jjablkowski's blog

Are you a primary care provider interested in improving the system through which adults in BC access hearing health care?

The grandchild of a good friend of mine is about to graduate as a paralegal. Little does she know that, according to predictions by Oxford researchers, it is likely that by 2033 94% of paralegals will lose their jobs due to algorithms.[1] There is also a chance that the same thing will happen to 76% of archivists, 89% of bus drivers, and so the list of future unemployed goes. There are no specific predictions, yet, for physicians’ job security, but data-collection-related health care workers might not be safe. 

On Mother’s Day this year I will lift my glass three times. 

My first toast will celebrate Dr Emily Howard Jennings Stowe (1831–1903). Graduate of a US medical school in 1867, she was the first Canadian woman physician, and with three children, the first physician-mother in Canada. 

My second toast will be to Emily’s daughter, Augasta (1857–1943), who was the first woman graduate of a Canadian medical school in 1883, and the second physician-mother in this country. 

I will raise my glass a third time to honor all physician-mothers of today.

ABSTRACT: On 16 April 2022, the province of British Columbia will enter its 7th year of the public health overdose emergency. An increasingly toxic drug supply coupled with stigma toward people who use drugs continues to contribute to unprecedented increases in overdoses and overdose deaths. The Interior Health Authority, which serves medium and small communities in British Columbia, initiated a project to address stigma in the midst of both the overdose and COVID-19 public health emergencies.

Do you know a colleague, mentor, or teacher who has gone above and beyond in their contributions to medicine or health care? Someone who serves as an inspiration to others and is a pillar of excellence in their medical community and the medical profession? If so, nominate them now for a Doctors of BC award and give them the recognition they deserve.

Nominations are now being accepted for the following 2022 awards: