?
I prepared well for my transition with an underground heated car park, All Wheel Drive Vehicle and a collection
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of boots!! I spent several months before I arrived in understanding the priorities and challenges facing the
division. One of my first tasks is to hold a retreat in May to determine the direction in which I will take the division
over the next few years. Dr. Eldon Shaffer, Dr. Ron Bridges and Dr. Remo Panaccione helped me a lot to settle in during
my first few weeks by providing company and advice. My son studies medicine in Oxford and therefore my wife will have to
shuttle between London and Calgary for the next few years; however with direct flights this is quite easy.
WELCOME DR. KAREN FRUETEL
Dr. Karen Fruetel joined the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Calgary
(U of C) in September 2008 as an Associate Professor and Head of the
Division of Geriatrics. She received her Medical Degree from the University of
Western Ontario (UWO) and completed her residency training at both the U of
C and the University of Toronto (U of T). Her interest is in Medical Education
and she was most recently the Program Director for the Core Internal
Medicine Training program at the UWO as well as the Associate Chair of
Medicine.
We have asked Dr. Fruetel to answer a few questions to help us get to know
her better. Please join us in welcoming her to our team.
(Dr. Karen Fruetel with family, from back left to front
1. What was your first impression of Calgary
It is spread out… I feel like I am driving all the time! On the other hand I love
the open spaces and views...lots of parks. I miss the trees of Ontario, but
suspect that the mountain views will more than make up for it.
right– Sarah 16, Husband Michael, Mother Shirley,
Ben 14, Hannah 11, Karen)
2. What attracted you to Calgary?
Definitely the opportunity within Seniors Health and the members of
the Division of Geriatric Medicine. Regionalization that was already in place
was another plus. The ARP was very attractive to someone like me who does a lot of education and administration.
3. Is there anything that you would like to accomplish in your future here?
•
Elder-friendly hospitals.
•
Increase the interest of Internal Medicine residents and medical students to consider a career in Geriatric Medicine.
•
Build the Division.
4. What are some of your major personal and professional accomplishments?
Professionally, I am pretty proud of the job I did as Program Director for Internal Medicine. That role gave me the ability to
change things (and I like to change things!) and eventually lead to me being the Associate Chair of the Department of
Medicine. I have won a few awards, but the ones I am most proud of are the Schulich Leader in Postgraduate Education
award recognizing my work in Postgrad Education at UWO, and the Professional Staff Organization Award recognizing my
administrative work at London Health Sciences Centre, in particular around improving care on the Clinical Teaching Units.
Personally, I am very proud of my great husband and 3 children (ages 11, 14 and 16).
5. Do you have any hobbies?
I like to be physically active. I love to read fiction and always have a book on the go. My husband and I share an interest in
cooking and opera.
6. Is there anything you would like to share about your transition here?
My husband is the new head of Pediatric Hematology. We are definitely a team and this move was a great opportunity for each
of us separately, so the timing was perfect as a couple. Calgary is starting to feel like home and the kids seem to be settling
in ...we aren't hockey fans (likely due to growing up with the Toronto Maple Leafs), but have been curling fans for a
long time. So we were thrilled to see the Briar in town and cheer for Team Alberta. The dog also loves it here
as there are so many off leash parks!
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Spring Edition
Department of Medicine Newsletter
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF THE HOME PARENTAL THERAPY PROGRAM
(HPTP) TEAM
At your service…working with patients to provide therapy in the home
Since 1992, a talented and driven team of health care professionals have been leading the HPTP at all acute care sites
in Calgary. The purpose of this Program is to shorten or eliminate hospitalization and to decrease outpatient visits of
patients who require parenteral therapy.
“The HPTP Program helps prevent 4,000 hospital admissions per year. Our patients have access to specialist care
within 24 hours and we have no wait list. I am not sure of any other program that decompresses the Emergency
Departments to the extent that HPTP does,” explains Dr. Ron Read, Medical Director, Calgary Home Parenteral Therapy
Program.
Patient Testimony:
“...my experience with the HPTP was truly outstanding and very much appreciated. Those nurses and
doctor, despite the fact that there were an abundance of patients, were very attentive and proceeded in
a friendly jovial manner. I had to attend on a number of occasions in order to have things looked after.
A nurse tended to the problem in a positive manner. I do not enjoy being sick, but at the same time I
can honestly say that I very much enjoyed those visits,” explains Thomas, HPTP Clinic patient.
HPTP PETER LOUGHEED
CENTRE
HPTP FOOTHILLS MEDICAL
CENTRE
HPTP ROCKYVIEW GENERAL HOSPITAL
In recognition of the HPTP Program’s success and to acknowledge the efforts of so many dedicated team members,
we wanted to profile ‘A Day in the Life’ of the HPTP Team. We focused on the Team at FMC, but we also applaud
the efforts of HPTP Teams at PLC, RGH and ACH.
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By 8:00 am - The Supply Aide arrives to prepare exam rooms and the charge Nurse (RN) prepares for early
appointments. The Unit Clerk also arrives to prepare patients’ records.
“The mornings are the busiest time of day – I am checking in patients, phones are ringing and nurses need information. I
love the people I work with though. They’re very friendly and supportive,” says Therese, Unit Clerk, HPTP Clinic.
8:00 am - Four examination rooms fill with patients and the remainder of the HPTP Team is on the scene. The
multidisciplinary team includes an ID Physician (with Medical Students, Medical Residents or a Fellow), Nurse Practitioners,
Pharmacist, Pharmacy Technician and remaining RNs on the team.
“As the morning progresses, patients who were referred from the Emergency Room within the past 24 hours with acute
infections have the benefit of receiving professional service that is fast, responsive, comprehensive, therapeutic and
evidence based” says Marianne Siemens, Patient Care Manager, HPTP Clinic.
10:00 am – The Team is managing various points in the care journey for about 12 of the two dozen patients scheduled for
the morning.
“We see the patient and assess them and develop a plan of care. We provide a continuum of care to patients ... they have a
familiar face that they find reassuring,” explains Linda, Nurse Practitioner, HPTP Team.
12:00 to 2:00 pm - The pace is hectic in the Clinic. Team members try to break for lunch and Nurse Practitioners are off to
the units to do inpatient rounds on Infectious Disease patients and assess upcoming HPTP patient candidates. The HPTP ID
Physician is trying to ‘wrap up’ their notes in order to move directly to their academic, clinic or research commitments
elsewhere.
“I like seeing how well the Clinic can run and how organized we can be. There are days when things don’t run well, but when
it does, it makes us all appreciate the good days,” explains Joanne, Charge Nurse, HPTP Clinic.
2:30 pm - Some of the nurses continue with the patients who have been assessed and who are now moving through the
treatment phase or are awaiting a visit from other specialty consultants. Other nurses on the team are coordinating Home
Care assistance or receiving inpatients for Home IV antibiotic therapy preparation.
The Pharmacist is still teaching remaining patients and upcoming inpatients to be discharged, while coordinating
prescriptions and working with the Pharmacy Technician to ensure patients can go home with the requisite supplies for home
infusion therapy.
“We spend a lot of time answering questions about medication and determining if medication can be given through HPTP
Clinic. We need to have coverage in place before we can put patients on the HPTP program. We also often consult with
social workers when patients need financial assistance – social workers play a very important role,” explains Janis,
Pharmacist, HPTP Clinic.
3:30 pm – Work is being completed for the patients who entered HPTP today. Orders are processed in collaboration with
Outpatient Pharmacy for the 40 to 50 other patients in the community receiving home IV antibiotics or other specialized
parenteral therapy.
“In general, there’s a sense of professional collegiality – the team has a very fluid dynamic and communicates well,” says
Siemens.
5:00 pm - You may still find a nurse in Clinic attending a patient who is awaiting an inpatient bed. The nurse on call has
possibly already received her first phone call from a patient at home...
“The team does get a lot of positive experiences related back from the patients. The HPTP patient is an active partner in
the team – we ask patients to take a good deal of responsibility for their care. We share information that helps them
to do that and we try to give them appropriate tools to keep it as simple and safe as possible,” shares Siemens.
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Department of Medicine Newsletter
ROYAL COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS AND SURGEONS OF CANADA
ACCREDITATION OF RESIDENCY PROGRAMS 2009
The Royal College regular on-site accreditation survey of the Core (PGY 1 to 3) Internal Medicine and General Internal
Medicine (PGY 4 and 5) residency programs took place during the week of February 23, 2009. Both programs were
recommended for Approval Status.
The Royal College reviewers praised a number of strengths of the Program:
•
The Program Management structure implemented to support the growth of the number of residents from 31 in 2003 to
61 in 2009 along with anticipated future growth. Special acknowledgements to our Assistant Program Directors, Paul
Gibson and Martha Ainslie.
•
An effective Residency Program Committee which tackles difficult issues in a professional and respectful manner.
•
An atmosphere of collegial, respectful learning in which issues are discussed openly by residents and faculty.
•
An excellent academic curriculum and academic half-day schedule.
•
An excellent environment to foster research and a variety of academic projects.
•
The presence of longitudinal clinics for follow-up of patients. There are good opportunities for expansion of these
clinics.
An area for improvement is specifically to ensure that residents receive face-to-face feedback on their performance from
faculty before the end of rotations.
All participants including residents, faculty and departmental staff are to be commended for a successful review. Special
thanks are due to our dedicated program staff – Jennifer Glow, Chantelle Cini, Tana McPhee and Sherry Schulz. Kudos
also to our Chief Residents – Adam Bass, Patrick Champagne, Kerri Johannson and Dan Niven who have been incredibly
positive and constructive in support of the program and to all the members of the Residency Program Committee.
“As our year comes to a close, we are all excited to move to the
next level of our training but we will all miss our great time in the
Internal Medicine Program. We'd like to thank all the residents
and staff who have given us the opportunity to be Chief
Residents as well as all the support that we have been granted.
Good luck to everyone in the coming year.”
Says Patrick, Adam, Kerri and Dan, the Chief Residents
CaRMS Match 2009
This year our program matched 19 students from Canadian
Medical Schools across the country in the first iteration of the
CaRMS Match.
This represents a considerable increase from our traditional
baseline allocation of 10 positions. In addition, our program
matched three new residents from the 2009 Alberta
International Medical Graduate (AIMG) competition.
The increase in numbers of resident positions and the continuing recruitment of new faculty stimulated by the
Departmental Academic Alternative Relationship Plan provides our program with excellent opportunities to design new
educational experiences and rotations within our existing Divisions and Hospital sites, including the Rockyview General
Hospital, the South Campus opening in two years and community rotations in cities outside of Calgary.
We look forward to welcoming our new residents in July 2009.
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Department of Medicine Newsletter
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FIRST ANNUAL GENERAL INTERNAL MEDICINE SUBSPECIALTY
RESIDENT RETREAT - JASPER, AB
A joint retreat with the General Internal Medicine R4/R5 programs of University
of Calgary and University of Alberta was held from February 27 to March 1 in
Jasper. The agenda was focused on General Internists training in rural areas
and careers in GIM. On the first day, speakers discussed different opportunities
and challenges in rural communities. The second day included presentations on
models of remuneration for physicians and the merits of different systems for a
practicing physician. All participants had a fantastic time.
The program would like to thank the Post Graduate Medical Education (PGME)
program, the Department of Medicine, and the Rural Physician Action Plan for
supporting this program. It was a success on all fronts and we are already
planning for next year's retreat!
INTERNAL MEDICINE RESIDENTS RETREAT
On March 20 to 22, 2009, the 8th Annual Internal Medicine Residents’ Retreat was held at the Delta Lodge, Kananaskis. The
Retreat’s theme was “Medicine Rocks”, and included many educational workshops such as ECG and CXR interpretation.
There were also various fun events, including the famous Karaoke night. Helping to make the retreat a huge success, was
the keynote speaker Dr. Brenda Hemmelgarn.
“On Friday night Texas hold'em poker and Rockband were the entertainment and on Saturday night we
flexed our musical muscles with Karaoke. Most of us realized that we shouldn’t quit our day jobs.”
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Department of Medicine Newsletter
Spring Edition
DIVISION OF DERMATOLOGY UPDATE
Eighteen dermatologists, four full or part-time academic members and 14 members in community practice.
The Division provides care for medical and surgical dermatologic diseases including skin cancers and some of our
community dermatologists provide care for aesthetic dermatology problems including laser therapy.
Clinical and Research Activities
Dermatology integration into the hospital setting began in 2004 with the recruitment of
Dr. Régine Mydlarski who conducts basic science research in dermatology. She is
the Director of the Immunodermatology and Immunobullous Clinics at the FMC as
well as the Director of the Solid Organ Transplant Clinic.
Dr. Richard Haber is the Head of the Division of Dermatology and in 2006 began
working in the first Pediatric Dermatology Clinic to be established at the ACH. He is
also the Department of Medicine Medical Telehealth Advisor. In 2009, he began a
Teledermatology Clinic to the Siksika First Nations Health and Wellness Centre, to
provide videoconferenced dermatologic consultations to First Nations patients.
Dr. Laurie Parsons has a special interest in wound care and patch testing. She is the
Director of the Wound Care Centre at Sheldon Chumir where she has weekly clinics
in addition to her weekly patch test clinics at FMC.
Dr. Habib Kurwa became the fourth on-site member of the Division in 2008 when he
moved from the St. John’s Institute of Dermatology, St. Thomas’ Hospital in London,
England. In March 2009, he established a Mohs micrographically controlled surgical
service at the Richmond Road Diagnostic and Treatment Centre. This service will
add capacity in this area to benefit patients in Alberta with difficult to treat skin
cancers.
Dr. Régine Mydlarski
Community practice members, most of whom hold academic appointments, provide a
wealth of expertise in the provision of clinical care to residents of Calgary and
Southern Alberta.
Education
Dr. Laurie Parsons is the Director of Dermatologic Undergraduate Teaching at the University of Calgary (U of C). Divisional
members also participate in the Musculoskeletal and Skin diseases course lectures and small group teaching.
At the national level, Dr. Haber is currently the Co-Chair (English) of the Dermatology Examination Board of the Royal
College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
The Division has sponsored an annual Dermatology Day for family practitioners which has been well attended. In 2008,
Drs. Haber and Kurwa participated in the University of Calgary MiniMed School and spoke on Cutaneous Skin Cancers
and Sun Protection to over 100 attendees from the public. Drs. Haber and Parsons were also involved in a skin cancer
screening program for the public at the Killarney Aquatic Centre in Calgary as part of the Canadian Dermatology Sun
Awareness week in May 2008, an event that will be repeated in June 2009. Dr. Regine Mydlarski presented at the Toronto
Dermatological Society in November 2008. She spoke on "Skin Disease in Solid Organ Transplantation."
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Department of Medicine Newsletter
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The Division of Dermatology at the U of C has grown since 2004 to include four full-time AARP members.
We hope to recruit our 5th full-time member in September 2009.
The Future
We feel with this contingent of academic members and with the support of our community dermatologists, we are now in a
position to support a Royal College approved residency program in dermatology. An application was submitted for
government funding for a dermatology residency program to begin in July 2010. With an aging population and increasing
burden of skin cancer and other dermatologic diseases combined with an anticipated large retirement of dermatologists in
Canada, we feel there is a great need to train more dermatologists in Canada. We are confident in our ability to do this. No
new dermatology residency training programs have been established in Canada since 1988.
The Division of Dermatology is scheduled to move to a dedicated dermatology clinical area at the Richmond Road Diagnostic
and Treatment Centre in the future. We look forward to expanding our clinics and providing additional services to the public.
The new Centre will also see the establishment of a phototherapy unit for treatment of difficult psoriasis cases and other
ultraviolet responsive skin diseases.
Dr. Laurie Parsons
Dr. Habib Kurwa and Christie Kieres
Dermatology and allergy rotation has been successfully established with 29 internal medicine residents having
completed this highly rated rotation. Several community practice members have actively
participated in this valuable experience.
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Department of Medicine Newsletter
CONTESTS
DOM PHOTO CONTEST— NAME THAT DEVICE
Congratulations to our Fall 2008 Newsletter winners.
We would like to thank everyone who submitted their answers to our contest. Congratulations to the following winners:
•
•
•
•
Adam Bass – Co-chief resident PGY3 Internal Medicine
Ann Myers – Triage Clinician in Seniors Health
Chris Andrews – Assistant Professor, Division of Gastroenterology
Karmon Helmle – PGY 2 Internal Medicine
The correct answer for the “Name that Device” contest was:
A transformer tube used for XRays. It dates to the mid or late second
decade, or early twenties of the last century.
DOM PHOTO CONTEST— WHERE IS THIS?
Where Is This?
This mysterious photo can be found somewhere at one of our
medical facilities. Can you figure out WHERE this photo was
taken and WHAT it is?
Please submit your answers to:
[email protected]
for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate from Good Earth. The
correct answer and winners will be announced in the Summer
2009 edition of the DOM newsletter.
Send in Your Favourite Photos
We would love to spice up the DOM newsletter and profile your artistic talents. We invite you to send in your
photos. Don’t be shy - send us your favourite shots. Themes for these photos can include innovation, interprofessional team work, landscape, people, etc. If your photo is published in the next newsletter, we will reward
your efforts with a gift. You can also show off your work to your family and friends!
We will announce the winners of the DOM Photo Contest and showcase their photos in the Summer 2009
edition of the newsletter as well as in the Photo Gallery on the DOM website at www.departmentofmedicine.com
Please send your photos and best guess for the “Where is This?” contest to DOM NewsFlash at
[email protected]
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Department of Medicine Newsletter
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INNOVATION ALLEY
Providing answers through innovation and excellence
When we think of innovation, our thoughts often turn to technology….but it is equally, if not more important, to remember
the human element that drives innovation. The Interventional Pulmonary Medicine (IPM) Program at the University of Calgary
is an excellent example of how the talent and expertise of a team of specialists can build a program of innovation and
excellence. Developed first in 2001 by Dr. Alain Tremblay, who was joined by Dr. David
Stather in 2007 and Dr. Paul MacEachern in 2008, the IPM Program has helped transform
advanced diagnostic bronchoscopy, therapeutic bronchoscopy for benign and malignant
disease and outpatient management of malignant pleural disease.
This innovative program is one of the only locations in the country where treatment modalities,
such as airway stenting for malignant airway obstruction and tunneled pleural catheters for
malignant pleural effusions, are offered. “We are also the first Program in Canada to offer
endobronchial ultrasound and the second place to offer electromagnetic guidance
bronchoscopy,” explains Dr. MacEachern.
Dr. Paul MacEachern
In addition to providing leading-edge clinical services and technology, the program also helps
train internal medicine residents and pulmonary Fellows. A one-year interventional pulmonary
training program is also offered, making this the only Program in Canada that provides training
in interventional pulmonary medicine. Research also plays a significant role in the IPM
Program. The growing research program includes active clinical and pre-clinical protocols
ranging from diagnostic and therapeutic bronchoscopy to pleural disease management.
But at the heart of this program’s growth and success is the patient. When a
patient who has been searching for answers to life-threatening health problems
walks in, the innovative technology, the specialized training and the talent of the
Interventional Bronchoscopy Team means only one thing…world-class treatment
and answers to their medical concerns.
Mary Hall is such a patient. After years of visiting
her family physician and taking a number of
medical tests with no results (other than being told
that the avid hiker was “out of shape” or “needed
to lose five pounds”), Hall finally found the answers
she was looking for. After receiving some
concerning but conclusive results from a
Dr. Alain Tremblay
Pulmonologist at the RGH, Hall was referred to the IPM
Program. She was informed that her airway had been compromised due to scar tissue that
had built up in the bronchial area after being intubated during surgeries conducted years
earlier.
“The IPM team sat me down and explained my condition. They told me I needed a
bronchoscopy. While I was worried about the procedure, I was so relieved. My husband and I
had been so distressed over the years…no one would help me. We just thought I was dying.”
Hall and her husband were so frustrated by the lack of support over the years that they had
made arrangements to visit the Mayo Clinic. But all that changed with the help of the
Interventional Bronchoscopy Team. “Dr. MacEachern and his associates work as a team – from
deciding how to treat my condition to how they supported my husband and I through such a
difficult time”, recalls Hall. “I am very grateful to the team…absolutely.”
Mary Hall and husband
Kevin at Chester Lake
Hall has reclaimed her love for life and finds comfort in knowing she has finally found the medical treatment and
support she was searching for. “I feel more relaxed and my quality of life has greatly improved. I can even
hike again!” Hall still requires more surgery but she is now armed with information and the promise of
excellent care provided by the IPM Program.
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Department of Medicine Newsletter
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WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
Catching up with Dr. Michael Walsh
From Calgary to Cambridge to Hamilton…and back to Calgary…?! After completing the
University of Calgary’s (U of C’s) residency and fellowship programs in Internal Medicine and
Nephrology in June 2006, Dr. Walsh went on staff with the Department of Medicine’s Division of
General Internal Medicine. Not for long though…Dr. Walsh was awarded a three-year fellowship
to Cambridge University in England.
After Dr. Walsh and his wife Dorothy moved to England in September 2006, he joined the
University of Cambridge’s Addenbrooke’s Hospital’s Lupus and Vasculitis Clinic studying
randomized clinical trials in rare diseases.
While Dr. Walsh was expecting to stay in England for three years, life magically got in the way of
his plans once again. After learning they were expecting their first child in the summer of 2008,
Dr. Walsh was offered the opportunity to finish his fellowship at McMaster University in Hamilton,
Ontario with the renowned CLARITY research group. The move to McMaster also allowed Dr.
Walsh and his wife to return to Canada and be closer to family.
Dr. Michael Walsh
2005
Dr. Walsh now calls McMaster University his academic home but also travels to Calgary for four
to six weeks of the year to continue his research with the Division of Nephrology. Dr. Walsh will
also complete his Masters of Clinical Epidemiology through the U of C’s Community Health
Sciences Department in May 2009.
Dr. Walsh’s research is currently focused on both rapidly progressive immunologic renal disease and acute kidney injury.
His current research includes leading the world’s largest randomized clinical trial in ANCA associated vasculitis and an
examination of the renal outcomes of a 40,000 patient cohort undergoing noncardiac surgery.
In the midst of all his career growth, Dr. Walsh remains focused on the greatest success of all -the family he has built with
Dorothy and their infant son Eoin. Fortunately, Dr. Walsh seems to have the energy and drive to manage it all!
Dr. Michael Walsh with his son Eoin and wife Dorothy In 2009
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Department of Medicine Newsletter
AWARD WINNERS
Congratulations to the following members of the DOM for their outstanding achievements:
Congratulations to Dr. Martin Atkinson who was selected as the 2008 RAC 1 Prix d’excellence
recipient for our region. This award recognizes his long standing commitment to the health and
well-being of individuals and society through ethical practice, profession-led regulation and high
personal standards of behaviour.
Congratulations to Dr. Martin Storr who was the 2009 recipient of the
prestigious International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal
Disorders (IFFGD) Junior Investigator Award. This research award is
given to active investigators who have a record of research interest in
basic mechanisms and clinical aspects of functional gastrointestinal
disorders.
Congratulations to Dr. Otto Rorstad who was
the recipient of the 2009 Certificate of Merit
presented by the Canadian Association for
Medical Education. This award promotes,
recognizes and rewards faculty committed to
medical education in Canadian medical schools.
ADMINISTRATIVE NEWS
Please join us in welcoming the
Department of Medicine's new
Administrative Assistant to the
Regional Manager, Ms.Chantelle
Cini.
Chantelle has been with the
Department for the past few
years, serving as a key member
of our Residency Program staff.
DEPARTMENT OF MEDICINE
Rockyview General Hospital
Peter Lougheed Centre
Sunridge Landing
Foothills Medical Centre
Main Contact Information
9th Floor, North Tower—FMC
1403—29th Street NW
Calgary, Alberta T2N 2T9
Phone: 403-944-1500
Fax: 403-944-1095
www.departmentofmedicine.com
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