May

In January a group of BC physicians and administrators braved the winter cold of Ohio and traveled to the Cleveland Clinic to learn more about its world-famous approach to patient care.
 

Even though the weather hasn’t quite caught up, it really is springtime. At this time of year I like to go through my files and cupboards and do a little dusting and tidying to get ready for the summer ahead.

As I prepare to wrap up my term as president, I thought I might share with you some small bits of my experiences and observations over the last year.

As part of the 2012 National Physician Survey, medical students and residents were asked several questions about the education-related debt they have or will acquire by the end of their medical education. For students, the percentage expecting to have no debt at the end of medical school remains constant at about 10% according to 2004, 2007, 2010, and 2012 survey results. However, the proportion of those expecting debt of $100 000 or more has doubled from 15% in 2004 to 30% in 2012, representing a significant portion of the student body.

Regional health authorities in Bri­tish Columbia will receive up to $50 million annually over the next 3 years for targeted primary and community care programs. This funding will support the provincial rollout of the Home is Best program to help seniors (particularly those who are waiting for a residential care bed) live safely at home. The program provides home care support services such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and taking medication.

The largest research project ever conducted in the Vancouver Island Health Authority has received $10 million in funding from Genome BC, Genome Canada, the Vancouver Island Health Authority, and other partners. Re­searchers led by Dr Andrew Penn, a Victoria-based neurologist, aim to develop a quick and inexpensive test to accurately diagnose minor stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA).