This issue of UBC’s “This Changed My Practice” was authored by our own Dr. Dan Kim! Read about his success in treating SVT here: This Changed My Practice.
Author Archives: admin
APPtitude!
AppThis week, we’re talking about the new ACEP Toxicology Antidote app. It’s available for both iOS and Android.
This app delivers basic information about indications and dosing for most standard antidotes. It’s very easy to use, allowing for searching or browsing of all the listed antidotes. This would be an exceptional resource for any residents studying for their exam.
For many of the antidotes, a call to poison control would still be indicated, making the app superfluous. In fact, there is a large button right in the app that calls poison control – but unfortunately, only the American one!
However, it’s easy access to dosing for many standard antidotes. And even though the dosing is American, there is a simple way to add notes, and they integrate easily into the information about each antidote.
And best of all, it’s free! Give it a try.
Recharge Professionally: EM Wellness Week
What keeps you coming back to work day after day? One of the biggest things is probably the people you work with. Dr. Amal Mattu has often discussed the huge difference that a single person’s attitude can make on a department. Who would you rather work with, a Tigger or an Eeyore? You can read more about his theory here.
Satisfaction at work is often tied to the amount of control we feel. Finding a new committee, working group, or role that gives you the opportunity to be heard can reduce burnout and help you find a locus of control. Or why not sign up for a course or a conference? Sometimes, exposing yourself to new ideas and new people can be the inspiration you need for a burst of new energy at work. Talk to a colleague with similar interests and make it a social experience too.
And what’s the biggest difference you can make in your next shift? Thank a colleague. Make sure they know what a difference they made to your day. Maybe you’ll start a trend!
Recharge in Your Community: EM Wellness Week
Many people find fulfillment in having a sense of connection to their community, however that community is defined. Feeling frustrated and like you’re not making the impact you had hoped at work? Why not try volunteering? You could use your skills, and volunteer at a charity event or run. Or, do something completely new and act as a mentor through Big Brothers or Big Sisters. Other ideas can be found here: http://govolunteer.ca/.
Interested in being more involved in the community itself? Find out how to get involved in your local city council: http://vancouver.ca/your-government/citizen-involvement.aspx. Or, what about just spending some time to get to know your community? Find a friend or a partner and spend a day being a tourist. Walk the Seawall. Check out the Vancouver Aquarium after hours. Check out a local listing for the many events you can enjoy: http://www.vancitybuzz.com/vancouver-events/, http://www.miss604.com/.
Recharge Mentally: EM Wellness Week
One of the best things you can do for your mental health is to focus on something unrelated. Take some time away from work to use your brain and skills on something new. Engaging in a hobby can give you an opportunity to stop multi-tasking and focus solely at the task at hand. Plus, maybe you’ll find a new passion or meet some new friends.
Vancouver has innumerable opportunities to unleash your creativity. Look up your local community centre. There’s everything from drawing to photography to computers to singing to violin.
How about trying a drop-in improv class? Many places in Vancouver offer weekend photography workshops. Or grab some friends and go to Raw Canvas. You can share some dinner while unleashing your inner Da Vinci on the provided canvases. Or, if you’re more a lover of viewing art, check out the Vancouver Art Gallery. There are discounts Tuesday nights. How about hosting a knitting night?
Gaining a new skill can improve your confidence and positively impact other areas of your life. Concentrating on a hobby can also help to release stress, which can increase your happiness and lead to better productivity at work and at home.
Recharge Physically: EM Wellness Week
The best way to make your physical health a priority is to make it a priority. Aim to make a small change and schedule in the time. For instance, commit to going to a spin class or going for a swim once a week. Commit with a co-worker or friend.
Or even better, join the VGH Sun Run team! Pick a goal, and find some co-workers to run with. Registration is discounted until February 4th.
Did you know there’s a VGH gym? For only $25-30 a month, you can use their facilities fully stocked with weight training equipment, free weights, cardio equipment, stretching areas, and even a heavy bag. There are also daily classes. Find out more here: VGH Health and Wellness Centre. You can e-mail them for a tour.
What about committing to cycling to work? Join the VGH cycling centre. There are locked facilities for bike storage, lockers, and showers. They also hold social rides and free seminars and classes on cycling and bike maintenance.
If you’re not ready to make a committment, why not grab a friend and try something new? The Goh Ballet and the Harbour Dance Centre have drop in classes available. Almost all of the spinning studios will offer their first class free. Check out Extreme Air, the trampoline park.
If you’re not sure what’s right for you, consider classpass. For a monthly fee, you can take classes at a variety gyms, yoga studios, crossfit studios, spinning centres and many others.
And one of the best ways to recharge physically? Get outside! All of the local mountains offer snowshoeing. Cypress offers cross-country skiing. Go skating at Robson Square or up at Grouse mountain.
Remember, something is better than nothing, and the smallest effort can make a huge difference to your well being and mood. So grab a friend and go for a walk or make a plan!
EM Wellness Week
Emergency Medicine Wellness Week is Jan 24-30!
Check here all this week for wellness tips. Every day, there will be suggestions to help you recharge physically, mentally, socially, and professionally. Why not apply the same organizational and clinical skills you use at work to your own life? Make SMART goals: specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely.
You can read more at: http://www.acep.org/EMWellnessWeek/
Santa comes to VGH ED
Over the holidays, the EPs were surprised by an outpouring of cheer from our fantastic nurses!
We knew our VGH Radiologists were the best!
Our own emergency radiologists celebrate 15 years at VGH today. To celebrate, they’ve helped pay for a new CT scanner that they hope will contribute to patient care.
See Dr. Savvas Nicolaou discuss it here: VGH radiologists in the Vancouver Sun
Part 2: How Fast is Fast Enough?
Changing our framework for looking at capacity in the ED can lead to innovative solutions.
http://emergencymedicinecases.com/emergency-physician-speed-and-productivity-solutions/