September

UBC Okanagan researchers examined the impact of undiagnosed or untreated hearing issues in seniors age 60 to 69. The study found that for every 10-decibel drop in hearing sensitivity, the odds of social isolation increased by 52%. Among the sample of seniors, a 10-decibel reduction of hearing sensitivity was also associated with cognitive declines equivalent to almost 4 years of chronological aging.

Researchers at Lawson Health Research Institute in Ontario have developed clinical practice guidelines for managing neuropathic pain with patients who have experienced a spinal cord injury. The research team worked with care providers at Parkwood Institute, part of the St. Joseph’s Health Care London family, and an international panel to address the unique challenges for managing pain during recovery and rehabilitation.

Congratulations to Dr Katharine McKeen of Victoria, winner of the Doctors of BC 2015–16 Annual Report survey contest. By completing a brief survey Dr McKeen was entered into the draw and won a free night at the Pan Pacific Vancouver, including breakfast for two in Oceans 999.

Thousands more people may now be eligible to donate blood following recent changes to a number of Canadian Blood Services deferral policies and donor restrictions. The following notable changes are now in effect across Canada:

Are you a physician practising medicine in British Columbia? Are you or your spouse having or adopting a baby or planning a pregnancy between 1 April 2016 and 31 March 2017?

If so, it is important to 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 the rate of 50% of eligible income up to a maximum of $1000 per week.