January 2020 Newsletter
CaRMS 2020
The CaRMS recruitment days that took place on January 17, 18, and 19 were a huge success. As a Department, we interviewed over 500 applicants – many excellent candidates. The postgraduate team would like to extend a sincere thank you to all of the faculty, staff and residents that offered their assistance at these events. We couldn’t do it without you. Match day is March 3, 2020.
Chair's Message – Focus on Strategic Priorities
This month is the beginning of a new year and a new decade. What is in store for the Department of Family Medicine over the next five to 10 years? Things seem to be changing very quickly in primary care and how does our department adapt to change and continue to thrive? I will use the next few Chair’s messages to focus on the strategic priorities established in our strategic plan of 2018 and indicate how these guidelines will keep us moving ahead.
Postgraduate Program Report
It is time to complete Periodic Review Forms in One45. The purpose of the Faculty Advisor Program is to provide longitudinal mentoring and educational support and guidance for our residents. Residents should contact their Faculty Advisor to arrange to meet three times per year.
Graduate Program Report
Graduate students are busy with the second half of their full credit courses and some are commencing an additional half credit course. Dr. Jennifer Johnson will be defending her thesis titled "The Health Experiences of Long-haul Truck Drivers and their Relationship with their Primary Care Provider” on Tuesday, February 11, 2020 with her public lecture commencing at 12:30 pm in WCPHFM 1120. We invite the Family Medicine community to join us in supporting Dr. Johnson in this academic milestone.
Announcement: New Dean chosen for Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry
On behalf of Western University's Board of Governors, President Alan Shepard, and the Schulich Medicine & Dentistry Decanal Selection Committee, Andy Hrymak is very pleased to announce that Dr. John Yoo has been appointed as the next Dean of the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, beginning May 1, 2020 through June 30, 2025.
Celebrating our achievements
Congratulations Dr. Daniel Grushka on being recognized by the Canadian Association for Medical Education with a Certificate of Merit Award. The Certificate of Merit Awards promote and recognize faculty committed to medical education in Canadian medical schools. Award recipients have demonstrated a valuable contribution to education at their institution.
Welcoming the Enhanced Skills Class of 2020
Congratulations to those who matched to our Enhanced Skills Program. Many thanks to all our faculty and administrators for their efforts in this important and difficult process. We were able to match 27 residents for the 2020-2021 year. We are thrilled to welcome those joining our program for the upcoming academic year.
November 2019 Accreditation
The accreditation visit that took place in November 2019 was a huge success. We received helpful feedback from the survey team regarding our central and enhanced skills programs. Thank you to staff, residents and faculty for all of their hard work in preparation for the visit and during the visit, and your ongoing leadership and commitment to the Family Medicine program.
Family Medicine Forum 2019
The Family Medicine Forum (FMF) 20th Annual Meeting was held October 30 to November 2 in Vancouver, B.C. Researchers, residents, students and clinicians from the Centre for Studies in Family Medicine and Department of Family Medicine had six presentations and four posters during the conference.
TUTOR-PHC NAPCRG Networking Event
The TUTOR-PHC NAPCRG Networking event took place November 17 in Toronto at the North American Primary Care Research Group (NAPCRG) Annual Meeting 2019. Over 45 alumni, trainees and mentors of the program attended the event including department of Family Medicine-connected representatives: Co-Primary Investigators Judith Belle Brown and Amanda Terry, Kathryn Nicholson, Jaky Kueper and Kyleigh Schraeder. Attendees had the opportunity to build relationships, discuss potential collaborations and network with researchers from across Canada and internationally.
Awards of Excellence: Less than two weeks left to nominate your peers and mentors
The School is home to many outstanding staff and faculty – celebrate their accomplishments with an Award of Excellence. Submit your nomination online by February 7.
Department Spotlight: Dr. Simraaj (Simi) Powar
Dr. Simraaj (Simi) Powar is a family medicine resident in the Windsor program. She chose to train in Windsor because of its “family-style” Family Medicine residency program. "The small tight-knit group of residents support and mentor each other towards success." Dr. Powar lives by the mantra, "I am motivated; I am dedicated; on a quest to be my best!" stemming from fifteen years training in Goju Ryu Karate to achieve a black belt.
January 2020 Research and Publications
The Department of Family Medicine is at the forefront of research in primary health care. Among the areas of focus for research are patient-centered care, clinical practice guidelines, health promotion, population health, care of the elderly, health services and information technology.
Events
Join us for our Faculty Development Leader Series: How to Maximize the Potential of an EMR to Improve Patient Outcomes on January 29. Save the date for Family Medicine Grand Rounds – Human Trafficking in Ontario: Identification and Management in Primary Care, and the annual London Perinatal Rounds both happening on February 5. Maria Mathews, PhD, presents as part of the New Faculty Lecture Series on February 7.
Top stories from our November newsletter
Missed the November e-newsletter? Take a moment to read the top stories: Western captures second place in Resident Simulation Showcase at Family Medicine Forum, Graduate Program Report, Postgraduate Program Report.
