November

The 2014–2015 influenza season was very active in British Columbia and throughout Canada. Widespread influenza activity, predominantly A(H3N2), was observed throughout most regions of the province. The BC Centre for Disease Control’s Influenza Surveillance Reports indicated that the proportion of visits to sentinel physicians and to the BC Children’s Hospital emergency room for influenza-like illness were well above average seasonal rates.[1] One of the reasons suggested for this increase was the mismatch between influenza vaccine serotypes and circulating serotypes.

We hear the term “engagement” a lot these days, especially when it comes to our health care system. And there is good reason for that. We know from research (and from our own experiences) that we are in the best position to make a positive, meaningful difference for our patients when we all work together and are truly engaged—with each other, with our patients, with health authorities and government, and with our allied health professionals.

Dr Leagh Wallace Hartwell, BA (1949), MD (1954) from UBC, was born on 22 March 1928 in North Vancouver and passed away on 1 September 2015 at the age of 87 after many lengthy illnesses.