I recently attended the second annual Bob Ewart Memorial Lecture and Dinner in Prince George, an event that celebrates the burgeoning Northern Medical Program at the University of Northern British Columbia. I have been in support of the medical program at UNBC since the BCMJ began publishing Dr Harvey Thommasen’s articles a few years ago. Dr Thommasen has been a vocal advocate of doctors trained in the North for the North, and I believe that the medical program at UNBC exists today, in no small part, thanks to Dr Thommasen’s passion and commitment.
The idea for an issue that focuses on mental health care in northern, rural, and isolated areas in British Columbia began with an article on health care in general in those areas (BCMJ 2003;45[1]:16). That earlier piece stressed that al though it is difficult enough to provide good general health care, it is even more daunting to provide good mental health care.
It’s not hard to come across a news headline highlighting yet another health problem that could be prevented, reduced, or treated by increasing physical activity. A physically active lifestyle not only prevents cardiovascular disease but also substantially increases overall life expectancy. (An excellent article on this topic appears in the 14 March 2006 issue of the CMAJ.) This means we all stand a better chance of living a longer and healthier life when we exercise on a regular basis.
Recent outbreaks in Canada, including the 2003 SARS outbreak, and the emergence of a virulent strain of Clostridium difficile in hospitals in Quebec have raised awareness in the medical community about issues of infection prevention and control. In addition, in British Columbia, investigations into post-cesarean section infection rates and a surge in community-associated MRSA and health care-facility norovirus outbreaks have brought the issue closer to home.
In which Dr Fraser explains why it’s easier for some surgeons to perform an operation than to make a photocopy.
There is a widespread but erroneous belief that surgeons, being presumed to be dexterous, are therefore technocrats, well versed in the operation of any or all of the multiplicity of appliances that virtually govern our modern existence. Not so.
