Rising case numbers in BC are keeping me up. As I head out the door on a Saturday to stand on my feet doing drive thru vaccines for the next 8 hours, I sincerely hope that everyone else stays home or in small groups outside. Thank you BC
@DoctorsOfBC
@drmattchow
@DrBirinderSingh
It is both an honor and a privilege to serve as President for
@CMA_Docs
at a time as we continue to press for rapid improvements in many aspects of our healthcare system to meet the needs of Canadians. Thank you
@AlikaMD
for inspiring hope that change is possible. 🙏
Today we welcome CMA President
@DrKathleenRoss1
, a family physician based in Coquitlam and New Westminster, BC, whose passion for community,
#PrimaryCare
and knowledge of the front-line brings us one step closer to accessible health care for all Canadians.
The cracks in our healthcare system are wider than they have ever been.
@janephilpott
suggests we target primary care training as a foundational step. The cost of inaction is incomprehensible.
@CMA_Docs
@DoctorsOfBC
@dr_rdosanjh
@AlikaMD
Many thanks to
@CMA_Docs
General Council for their confidence. I walk in the steps of giants
@AlikaMD
and
@KatharineSmart
as I lean into this opportunity. We will need broad physician engagement and leadership to ensure equitable and accessible healthcare services for our future.
Congratulations to
@DrKathleenRoss1
on your appointment as the CMA's president-elect! We look forward to working with you to rebuild the
#CDNhealth
system and improve access to care for all Canadians 👏
Spent last night in a local ER with a family member having a medical event. Saw so many non-emergent concerns checking in all with the same comments: No Family Doctor; Walk Ins all closed; UPCC was already full; virtual Doctor advised them to go to ER to “have it looked at”. 1/2
We urgently need at home rapid tests in BC. Healthcare workers need access to N95 masks for all shifts. This Level 3 mask fits poorly and is making me nervous at work today.
🏥Impact?
Look at UK🇬🇧, who are a few weeks ahead of us.
#Omicron
is >60% of cases, 1/3 increase in
#COVID19
admissions.
350 staff isolating from Guys/St Thomas.
10% of fire brigade Pos. or isolating.
130,000 NHS staff could be off sick by Xmas.
Does BC Public Health understand the long-term risks of catching
#COVID
? Answer: No
A very good summary to share with your relatives and friends who think
#Covid
is over. Don't drop your guard.
“The best way to make things better is together.Find the string that binds us together &you will find your best path forward” Sage advice
@KatharineSmart
Gratitude to
@AlikaMD
for bringing us together,inspiring hope and leading change.There is much to do, let’s begin.
@CMA_Docs
Young children where a phone call and office follow up would have worked. Elderly with flares of chronic problems with nowhere else to go. This is expensive top tier care that could be addressed by adequately funded and supported primary care.
#EVERYONEDESERVESAFAMILYDOCTOR
Hoarding is a common human behavior for people of means:toilet paper,canned goods,now gas. Those without means struggle in the aftermath. Please take only what you need and leave some for others who live day to day.
@DoctorsOfBC
@PennyDaflos
@CMA_Docs
@BirinderNarang
@jjhorgan
Ontario - 24% of new COVID cases are people fully vaccinated against COVID
Alberta - 17% of new COVID cases are people fully vaccinated
Saskatchewan - 13% of new COVID cases are people fully vaccinated
We don't have updated numbers in BC.
#bcpoli
#CMAHealthSummit
was a whirlwind of physician&patient presentations,panels, & open discussions of key healthcare cracks in Canada. Today I am home, grounded in my frontline patient care.The gaps are real &experienced by many. Now is the time,we must do better.
@CMA_Docs
#cdnpoli
One of the major driving forces declining our HC service delivery is the lack of infrastructure/time based fee support for Family Docs managing complex patients.Only in medicine do we see the “canary in the coal mine die”and say,“we need more resilient canaries”
@KatharineSmart
"The emergency department is always sort of like the canary in the coal mine. When things aren't working well there, it's usually because there are other stressors throughout the system." –
@KatharineSmart
👇
@nilikm
@OCDSB
@nilikm
I am saddened and outraged that this hatred continues to be aimed at you. Please know you have supporters who are also sharing the message that masks help to reduce transmission of COVID, Flu and RSV.
Today I will stand with citizens of BC on the lawn of the Legislature, listen to their stories and learn what they want for Family Doctor access. There are solutions. FPs want to come to the table, discuss immediate and future actions.
@BCCFP
#MyFamilyDoctorCares
@adriandix
Excited to listen to
@CaulfieldTim
on Fighting Misinformation in Heath Care at the
@CMA_Docs
Health Summit. Much appreciation from those of us who suffered abuse online as we worked to counter misinformation.
@jossreimer
sharing her experiences in her introductory remarks.🙏
Meeting with federal leadership to discuss our healthcare system &
@CMA_Docs
priorities. ⬆️our workforce numbers,⬇️admin burden & federal forms,⬆️access to primary care,physician mobility, building climate resilient systems ,reconciliation in health & much more. 1/5
@jossreimer
Solving administrative burden is a critical step towards a more efficient healthcare system that supports physician wellness &improves patient care. It is complex &needs engagement at all levels.
@CMA_Docs
@AlikaMD
@DoctorsOfBC
@OntariosDoctors
@CFPC_e
Tessa Virtue speaking on the importance of mentors in her professional athlete and business life at We for She. We build our strength thru connections and builds our confidence and self worth. Celebrate our uniqueness, it gives you strength.
#WeForSheBC
@DoctorsOfBC
Family Doctors here at the Legislature to support BC citizens in their demands for access to Family Doctors. FPs know you,the whole you, to best manage your care,keep your out of the hospital and extend your life span
#everyonedeservesafamilydoctor
@DoctorsOfBC
Methane levels rising related to fracking and Natural Gas use/production is driving more rapid global warming.
@CAPE_ACME
urging Canadians to take another look as their use of this fossil fuel.
@DoctorsOfBC
@CMA_Docs
Today, on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, I take a moment of deep reflection to recognize the profound and lasting harms colonization has caused for generations of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples. 1/
The healthcare system is indeed broken. Urgent action and collaboration across all levels of government is needed.
@picardonhealth
Begin with sufficient funding and supports to provide primary care access for every Canadian. Time to be bold.
@KatharineSmart
@AlikaMD
@CMA_Docs
We can’t treat you if we are in the stretcher next to you. If you took something from an office/emergency, give it back. If you are well in the community hoarding masks, gloves, cleaning supplies please drop them at the hospital or nearest medical clinic.
@DoctorsOfBC
@drmattchow
Doctors of BC urges British Columbians not to steal hospital or medical office supplies. BC doctors and healthcare professionals need your help and cooperation to fight COVID-19.
Health Matters:
@GlobalBC
w/
@SoniaSunger
Influenza in BC
Only 55% of pts >65 yo & 21% <5 yo vaxxed against flu (high risk groups)
H3N2 driving cases (included in this year Flu 💉)
Severe illness can be unpredictable
More info at
@ImmunizeBC
.
#BCPoli
🗳️ The results are in:
@DrKathleenRoss1
is the next CMA president-elect nominee!
As a family physician working
@RoyalColumbian
and past president
@DoctorsOfBC
, Dr. Ross believes in the power of physicians to reform the health care system.
You are a shining example of why we continue to need well trained Generalists. Birth to death care under one umbrella practice is how our patients deserve to receive care. Please Twitterverse, support Primary Care Physicians whereever possible. We are truly an endangered species.
Today I delivered a baby, cared for a 3 month old with bronchiolitis, a 64 yo with prostate cancer, 74 yo who fell and broke her hip, and cared for a hospice pt who passed away peacefully.
#YouMightBeAFamilyPhysician
#HealthIsPrimary
Pay equity for community FPs (less overhead costs) is an urgent priority for the immediate term.
#EveryoneDeservesAFamilyDoctor
Why would a new grad come to work for less with 24/7/365 responsibilities when shifts in acute care,ER,etc remunerate them better? 2/4
@DoctorsOfBC
Ongoing protests here in New Westminster. Called our staff “disgusting”. Please go home and let the clinic get on with protecting those who want to be protected.
@DoctorsOfBC
@CMA_Docs
@dr_rdosanjh
@PennyDaflos
Governments don’t belong in confidential, evidence-based, and patient-informed decisions between a doctor and their patient.
Who should decide if you get a knee replacement?
Who should decide what medication is best for you?
Share you concerns using
#patientsnotpolitics
We need a National HHR strategy. We need more bodies in healthcare to well, avoid more bodies, but how many and where is less clear. Enhancing upstream community and preventive care to avoid expensive ER and acute care costs downstream is critical.
@AlikaMD
@KatharineSmart
4/4
Gathered together with past presidents of
@DoctorsOfBC
to celebrate B.C. physicians who have distinguished themselves in clinical practice, leadership or humanities. Such inspiration in this group of colleagues, mentors & friends.
@CMA_Docs
After rapidly vaccinating over 1200 frontline healthcare providers in just under 3 days at RCH, the process was shut down by FHA tonight. No word on when we will protect our frontliners despite rising cases. 1/2
@DrVictoriaLeeFH
@drmattchow
@DoctorsOfBC
@DayanMuthayan
Up early and headed off for a walk with
@bcparksfdn
and
@CMA_Docs
at
#ICAM2024
to learn about the urban heat island effect in our major cities. Increasing our urban canopy and increasing green spaces will drive improved health for all.
@Melissa_Lem
@courtghoward
As a family that has also lost a loved one to gun violence, everything
@Everytown
shared resonated. Guns are the most lethal method of suicide attempts. As clinicians, we must ask more often about weapons in the home & work to limit access to save lives.
@MomsDemand
#IHIForum
Your physicians are there for you. Please don’t neglect your acute or chronic health conditions due to COVID-19. Reach out and make a plan virtually or in person with your doctor. We want to help you healthy.
@DoctorsOfBC
@drmattchow
Last year I lost a very dear friend to metastatic colon cancer earlier than we should have. The price of immunotherapy would have left her family with limited resources. She made the choice to end her fight. I miss her every day.
No one has been able to explain to me the massive conflict of interest this process generates. “Let me assess you and if I think it is appropriate, I will sell you some medication that you likely don’t need and I will profit from the exchange”. I don’t see a way to mitigate this
I don’t understand how this will work - a “cough” is not a diagnosis, it’s a symptom. So unless pharmacists will also be ordering chest Xrays to diagnose pneumonia, there is no prescription medication appropriate for a cough.
🙏
@WabKinew
for discussing
@CMA_Docs
priorities for Canadian Healthcare-access to primary care,cancer care,human health resources,climate related health issues,&more. Collaboration across jurisdictions, accountability &shared learnings will ➡️improvement.
Tremendous gratitude to my colleagues ramping up protocols, workhours, crosscoverage, and other pandemic processes as we prepare for inc COVID 19 cases across Canada. Brave frontline healthcare providers are the healthcare system foundation.
@DoctorsOfBC
@CMA_Docs
@drmattchow
Thank you
@KatharineSmart
for your outstanding advocacy for Canadian Physicians and patients thru these unprecedented times. Your commitment to fighting misinformation is exceptional.
@CMA_Docs
1/ As I complete my term as president
@CMA_Docs
I want to extend a deep thank you to my colleagues 🙏🏼
I am proud to be a physician and to have had the opportunity to represent you during this incredible time in history
I am inspired by your advocacy and value your friendship
Was honored to represent Canadian Physicians at the first ever day dedicated to Health at
#COP28
This is an historic time. Human Health repends on Climate Health. Healthcare providers are trusted voices to share this message.
@CMA_Docs
@WHO
@GovCanHealth
@CAPE_ACME
@cbcnewsbc
Excellent. Now if the rest of the public gets Dr. Henry’s message about social distancing and just staying home, maybe fewer healthcare works will need to put their lives on the line. The role of the public is crucial.
I commit to sharing my grassroots’ healthcare provider perspective + my systems level understanding with all levels of healthcare and political leadership to ensure our healthcare system will best serve Canadians as we emerge from the pandemic. 3/3
@AlikaMD
@KatharineSmart
🗳️ The results are in:
@DrKathleenRoss1
is the next CMA president-elect nominee!
As a family physician working
@RoyalColumbian
and past president
@DoctorsOfBC
, Dr. Ross believes in the power of physicians to reform the health care system.
Vanderhoof ER closing risk due to high # unvaccinated-staff falling ill.Physicians pleading with the community to get COVID vaccines. Delta variant is aggressive and compromising our ability to care for you.
@thisisourshotca
@DoctorsOfBC
More than this, we need to normalize the ability for patients to ask questions of their care providers and be part of their care plan. Time is required to have these discussions.
@CMA_Docs
@clairehsnyman
@sandykets
Health literacy should be taught from an early stage so people know what to ask when they access the healthcare system for the first time:
@clairehsnyman
#CMABoldChoices
Many too causes for certain, however the erosion in access to Family Doctors is a major contributor to this ER crisis. Urgent support for longitudinal Family Medicine is needed from all levels of government. We can’t allow one more office to close, not one more patient orphaned.
Consensus across the country that there's a crisis in hospital emergency departments. So what are the achievable solutions? Tonight two more perspectives on The National, from a big city doctor and a smaller community hospital CEO.
@NaheedD
Heartbreaking, but very necessary to uncover. The shameful truth of Canada’s residential school system is finally coming to light. Reconciliation begins with all of us acknowledging these truths and working to support survivors and their families.
BC Cancer launches at-home cervical screening pilot. This will be a game changer for early detection of cervical cancer in BC. Excited to learn more as the trial unfolds.
@FMWCanada
@DocMCohen
@DrShelleyRoss
@drgigiosler
In a new
@IpsosCanada
survey, 87% of respondents agree: a long-term plan for the
#HealthWorkforce
is needed to ensure Canadians can receive the right care at the right time. CMA is committed to working alongside 🇨🇦's Senators & Members of Parliament to address this crisis. 1/2
@drherrling
So sorry for your loss. Your dedication to your patients is really remarkable. Family Doctors should not have to sacrifice their own families and well being to care for others. The really sad part is your history is not unique. We can do better for you and for our patients.
B.C. family doctors: Urgent care centre strategy criticized | FPs are foundation of our healthcare system infrastructure. We are no longer able to compensate for rising costs to provide that infrastructure.
@BCFamilyDoctors
@TuraEmanuela
Please speak with
@cma_docs
Ambassadors today at
#CCPH2023
pre-conference on Physician Wellness &leadership. Changing culture &supporting psychologically,physically &culturally safe,inclusive work environments is a responsibility we can all work to address.
@jossreimer
@alikamd
One day after
#FamilyDoctorDay
, a specific callout to honor the many Physicians working on the COVID frontlines. No incentives or hazard pay, just doing our work for patients despite personal risk. Tireless. Thankless. We see you.
@DoctorsOfBC
@dr_oona
@drmattchow
@adriandix
Doctors have had an important role in raising the alarm of climate change as a critical health issue. We can continue to share the evidence and work collaboratively with all partners to lead change.
@CAPE_ACME
#CMAhealthsummit
@cathmckenna
kicking off the discussions on the health impact of climate change at
#CMAHealthSummit
highlighting the need openly name the role of burning fossil fuels feeding climate change &impacting our health now & in the future.
@courtghoward
@Melissa_Lem
Her prescription:
@cathmckenna
kicking off the discussions on the health impact of climate change at
#CMAHealthSummit
highlighting the need openly name the role of burning fossil fuels feeding climate change &impacting our health now & in the future.
@courtghoward
@Melissa_Lem
Her prescription:
Pleased to see BC’s announcement today. A long term plan to reform healthcare delivery &meet the needs of Canadians is needed. Transparent accountability will build trust. 1/
I look forward to listening to Canadians as we launch a country wide conversation based on a shared understanding of our existing system of healthcare, what is working &where there are urgent gaps to be filled. Open &honest dialogue will lead to tangible solutions.
@CMA_Docs
My elderly dad has COVID. Within 48 hrs New Zealand healthcare system provided:
-in-person assessment by GP
-phone advice from hospital physician
-twice daily calls from nurses
-calls to all members of household
-offer of financial support, mobility aids, groceries
Just amazing.