April

A study led by University of British Columbia and Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute researchers has revealed how amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is transmitted from cell to cell, and findings suggest the spread of the disease could be blocked. ALS is associated with the mutant SOD1 protein (superoxide dismutase 1) and earlier investigations found the disease-associated mutant SOD1 can induce a change in the shape of other proteins at the molecular level by misfolding inside living cells.

International researchers, including University of British Columbia electrical and computer engineering professor John Madden and PhD candidate Seyed Mohammad Mirvakili, are using fibres from fishing line and sewing thread to create inexpensive artificial muscles that could be used in medical devices, humanoid robots,  and prosthetic limbs, or woven into fabrics. In a study published in Science, researchers describe how they created inexpensive artificial muscles that generate more force and power than human or animal muscles of the same size.

Are you a practising physician in British Columbia? Are you and your spouse having or adopting a baby or planning a pregnancy between 1 April 2014 and 31 March 2015?

If so, take advantage of the Parental Leave Program—one of the negotiated benefits administered by Doctors of BC. In addition to pregnancy benefits for female physicians, the program provides parental benefits for male physicians and adoptive parents. Benefits are payable for up to 17 weeks at a rate of 50% of eligible income up to a maximum of $1000 per week. 

I agree with Dr Allan Donkin on the subject of assisted suicide. I would be opposed to this for all of his stated reasons and am also opposed to the killing of terminally ill patients for any reason, in kindness or otherwise. Although one feels sure that noble motives exist in the minds of some who take an opposing view, it is too easy for physicians and nurses to become convinced that what they are doing is right simply because the profession is viewed in a light of kindness. We are all well meaning, aren’t we? There are a few in every population who may enjoy this power.

Dr Donkin is to be commended for again raising the subject of assisted suicide. It appears to be getting more coverage in the media and needs more from within the medical profession as well. His thoughtful letter does, however, contain several basic errors of fact and logic.