April

I would like to thank Dr Potter-Cogan for his enlightened comments regarding advantages of open source solutions for electronic medical records [BCMJ 2008;50(1):12-13]. I too encouraged the PITO Committee to include OSCAR as a PITO-approved vendor in a series of e-mails, letters, and phone calls since January 2007. Failure to have an open source option is an omission each physician will be paying for every year. 

I had an enjoyable and positive discussion with Dr Figurski in Nov­ember. I wish to clarify that the PITO Steering Committee did res­pond to Dr Figurski’s communications in the form of my follow up with him and our subsequent meeting in November, both on behalf of the committee.

I would also like to correct the comments attributed to me in Dr Figurski’s letter. More accurately, I acknowledged that those involved with OSCAR and open source development are doing interesting and useful work and that it represents very positive physician collaboration and innovation. 

BC’s health authorities are going smoke-free in 2008. As leaders in health, the health authorities are committed to promoting health and protecting employees, physicians, volunteers, patients, residents, clients, and the public from the harmful effects of smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke while in or on all health authority owned and/or operated premises, facilities, and grounds.  

The Office of the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles (OSMV), in partnership with the BCMA, is revising the BC Guide for Physicians in Determining Fitness to Drive a Motor Vehicle  to ensure that it reflects changes in the case law and the best evidence available regarding medical conditions and fitness to drive.

Our profession’s ancient heritage of each day seeking that fine balance between altruism and self-interest (both virtues!) remains an imperative. It is the core that sustains us each as a practitioner and our sum as a profession. 

Our shrinking planet is buffeting, if not assaulting, that ideal from all angles. In that light, this year’s tripartite Ethics Conference will bring attendees together with a diversity of distinguished faculty.