January 2023 Newsletter

    • Chair's Message
      Welcome to 2023 and Happy New Year to everyone. In my last newsletter, I looked back on the year that 2022 was. This month, I want to look forward and highlight some of the things on the horizon that are coming our way. As we move into February, we have the usual business and excitement of CaRMS including interviews with medical students and “the match.” For Schulich, we are coming off a match in 2022 that saw more than 50 per cent of our undergraduate students match to a Family Medicine residency and I am hoping this trend will continue in 2023.

    • Undergraduate Report
      Meet Dr. Silvia Orsini. The Department of Family Medicine would like to welcome Dr. Silvia Orsini to the role of Clerkship and Electives Director. Born and raised in London, Ontario, Dr. Orsini attended Western University for undergraduate education before obtaining her MD degree in Ottawa, and completing her Family Medicine residency, with a third year in Obstetrics, in Toronto. “I’ve always had an interest in teaching,” said Dr. Orsini. “Especially having completed a third year, and family medicine residency. I was used to students, the regular progression.”

    • Postgraduate Report
      We are pleased to announce that Claudia Jarosz will be joining the PG Team as the Academic/Research Project Program Coordinator commencing February 6, 2023. Claudia has a BSc and MKin, both from Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo and her most recent position was as a Transitional Coach / Research Coordinator facilitating a patient-centred quality improvement study at Victoria Hospital. 

    • Graduate Report
      We hope the Holiday Season afforded you an opportunity to spend time with loved ones and get a bit of well deserved rest while keeping healthy. Our warmest wishes for a Happy New Year. Graduate students are busy with the second half of their full credit courses and some are commencing an additional half credit course.  

    • Research Report
      We are very pleased to announce Dr. Bridget Ryan has been promoted to Associate Professor effective July 1, 2023. Congratulations Dr. Ryan on this well-deserved promotion. The LIBERATE Team is now recruiting for the LIBERATE Diabetes Study (Libre Enabled Reduction in A1c through effective Eating and Exercise).                         

    • In the Media
      Dr. Sonja Reichert’s research on the LIBERATE Program was featured in the November 23, 2022, Lawson Health Research Institute media release “Study aims to empower patients with Type 2 diabetes to take control of their health”. Dr. Reichert was also featured on the Morning Show with Devon Peacock (980 CFPL) to discuss her LIBERATE Study and recruitment to help improve the lives of patients with Type 2 diabetes. 

    • Staff Profile: Michele Vanderspank
      The Department of Family Medicine would like to introduce Michele Vanderspank, our Undergraduate Program Coordinator. "I love working directly with students to find the best rotation/community that will align with the learning experiences they are hoping for. The satisfaction and feeling of pride I get when a student sincerely thanks me for taking the time to work with them, is so rewarding."

    • LIBERATE Diabetes Study
      The LIBERATE Team is now recruiting for the LIBERATE Diabetes Study (Libre Enabled Reduction in A1c through effective Eating and Exercise)!  Using technology (Libre + Fitbit) to provide biofeedback to guide behavioural change in persons with T2DM.  A 6-month study, with biweekly virtual group education/coaching x 3 months, then monthly thereafter.

    • Primary Care Masterclass in Sport and Exercise Medicine and Musculoskeletal Health
      Dr. Jane Thornton is hosting a monthly Primary Care Masterclass in Sport and Exercise Medicine and Musculoskeletal Health. February's speaker is Dr. Saverio Stranges who will present, "Relationship between sleep and physical activity and how to provide advice,” on February 9 at 12:00 p.m.

    • HealtheSteps™ Program & Funding Update
      The HealtheSteps® Program (PI: Dr. Robert Petrella) has continued to grow across Canada since launch in September 2020. HealtheSteps® is currently being delivered as a free, virtual, 6-month healthy lifestyle program providing adults (18+) with a specific plan of action to improve their physical activity levels and reduce their sedentary behaviour; increase their exercise levels; improve their eating habits; and improve their mental wellbeing.

    • Call for Nominations
      Do you know a Schulich staff or faculty member that embodies excellence? Nominate them for an Award of Excellence to recognize and encourage the ongoing development of outstanding talent. The 2023 award cycle opens Friday, January 13. Nominations are due March 17, 2023.

    • Apply or nominate an outstanding resident for an award
      The Department of Family Medicine Resident Awards for 2023 are now posted on the Department's website. If you wish to nominate yourself for any of the awards, or to nominate another resident, please visit the website for details on eligibility and nomination requirements. All nomination letters and forms (where necessary) must be received by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, May 19, 2023.

    • Peer support program now available for physicians at Windsor campus
      Peers for Peers provides one-on-one support for physicians suffering the mental and emotional stresses of a high workload. Now the program has rolled out to Schulich Medicine & Dentistry’s Windsor campus.

    • Study shows virtual care removed barriers for patients during pandemic
      A study led by Bridget Ryan, PhD, studied that while the pandemic shifted primary health care to virtual care, family physicians continued to deliver a high standard of care for patients.