May

The RCMP is overhauling its employee health, disability, and support services regimen. Federal legislation ap­proved in 2012 altered the definition of an “insured person” under the Can­ada Health Act, and as a result of these changes members of the RCMP are now included as insured persons un­der provincial and territorial health programs. As of 1 April, regular members and special constables who reside in BC are now covered under BC’s Medical Services Plan, while extended health benefits continue to be covered by Medavie Blue Cross.

If hiking to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro sounds like an adventure you’d like to be a part of, the Ascent for Alzheimer’s may be just the challenge you’re looking for.

Ascent organizers are now interviewing for their 2013 team and are looking for adventurous, determined, team-oriented physicians to take part in this year’s climb. Participants are responsible for their own travel ex­penses and must raise at least $10000, and the Ascent organizing team will take it from there.

The Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) reports that 1 in 200 seniors was hospitalized because of an adverse drug reaction between 2010 and 2011, compared with 1 in 1000 of all other Canadians.

The number of seniors hospitaliz­ed due to an adverse drug reaction has increased by an average of 3% a year between 2006–2007 and 2010–2011, and accounted for about 3% of all seniors’ hospitalizations over the period.

The BCMA presents three $500 scholarships to children of BCMA members planning to pursue postsecondary studies in the following school year. 
The scholarship application deadline is 5 p.m. on 23 May, and successful applicants will be notified by 14 June. Award winners will be announc­ed in the BC Medical Journal.

Scholarship fund criteria and the application form can be found at www.bcma.org/member-home/scholarships.

I am writing to comment on the letter from Dr Angus Rae referring to the steps taken by the BCMA to improve the relationship between the Faculty of Medicine (FOM) and clinical faculty. The BCMA has supported clinical faculty and the Section of Clinical Faculty for many years, and continues to allocate resources in this regard.