2001

In the first month of UBC medical school, students are taught that, in the vast majority of cases, listening to what a patient has to say (i.e., taking a good history) yields the diagnosis. Ordering expensive laboratory tests or special investigations are only warranted when they will provide additional information aiding in the diagnosis or management of disease. However, the UBC Faculty of Medicine obviously does not practice what it preaches.

Well, so much for the "we’re going to include all stakeholders in health decision making" and "we see the value of the opinions of frontline health-care workers in health-care planning" rhetoric of the current government.

I read an article in the Medical Post recently which is where, along with the BCMJ, I get most of my continuing education these days. In it was an analogy I use when referring to the frustration I often experience as a physician today. When I fly in an aircraft I trust that the pilot has been properly trained and is in full control. I wouldn’t dream of popping my head into the cockpit demanding to see his credentials or suggesting that he should lift his undercarriage earlier and would he mind dipping his wing as we fly over Burnaby.

Introduction
Throughout Canada, and particularly in British Columbia, the Indian residential school issue is a significant problem. Litigation is currently underway or planned, with a potential liability of several billion dollars. The defendants are the Government of Canada and a number of churches. The plaintiffs are the alleged victims of the Indian residential schools. The schools were established by the Government of Canada, with the actual operation of the schools delegated to a number of Christian churches.

Introduction