Fall/10
Dr. Kassner & “the bling”
CMA President - Dr. Jeff Turnbull
September 11, 2010 - Annual Meeting
Greetings from your new President, Dr. Rachel Kassner I had thought that I’d start with a complete Dog & Pony show on the positive aspects of Cerner and the CIS project. Maybe 45 minutes with a power point presentation…a slide show…some interactive exercises. You know, the usual stuff. Nothing could be more memorable to begin my term as President than a bun fight at my inauguration. Luckily for all of us, I came to my senses and shelved that idea….so you can all rest easy. Paul, thank you for the time and effort you’ve devoted to your year as President. I can already tell that it’s a lot of hard work. Let me first say that I am honoured to be your new President. I follow a long list of distinguished colleagues who’ve held this position with many, a hard act to follow. I assure you that I will give this my all. Sandy tells me that my dad and I are the first father/daughter team to hold this position. I was very proud of my father. I know that he would be pleased to know that I’m following in his footsteps. I only hope that I set such a good example for my son. If you had told me two years ago that I’d be assuming the presidency, I would have laughed. So why did I accept the role? Well, Sandy dangled that big carrot in front of my nose. He knows my weakness for jewelry. He told me that I could wear this “bling” whenever I wanted… how could a girl resist? But I think that the real reason is that… and hopefully I’m not being either naive or egotistical… I hoped that I could bring some value to the profession. As many of you know, I’ve had about 18 years on the fee-for-service side of medicine.. mostly in Toronto, and almost 9 years in a salaried position here in PEI. I want to thank (Dr.) Doug Meek for enticing me back to the Island. It’s great to be back.. we love it here. I’ve been the head of Family Practice for 6 years, and for the last 2 years I’ve been the physician liaison for the CIS project at the QEH. I hope that with this background I can bring a broad perspective to my role as President. To me there are two pressing issues that I hope I can have a positive influence on. The first is the state of physical fitness
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Kassner speech continued in our children. I’m concerned that “electronics” are creating a generation of children who spend more hours in front of TV, computers, gameboys, PSP’s, X-Boxes, telephone texting… and the list goes on and on… than they do in any form of physical activity. Other than developing some good hand/eye co-ordination and tremendous thumb muscles, there’s little other physical benefit. I know that the Active Living Alliance is advocating for more physical activity and the Medical Society has as well. However, I think that we doctors have to mount a PR campaign. We have to press the school boards to do more. We have to press the Department of Education to adopt new physical activity guidelines for our schools. Thirty to 40 minutes of activity 2 to 3 times a week just doesn’t cut it. And if they don’t set the standard, then who will? We have to get the word out so that parents will understand that there is a direct correlation between physical fitness and good health… and studies have shown that regular exercise can promote the learning process. (Dr.) Jenni Zelin gave an excellent presentation this morning promoting Active Transportation. This should be a good catalyst to getting our youth and adults motivated. I hope that I can enlist your support to push this initiative with me. The second issue that is important to me is to try to reignite interest and participation in Medical Society matters and to renew collegiality among our colleagues. When I came back to PEI almost 9 years ago, an air of collegiality and engagement was apparent. Now, however, I sense disenchantment among my colleagues. Morale in our profession - in fact in the entire medical community - seems to be low. We, as doctors, are used to having a significant guiding role in the direction of delivery of health services. We have always had the privilege of being self-governing. Now it appears that our position is being eroded. We are faced with: • The challenges of the new Health PEI bylaws; • The impact of the HAY Report; • A Zero-tolerance attitude from media and the public whenever anything goes awry; • And, of course an environment of monetary restraint. Physicians have always provided a reality-check for government, and sometimes, and certainly recently, it appears our views are either ignored or not wanted. For example, the Health Services Act specifically prohibits any doctor practicing on the Island from being a member of the Board of Health PEI. I would have thought that the government would have wanted the Medical Society to recommend one of its members to sit on the Board. We could make a valuable contribution. In spite of government’s position on this and other issues, we must continue to advocate for what we think is best for the health care system. What we (doctors) have in common is our commitment to providing the best possible care to our patients. Although it’s important to recognize our differences, I think that now, more than ever, we have to recognize our similarities, and work together to bring about change. We have many talented individuals who do so much outside the practice of medicine. Just think about the recent art exhibition displaying the works of some of our colleagues. It was very impressive. And speaking of impressive, I just returned from the CMA Annual Meeting. It was a wonderful opportunity to meet so many multi-talented individuals—many of whom were from PEI. I was particularly impressed by the number of students and residents who attended, and the valuable perspective and contribution they made to the meeting. I can tell you that it was a stimulating event. If you’ve ever given any thought to getting involved, I highly recommend it. I think that you’ll find that not only the profession, but you yourself will benefit. And now is the time to do it. Although we have issues unique to our province, it’s amazing how many issue we have in common with physicians across the country. The face of medicine is changing, and it’s always better to be proactive than reactive. I’m unsure of what would be needed to get more doctors involved. We have such a talented and interesting group of people. Even if we only achieved more participation at social occasions where we can have fun together and share our common and diverse interests, it would be a great first step. It’s amazing how when you get to know your colleagues on a more personal basis, your differences seem more easily resolved. It’s up to all of us to let the Society know what we want. We’re a bright, talented group. We should be able to figure this out. I’m open to suggestions and I hope you make them. I look forward to taking on these challenges, whatever the coming year brings, and to meet with you and hear all your concerns. I know that I can count on your support. I thank you for this opportunity. I also feel very fortunate to the resource and assistance of Sandy and all the staff at the Medical Society. They are a talented bunch. Already, they have been very supportive and helpful, and I’m grateful to know that they are there to assist me. Finally, I want to thank my loving husband, Joel, my secretary, bookkeeper, social co-coordinator, and go-for, and taxi for our son Kass - getting him to all his music lessons and sports activities. Without his strength and support I would not be able to undertake this task. Throughout everything he maintains his sense of humor that made me fall in love with and marry him.
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Annual Meeting 2010
Dr. Rachel Kassner and CMA President, Dr. Jeff Turnbull
Dr. Beth Barbrick and Doctors NS, President, Dr. Jane Brooks - Former Classmates!
PEI Minister of Health, Carolyn Bertram at Member Luncheon
MSPEI Executive Director, Sandy Irwin and CMA Assistant Secretary General, Corporate Affairs, Bruce Squires
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Executive Director’s Report mspei staff The past year has been challenging and extremely busy. Over the last 12 months, there have been numerous items addressed by the Board of Directors. These included meeting with naturopaths to discuss naturopathic medicine legislation, getting advice from a tax lawyer regarding salaried physicians and corporations, LNA licensing requirements, and awards and committee members. The 2010 Canadian Medical Association General Council was held in Niagara Falls in August. Delegates from PEI were: Drs. Scott Cameron, Billy Scantlebury, Paul Schaefer, Frank MacDonald, Rachel Kassner and Rolly Chiasson. I also attended November’s national negotiations conference. Dr. Schaefer and I attended an Eastern Conference and numerous Presidents/CEOs forums. The Society continues to contact and assist students. In partnership with the Department of Health, the Society provides all Island 1st year students with a medical kit, and through social events in the summer and winter breaks offers students and residents opportunities to network with future colleagues. Over the winter holidays, the Society hosted a highly attended concert featuring Tim Chaisson and Morningfold for students and members. June’s annual Medical Student Bursary Golf Tournament was a success again.
Sandy Irwin Executive Director airwin@mspei.org Kathy Maher, Communications Director kathy@mspei.org Janet MacFadyen, Administrative Assistant janet@mspei.org Marlene Guignon, Accounting Technician marlene@mspei.org Heather Mullen, Professional Development Officer heather@mspei.org
the board
The creative side of MSPEI’s physicians, residents, students, and staff reared its head in March, when the Society hosted the first ever art exhibit Right Brain Released. This highly attended exhibit saw the Society offices transformed into a chic gallery with walls and filing cabinets adorned with pieces composed of various mediums. Thanks to all those who lent their talents, both in art and in organizing the event.
Executive Committee Chairman of Board: Dr. Roland Chiasson President: Dr. Rachel Kassner Vice President: Vacant Treasurer: Dr. Pat Bergin Past President: Dr. Paul Schaefer
The Society hosted PEI’s first Physician Management Institute course in June. The PMI is a department of the Canadian Medical Association with a mandate to develop leadership and management skills in physicians. It was well attended and those who participated had great reviews for the three-day course.
Board Members Dr. Elizabeth Barbrick Dr. Ed White Dr. Terry Magennis Dr. Baldev Sethi Dr. Mitchell Zelman
In conclusion, I would like to thank the office staff and the Board for their support, assistance and optimism over the past year. Respectfully submitted, Sandy Irwin Executive Director
contact us: 2 Mytle Street Straford, PE C1B 2W2 902-368-7303 ph 1-888-368-7303 toll free 902-566-3934 fax
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MSPEI Life Membership English born and educated, Dr. Benjamin Spears received his undergraduate medical education at the University of London and completed Psychiatric residencies at the Westminister and St. Thomas Hospitals in London, England. Shortly thereafter, in 1972, Dr. Spears immigrated to Canada where he began a private psychiatric practice in KitchenerWaterloo, Ontario. A move east to Prince Edward Island took place in June 1973 with his commencing work with the provincial government psychiatric service and he later served as PEI’s acting Director of Mental Health at a time of considerable change. Tasked with writing Ministerial Advisory Committee reports on Mental Health and Addictions, Dr. Spears was able to make a particular contribution to the future evolution of these services in his adopted province. However grateful for the opportunity, Dr. Spears felt unsuited to administration, and in 1980, thanks to the Government of PEI, he attended McGill University in Montreal for a year’s Fellowship at the Montreal General Hospital in a specialized form of psychoanalytical psychotherapy. Dr. Spears returned to Prince Edward Island to enter the private practice of general adult psychiatry, including a period with the Charlottetown Clinic until it closed. Since then he has worked in a solo practice. Professionally, Dr. Spears held a number of offices. Elected President of the Medical Society of PEI in June 1984, he also served as the first Psychiatry department head at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, a director of the Schizophrenia Society of PEI, President of the PEI Psychiatric Association and three, one-year terms as President of Atlantic Provinces Psychiatric Association. Dr. Spears continues to work while attempting a reduction in hours and a shift in direction to a predominantly psychotherapy practice. As to when he will retire, Dr. Spears notes, “when I stop enjoying work, I’ll quit it altogether.”
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Mark your Calenders!!!
Board Meeting
October 5, 5:30pm Canceaux Boardroom, Delta Charlottetown
General Meeting
October 5, 7pm - Elfin Room, Delta Charlottetown
Osteoporosis Clinical Day
Monday, November 8, Credit Union Place, Summerside Speaker: Dr. Diane ThÈriault is a rheumatologist and the medical director of the DOME Program. She is a consultant for the Scientific Advisory Council of Osteoporosis Canada.
CAEP CME event - ED Stat
Wednesday, November 24, Best Western, Charlottetown
Medical Student & Resident Holiday Reception
Join our local Medical Students and Residents for an”informal hello” over the holidays. December 22 (Storm date, December 29) Featuring “English Words” at Mavors, Confederation Centre of the Art, Charlottetown
Looking for work? Whisperwood & MacMillan Lodge
House Physician needed for Whisperwood Villa and MacMillan Lodge as of September 30, 2010. Please contact Marion Younker at Whisperwood Villa, or Sandy Irwin
Prince Edward Home Dr. Rob Kelly is looking for someone to assist him in providing services at Prince Edward Home. For more information contact him directly, or contact Sandy Irwin. Payment modes are outlined in the Master Agreement.
To make a list: Medical Examiners INTERESTED IN BEING AN INDEPENDENT MEDICAL EXAMINER? From time to time the Society is contacted by insurance companies, employees and employers seeking a physician to provide physicals. You might not be aware, but usually these private physicals are required by law or company policy. If the patient is not able to access this service in many cases they can no longer work. If you are interested in providing this third party work, the Society is compiling a list of physicians willing to provide this service. Please contact Sandy Irwin for more information. airwin@mspei.org
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Meconium Tells A Tale: Maternal Dr inking in Pregnancy A subgroup of the PEI Perinatal Research Group Team, under the leadership of Dr. Janet Bryanton from the UPEI School of Nursing, is planning to start the PEI Meconium Study later this year. Through this surveillance study, we will attempt to understand the potential magnitude of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder in PEI by determining the prevalence of maternal drinking during pregnancy. A secondary research purpose will involve assessing how well our current prenatal assessment for alcohol use correlates with actual use of alcohol in pregnancy. The study will involve collecting samples of meconium from the diaper of every live PEI newborn for a year, and analyzing the samples for alcohol metabolites. The assay being used has been developed by the Motherisk Laboratory of the Toronto Sick Kids Hospital and is one that has been shown to correlate well with moderate to heavy and binge alcohol consumption drinking in mid to late pregnancy, after the fetus starts to make meconium. The samples will be anonymous; once the sample has been collected, there is no way to link it back to the infant/mother. The study will be advertised to new mothers and their families. Because the study is anonymous, consent is not required We will not be asking for consent, however, if a family feels that they do not want to have a meconium sample taken, they can opt out. Our hope is that families will understand that the testing is totally anonymous and will not have concerns about the study. We will be using the PEI Reproductive Care ProgramĂs PEI Perinatal Database to determine self-reported alcohol use in pregnancy and compare it to the prevalence in our study. Study results will provide a baseline for an integrated approach to prevention, early identification, and intervention for FASD and for future research and policy initiatives. We appreciate the support of PEI physicians in this project. If you have questions, please contact Janet Bryanton at jbryanton@upei.ca, Brigit Freeman at atlantismedical1@aol.com or me at kmbigsby@ihis.org Kathy Bigsby
D r i ve
for Dreams 2010
Harry Callaghan Golf Tournament The Dr. Harry Callaghan Pediatric Foundation is dedicated to supporting Island children and their families during their courageous battles against acute and chronic illnesses. The funds from this foundation are used not only to supply much needed pediatric equipment to the QEH, but also provide packages to help with travel expenses for the families of critically ill children who must be sent off-Island. Added to this is the need to assist Island children who are physically and mentally challenged in obtaining rehabilitation equipment that will enable them to enhance their independence and quality of life. MSPEI & MD Physician Services Team 2010 Dr. Billy Scantlebury, Lucie Boucher,
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Welcome Breakfast
! s t n e id s e R I E P ne w
Welcome breakfasts continue to be popular as a chance to meet-and-greet. July 5th Breakfast gave medical residents an opportunity to interact with QEH physicians and share some wonderful breakfast fare, blueberry waffles, with the help of Mary Driscoll and Carrie Barlow from the Family Medicine Residency Program. Welcome breakfasts throughout the year are sponsored by MD Physician Services and hosted by MSPEI-based Senior Financial Consultant, Doug Lefurgey assisted by MSPEI’s Heather Mullen.
SADnomore.ca on PEI Oc tobe r 11
Just a note that an Alberta physician will be running and cycling across Canada this fall to raise money for and awareness of mental health issues, in particular Seasonal Affective Disorder. Please note that he is looking for billeting possibilities as well as he crosses our beautiful country. If you are interested in seeing the tour schedule and/or think you may wish to share the story with your members, please visit: http://www.sadnomore.ca/SAD_no_more/SAD_no_more_TOUR.html Dr. Ted Jablonski can be reached at 1.403.208.3230 or dr.t.jablonski@telus.net
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2nd Annual Bursary Golf Tournament
Winning Team: Dr. Terry Magennis, Doreen Magennis, Mike Oxner (MD Physician Services) & Alan Andreasan Mrs. Susan Cameron and Dr. Murray Mundle get ready to feast! Dr. Alf Morais, Anne Morais, Pam Large-Moran, Alban Moran (OMA Insurance)...best dressed team! Emcee, Heather Mullen with “assistant� Roisin Mullen Fun night attendess fit in m o r e physical activity dancing to the The Count and the Cuban Cocktail.
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Summer Student & Residents BBQ
Summer Student Dr. Jennifer Ashby & son Pamela Aresenault fills out Sebastien - a seasoned her paperwork. regular at all MSPEI events!
Resident Dr. Sarah Tennat chatting with Dr. Huy Nguyen & Dr. Larry Pan Dr. Trevor Jain delivers a “thumbs up� to Johanne Irwin, Manager Physician Servies - another BBQ Success! Dr. Kathie McNally joins several of our summer students at the Annual BBQ. Be sure to join us next year - guaranteed the nicest day of summer!
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Change of Face It is getting closer to the date where Heather Mullen must focus her event-planning expertise and other skill sets to matters closer to home. Heather begins a 12month maternity leave November 12. Returning to fill Heather’s position as Professional Development Officer is Robin Jenkins. Robin filled in for Heather during her last maternity leave. Best wishes to both as they begin their new ventures! Contact Robin at robin@mspei.org
ullen & Heather M er h a M y th a . K eeting at Annual M
Living a Healthy Life - Classes
The Living a Healthy Life program originally scheduled to begin on Thursday, September 23 at the Central Queens Family Health Centre in Hunter River will be delayed by one week. The program will now begin on Thursday, September 30 at the same time and location (1:00-3:30pm). There is still space available. LIVING A HEALTHY LIFE is a fun and practical program that helps people with ongoing health conditions overcome daily challenges and maintain active, fulfilling lives. Topics covered include managing symptoms, healthy eating, exercise, better communication, and how to make daily tasks easier. Sessions are held once a week for 2.5 hours over a six week period. The program costs $10 and participants receive a copy of the book: Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions. The full fall schedule includes: - Mondays beginning September 27 in Summerside at the Harbourside Family Health Centre 1:00-3:30pm - Thursdays beginning September 30 in Hunter River at the Central Queens Family Health Centre 9:00-11:30am - Mondays beginning September 27 in Montague at the Public Health Boardroom 9:00-11:30am - Thursdays beginning October 7 in Souris 1:30-4:00pm (exact location to be determined ) - Tuesdays beginning October 12 in Montague at the Public Health Boardroom 6:00-8:30pm - Wednesdays beginning October 13 in O'Leary at the new Community Health Centre 1:00-3:30pm - Mondays beginning October 18 in Wellington at d'hÈbergement le Bel ¬ge 1:30-4:00pm ( in French ) - Tuesdays beginning October 19 in Charlottetown at the Four Neighbourhoods Community Health Centre 6:00-8:30pm - Wednesdays beginning October 20 in Summerside at the Summerside Regional Development Corporation Boardroom in the Holman Centre 6:00-8:30pm Mary Acorn, Healthy Living Coordinator West, Tel 902-368-6523 [Charlottetown office]
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