2016

  • Dr. Jane Thornton selected as a participant for the 2017 Governor General's Canadian Leadership Conference

    December 21, 2016
    Family Medicine resident, Dr. Jane Thornton, has been selected as a participant for the 2017 Governor General's Canadian Leadership Conference (GGCLC). The GGCLC brings together future national Canadian leaders from across the spectrum while in their late 20s and 30s.

  • Why CBME

    December 20, 2016
    Drs. Kristin Chow and Chris Watling discuss the importance of Competency Based Medical Education and the impact of Triple C, and answer the question, "Why CBME?" Watch Now.

  • The R.E.A.L. Life: Hanover Family Medicine and Obstetrics

    December 15, 2016
    In this final installment of the R.E.A.L. Life Series, we get an insider’s view of the Hanover Medical Clinic and Hanover & District Hospital. Follow faculty member Dr. Rochelle Dworkin and residents Drs. Alethea Anderson and Andy Walus. View the Photo Essay.

  • Conversation with Ian McWhinney

    December 14, 2016
    Nicholas Pimlott, MD CCFP FCFP, Scientific Editor, published an editorial in Canadian Family Physician looking at how the McWhinney lectures provide Canadian family medicine with an ongoing conversation with Dr. McWhinney and his ideas...

  • Dr. Tom Freeman publishes study on the emigration patterns of Canadian physicians to the United States

    December 02, 2016
    Ontario, and Canada as a whole, faced a shortage of family physicians and other specialists in the early 1990s that had measurable negative impacts on population health...Developing a national health human resource strategy is needed to avoid the physician shortages of the past and must include understanding the factors that influence physician migration...

  • Good health: A London area doctor creates a prescription form not for medication but for exercise and nutrition

    November 25, 2016
    Dr. Aric Sudicky, a family medicine resident in our Regional Program at Southwest Middlesex Health Centre, Mount Brydges, has designed a unique prescription form to make it easy for his colleagues to prescribe not medication, but exercise and nutrition... Via London Free Press.

  • Dementia care: Aging population prompts new London medical centre to focus on dementia

    November 24, 2016
    Family medicine faculty members, Drs. Saadia Hameed and Tania Rubaiyya, will lead a new London clinic that will deliver early screening and care for people showing the first signs of dementia... Via London Free Press.

  • Obstetrical Skills Day

    November 17, 2016
    It was a full house for our third annual Obstetrical Skills Day. First year family medicine residents attended the half-day workshop at the Western Centre for Public Health and Family Medicine. The workshop involved low and high fidelity simulation models to teach residents the basics in providing intra-partum care to low risk patients.

  • Celebrating Family Doctor Week: Helping bring family physicians back into hospital care

    November 08, 2016
    The Citywide Department of Family Medicine is working to bring family physicians back into the hospital care setting... Via London Health Sciences Centre.

  • Family Doctor Week in Canada

    November 07, 2016
    Family Doctor Week in Canada (FDW) is recognized from November 7–12, 2016. This celebratory week provides governments, health care organizations, colleagues and the public an opportunity to acknowledge the outstanding contributions made by family doctors to improve the health and well-being of their patients.

  • Centre for Studies in Family Medicine participates in the Take Our Kids to Work program

    November 03, 2016
    Three grade nine students visited the Centre for Studies in Family Medicine on November 2nd as part of the annual Take Our Kids to Work program, and took part in a healthy living and physical activity demonstration by Ashleigh De Cruz, a member of Dr. Rob Petrella's team.

  • Annual Family Medicine Interest Group Mix & Mingle event

    October 31, 2016
    The Family Medicine Interest Group (FMIG) is holding their annual Mix & Mingle event November 22, from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at the Western Centre for Public Health and Family Medicine. First and second year medical students are able to speak with and learn from family physicians passionate about their discipline in a “speed dating” format.

  • Changes to the Family Medicine Clerskship rotation

    October 21, 2016
    The undergraduate program is excited to announce changes to the Family Medicine Clerskship rotation. New this year, students will have the opportunity to attend two academic half-days during their six-week rotation, made up of topics from the Shared Canadian Curriculum in Family Medicine (SHARC-FM) program as well as key learning objectives in addictions and palliative care.

  • Site Director Dr. Samuel Appavoo and his Goderich colleagues publish paper

    October 13, 2016
    Dr. Samuel Appavoo and his Goderich colleagues published their paper, 'Community emergency department utilization following a natural disaster (the Goderich Tornado)' in Rural and Remote Health journal. The article examines the utilization of an Emergency Department during the subacute period following a natural disaster...

  • Dr. Helena Hamdan is continuing the tradition of sharing lessons in patient care

    October 07, 2016
    Alumnus and family physician, Dr. Helena Hamdan is using the lessons she learned from some of Schulich Medicine’s outstanding faculty as she recruits, teaches and mentors learners. By Jennifer Parraga

  • Dr. Henry Chapeskie publishes paper in Canadian Family Physician

    October 04, 2016
    Dr. Henry Chapeskie published his paper, "Evaluation of the safety of epinephrine in digital nerve blockade - Retrospective case series analysis of 1334 toe surgeries" in Canadian Family Physician. The study demonstrates the safety of adjuvant vasopressor use in digital nerve blockade of the toes within a large, diverse population.

  • Announcement: Dr. Stewart Harris reappointed as the Ian McWhinney Chair of Family Medicine Studies

    September 29, 2016
    Dr. Stewart Harris has been reappointed as the Ian McWhinney Chair of Family Medicine Studies for the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University effective July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2021.

  • Family Medicine celebrates second annual Dr. Ian McWhinney Lecture Series

    September 22, 2016
    The department celebrated Dr. Ian McWhinney, the founding father of family medicine in Canada, with the second annual Dr. Ian McWhinney Lecture Series on September 21, 2016. Dr. Marie-Dominique Beaulieu delivered the keynote presentation, "The Perils and Promise of Proximity."

  • Dr. Judith Belle Brown to receive Family Medicine Researcher of the Year Award

    August 19, 2016
    Dr. Judith Belle Brown will receive the 2016 Family Medicine Researcher of the Year Award, and has been invited to make a special presentation during Family Medicine Innovations in Research and Education Day, held in conjunction with Family Medicine Forum (FMF) 2016 in Vancouver, on November 9, 2016. The award will be presented at the Section of Researchers’ Annual Dinner on November 9, 2016.

  • Transitions of Care Recommendations published in the International Journal of Stroke

    August 05, 2016
    Department of Family Medicine faculty member, Dr. Catherine Yanchula, and a team of co-authors, worked on a committee of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada to publish new guidelines. After a long 16-18 months, the Transitions of Care Recommendations document was approved and published in the International Journal of Stroke on July 21, 2016.

  • Announcement: Dr. Stephen Wetmore has been extended as Chair/Chief of the Department of Family Medicine

    August 04, 2016
    Dr. Stephen Wetmore has been extended as Chair/Chief of the Department of Family Medicine at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University and its teaching hospitals, London Health Sciences Centre & St. Joseph's Health Care London effective September 1, 2016 to August 31, 2017.

  • Dr. Firas Al-Dhaher to receive award of excellence

    July 11, 2016
    Petrolia's Dr. Firas Al-Dhaher is being honoured by the Ontario College of Family Physicians with its award of excellence. The award recognizes outstanding contributions in a specific area of family medicine, including patient care, community service, hospital or health-care institutions, college activities, training and research.

  • New Family Medicine ITERs implemented

    July 07, 2016
    As part of the on-going implementation of the Triple C competency-based curriculum, we have modified the In-Training Evaluation Reports (ITERs) to reflect our program competencies and entrustable professional activities. The new ITERs have been implemented, and will roll out first to our core Family Medicine sites before moving on to the different rotations such as palliative care, and sports medicine, and the Family Medicine rural sites.

  • Dr. Jo-Anne Hammond named Ontario College of Family Physicians Regional Family Physician of the Year

    July 06, 2016
    The department of family medicine would like to congratulate Dr. Jo-Anne Hammond, Victoria Family Medical Centre, on being named the OCFP Regional Family Physician of the Year for Region 2. The award recognizes the outstanding contributions of the member physician, who provides exemplary care to their patients and are passionately involved in activities that contribute to excellence in family medicine.

  • Meet Dr. Annabeth Loveys - the 100th graduate of the MClSc program

    June 28, 2016
    "I am proud to have [had] Dr. Kidd at the ceremony to hood me. He is an inspiration for lifelong learning while maintaining a balanced life with varied interests. He was my Chemistry professor in my first year at Western and sang with me at Metropolitan United Church during the four years of my undergraduate degree."

  • Dr. Ryan Renn receives Dr. Dana Winterburn Memorial Award

    June 21, 2016
    The Dr. Dana Winterburn Memorial Award was presented to Dr. Ryan Renn at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry convocation held at Western University on Friday, May 13. Dr. Renn is from the town of Caledonia and the neighbouring Six Nations of the Grand River, located in Oshweken.

  • Dr. Margaret Steele takes on new role at Memorial University

    June 09, 2016
    Dr. Margaret Steele, MD’87, Vice Dean Hospital and Interfaculty Relations has accepted a new role as Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University.

  • See the Line

    June 08, 2016
    Learn the latest in sport related brain injury evaluation and treatment. See the Line returns for a fourth year with a full day CME inclusive of the afternoon Community Symposium that will educate you on the latest in concussion research. New this year a focus on Rowan's Law with guest speakers Lisa MacLeod, MPP and Gordon & Kathleen Stringer. Other confirmed speakers include See the Line Honourary Chair Eric Lindros, Dr. Lisa Fischer, Dr. Jason Mihalik, Dr. Douglas Fraser and Dr. David Mulder.

  • Resident Spotlight: Dr. Brenna Velker, PGY2, Family Medicine

    June 02, 2016
    Dr. Brenna Velker feels fortunate to be working alongside such incredible physicians who make a difference in their patient’s lives. The second-year family medicine resident aspires to achieve the same level of care to her patients in her future practice...

  • Joint effort improves medical education on global scale

    May 27, 2016
    Leaders from Schulich Medicine & Dentistry, including Family Medicine's Dr. Scott McKay, traveled to Nanjing, China from April 22-25, to take part in the third annual joint Western University – Nanjing Medical University Symposium on medical education. - via Schulich Communications

  • A love for all things rural

    May 25, 2016
    Growing up on a farm on the outskirts of London gave Dr. Firas Al-Dhaher an appreciation for smaller communities and the collaboration they can inspire. - written by George Ardy (Communications)

  • Important Message re: Voting - Conditions of Appointment for Physicians Document

    May 16, 2016
    New information is available regarding the vote for the Conditions of Appointment for Physicians and Clinical Faculty.

  • Dr. Stewart Harris receives Order of Canada

    May 13, 2016
    Dr. Stewart Harris received his Order of Canada insignia at a ceremony held at Rideau Hall, on Friday, May 13, 2016. The Governor General bestowed the honour on two Companions, four Officers and 42 Members. The Order of Canada is one of Canada’s highest civilian honours. It recognizes outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation.

  • Sheila Porter retires from the department

    May 05, 2016
    After more than 15 years of working as a clinical trials coordinator with Dr. Stewart Harris and the diabetes team, Sheila Porter, RN, retired at the end of April. “It’s nice to finish my general nursing career on this high note..."

  • In Memoriam – Dr. John Swift

    April 29, 2016
    It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. John Swift. Dr. Swift was a dedicated and passionate family physician. In 1992 he became Chief of palliative care at Parkwood Hospital and was instrumental in establishing a palliative care unit at Victoria Hospital. He worked tirelessly for his palliative care patients and provided a great deal of education in palliative care for family physicians and family medicine residents.

  • Update – Conditions of Appointment for Physicians and Town Hall meetings

    April 13, 2016
    A number of Town Hall Meetings have been set up to provide time and opportunity to learn more about the Conditions of Appointment for Physicians Document. Town Hall Meetings are being held at locations across the city beginning April 13. You can learn more about the Document, and dates and times of the Town Hall Meetings online.

  • Congratulations Dr. Eric Wong - Awards of Excellence recipient

    April 11, 2016
    We are pleased to announce Dr. Eric Wong as a 2016 Awards of Excellence recipient. Dr. Wong has been recognized with a Schulich Excellence in Education Award for Undergraduate Education, receiving one of two Schulich Educator Awards. It is with great pride that we honour Dr. Wong and all the talented and dedicated 2016 Awards of Excellence award recipients.

  • Prescribing physical activity can go a long way in preventing chronic disease

    April 06, 2016
    Dr. Jane Thornton, former Olympian, world rowing champion, and family medicine resident in London, Ontario, spoke with The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) on seniors care and physical activity... via DemandaPlan.ca.

  • Western Email System Change Coming - How will it impact you?

    March 30, 2016
    Earlier this month, Western University announced that it is beginning the next phase of the project to replace its campus-wide email platform (known as Convergence) to a new cloud-based system called Microsoft Office 365. This next phase includes moving the Western email accounts (i.e. those ending in @uwo.ca) of all faculty and staff in Schulich Medicine & Dentistry. This change will likely impact you...

  • Congratulations to the Windsor Awards of Excellence recipients

    March 21, 2016
    Congratulations to the recipients of the 2016 Windsor Awards of Excellence. We look forward to celebrating the recipients on Tuesday, April 12, at the Ambassador Golf Club.

  • In Memoriam – Dr. Franklin John Butson

    March 16, 2016
    It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Franklin John Butson. Dr. Butson was an integral part of the formation of the Department of Family Medicine at Western University, traveling from the medical school to England to interview possible candidates for the Chair of Family Medicine. Dr. Butson was also a mentor to students aspiring to become family physicians...

  • Dr. Kathyrn Bailey promotes benefits of obstetrics training to medical residents

    March 15, 2016
    Dr. Kathryn Bailey is teaching medical residents that obstetrics can be an important part of family medicine. via Chatham Daily News

  • Family Medicine top residency choice for Schulich Medicine students in 2016 CaRMS match

    March 07, 2016
    For the third year in a row, Family Medicine is the top residency choice for Schulich Medicine students. The 2016 Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS) results were delivered to students on March 2, and more than 40 per cent of the Class of 2016 chose Family Medicine.

  • In the news: Let’s probe palliative options

    February 16, 2016
    Dr. Stephen Wetmore, Chair/Chief of Family Medicine, discusses the role of the family physician in providing palliative care and supporting death at home, in today's Letters to the Editor - Via London Free Press.

  • Caring for Syrian Newcomers – Video Series

    February 09, 2016
    On January 27, 2016, more than 60 health and social service providers (many working in primary care settings) met at the Cross Cultural Learners Centre for an information session about health and health care for the Syrian refugees who have joined the London community. Faculty members, Drs. Bhooma Bhayana and Natalie Lovesey, presented Refugee Health 101.

  • Resident Spotlight: Dr. Nisha Arora

    February 01, 2016
    When she’s not busy honing her skills in rural family medicine and musing about the importance of health education to adolescents, first-year resident Dr. Nisha Arora can be found teaching herself how to play musical instruments, visiting museums, and trying out new recipes...

  • The Family Medicine Study Guide is live

    January 15, 2016
    Created as a 'study buddy' for family medicine curriculums, the Family Medicine Study Guide is live and available on Apple & Android. The Family Medicine Study Guide was founded by Dr. Daniel Léger, assistant professor of family medicine and academic program director at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry at Western University.