Shaping Our Medical Education Journey - College of Medicine ...

COMMUNIQUé
College of Medicine magazine
SPRING 2011
Shaping our
Medical Education
Journey
University of Saskatchewan • College of Medicine C O M M U N I Q U É 1

Table of Contents
Dean’s Message – Our Medical Education Journey
The Difference a Bursary Makes / The Difference
1
a Donor Makes 2
A Prescription for Change – The Future
of Medical Education in Canada 4
SMSS Student Corner 6
News from PAIRS 8
Our Winning Team – School of Physical Therapy 9
College Awards and Honours 10
Preparing for the Future Today – Third Integrated Plan 12
The Physician Recruitment Agency of Saskatchewan 14
Making a Difference – Saskatchewan Health
Research with Impact – Research 16
Health Training in French / Formation Santé
en Francais – Social Accountability 18
Our Collective Wellbeing 20
Living Well – Physician Wellness Initiative 20
Building the Foundation for Health Sciences
Education and Research 22
PRAS Rural Externship Program 24
s Physical Therapy
Our Winning
Team
9
2
s
Donor Relations
The Difference a
Bursary/Donor Makes
s FMEC
A Prescription for Change
24
C O M M U N I Q U É College of Medicine • University of Saskatchewan
4
s PRAS Rural Externship Program
Externships Fuelling Interest
in Rural Family Medicine
LeadershIp TeaM
Dean of Medicine: Dr. William Albritton
SPRING 2011
Associate Dean, Biomedical Sciences and Graduate Studies: Dr. Nick Ovsenek
Associate Dean, Faculty Affairs: Dr. Olufemi Olatunbosun
Associate Dean, Medical Education: Dr. Shelia Harding (on leave)
Associate Dean, Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences: Dr. Liz Harrison (on leave)
Associate Dean, Regina Programs: Dr. Gill White
Associate Dean, Research: Dr. Lou Qualtiere
Associate Dean, Rural and Northern Medical Programs: Dr. Tom Smith-Windsor
Associate Dean, Saskatoon Programs: Dr. Grant Stoneham
Assistant Dean, Continuing Professional Learning: Dr. Penny Davis
Assistant Dean, Postgraduate Medical Education: Dr. Anurag Saxena
Assistant Dean, Undergraduate Medical Education: Dr. Gary Linassi
Director, Admissions: Dr. Barry Ziola
Director, Educational Support and Development: Dr. Marcel D’Eon
Director, Student Affairs: Dr. Susan Gilmer (acting)
Chief Financial Officer and Director of Administration: Ms. Ann Schultz
Manager, Human Resources: Mr.Bill Ng (acting)
deparTMeNT heads
Anatomy and Cell Biology: Dr. Ric Devon
Anesthesia, Perioperative Medicine and Pain Management: Dr. David Campbell
Biochemistry: Dr. Ramji Khandelwal
Community Health and Epidemiology: Dr. Nazeem Muhajarine
Family Medicine: Dr. Alanna Danilkewich (acting)
Medical Imaging: Dr. Paul Babyn
Medicine: Dr. Vernon Hoeppner
Microbiology and Immunology: Dr. Peter Bretscher
Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences: Dr. Tom Mainprize
Pathology and Laboratory Medicine: Dr. John Krahn
Pediatrics: Dr. Bill Bingham
Pharmacology: Dr. Venkat Gopalakrishnan
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation: Dr. Lila Rudachyk
Physiology: Dr. Michel Desautels
Psychiatry: Dr. Marilyn Baetz
School of Physical Therapy: Dr. Angela Busch
Surgery: Dr. William Dust (acting)
advaNCeMeNT TeaM
Alumni Relations: Ms. Verity Moore-Wright
Communications: Ms. Laura Herman
Development: Mr. Fred J. Matiko
Donor Relations: Ms. Emily Bocking
Support: Ms. Christine Wood
Design: Ms. Deanna Miller
COMMUNIQUé College of Medicine magazine
Published by the College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan.
For regular updates, please visit www. medicine.usask.ca

Medical education, and everything surrounding
and supporting it, is a journey.
“ ”
Dean’s
Message
OUR MEDICAl EDUCATION JOURNEy
Colleagues, Alumni, Friends and Students
On June 1, members of our College of Medicine Class of 2011 will take
the final step in their undergraduate medical education careers. The
moment they have been striving towards will finally arrive. For the
first time, they will be called doctor.
As we celebrate their accomplishments during the Convocation
Ceremony and Graduation Banquet, we are reminded of the
significance of this milestone in their academic and professional
careers. For most, the journey will continue with residency. In fact,
42 members of this graduating class will train right here at home in
Saskatchewan. Even if postgraduate training is not an immediate
consideration, each new alumnus of our College of Medicine will
continue as a student of life, and we wish them the very best in their
personal journeys.
Our College of Medicine is also on a journey, one which is multifaceted,
and really, quite fascinating to watch unfold. We’ve grown
significantly, in faculty, in teaching, in research, and in complexity
since the inception of the four-year program in 1954. From a class-size
of 33 – 40 in the mid-50s, to a planned expansion to 100 first-year
students beginning in the fall of 2012, we are truly increasing our
potential to serve the needs of Saskatchewan and beyond.
This is critically important, because our founding vision mandated
our College as a provincial resource. Having 100 students in each
year of our undergraduate program provides us with the critical mass
necessary to fully adopt and implement our own model of distributed
medical education. In keeping with Government of Saskatchewan
directives, and in collaboration with the University of Saskatchewan
and the Saskatchewan Academic Health Sciences Network, the
College of Medicine believes this approach will serve to improve the
student educational experience and enhance access to healthcare.
Simply put, these are exciting times of expansion for your College of
Medicine. In fact, we received 833 applications for this fall’s first-year
class. 323 were invited to participate in the Multiple-Mini Interview
weekend as part of the admissions process. 84 of these students will
ultimately form our incoming class this fall.
Without a roadmap and a plan, this journey would leave us lost.
Our roadmap is the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada
(AFMC) Report entitled The Future of Medical Education in Canada.
A progress report on this important work can be found on page 4.
Our plan will be the College of Medicine’s third integrated plan, or
IP3, developed under the University’s Integrated Planning umbrella.
The goal is for the College to align our academic priorities with
our financial resources and to ensure the work of our College is
consistent with the University’s overall strategic directions. Details
and information on how you can engage in this critical process are
outlined on page 12.
Finally, with respect to our educational journey, I mentioned in
my last message our College was preparing for a secretariat factfinding
visit. The Committee on the Accreditation of Canadian
Medical Schools (CACMS) and its American counterpart, the Liaison
Committee on Medical Education (LCME) visited with us in Saskatoon
and Regina over three days, early in March. The College will receive
a formal report on the secretariat’s findings later this year, but
early indications received through the exit interview suggest that,
although we continue to show weaknesses in certain areas, we
are poised for continued success. Dr. Gary Linassi, Assistant Dean,
Medical Education, and the entire UGME team deserve our collective
praise, admiration and appreciation for their ongoing work
in this regard.
Medical education, and everything surrounding and supporting it, is
a journey. It is road that will wind, have bumps, will twist and turn. By
using the tools we have been given to improve our programs, we are
enabling our collective journey.
It is a time to celebrate accomplishments and look forward to the
road which lies ahead.
Sincerely,
William Albritton
Dean, College of Medicine
University of Saskatchewan
University of Saskatchewan • College of Medicine C O M M U N I Q U É 1

The Difference a
Bursary Makes
Jon Starr is on his way to becoming a
doctor so he can help people and provide
for his young family. Thanks in large part to
the William and Diana Kindrachuk Bursary,
John’s ambitions aren’t being held back by
his bank account. His dreams are becoming
a reality.
Jon was working on the prerequisites for
admissions to medical school. In 2006, Jon’s
son Jared was born. In an elevator at Royal
University Hospital on the way up to visit
his new baby, Jon realized he truly wanted
to pursue his dream of becoming a
doctor. “I knew that in order to give my
family everything that I wanted them to
have, I would have to be something more.”
Jon passed his CoM entrance exams,
“
I knew that
in order to
give my family
everything
that I wanted
them to have, I
would have to
be something
more.”
”
2 C O M M U N I Q U É College of Medicine • University of Saskatchewan
but the reality of paying for a medical
education while also balancing the
financial responsibilities accompanying
a young family proved to be problematic.
“I had planned how I was going to pay for
my education, but I couldn’t get a line of
credit. My parents tried to help me, but
they are already helping my sister and her
family. It worked out because I managed
to get a loan and I planned on playing in
a paid hockey league to earn some extra
money. It was really, really stressful.”
Some of the stress washed away instantly
for Jon and his family in January 2011
when he was awarded the William and
Diana Kindrachuk bursary for Aboriginal
Jon Starr and family
Students in the College of Medicine. The
bursary covers the tuition of one Aboriginal
medical student and is renewable for Jon’s
entire four-year program.
“Winning this award took a load off of
mine and my parents minds. The fact that
it is renewable means that I can really
study and get involved in mentoring
other aboriginal students in the College
of Medicine.”
Jon’s fiancée Char is currently enrolled in
the Post degree concentrated bachelor
of nursing program at the University of
Saskatchewan.
On behalf of the College of Medicine, we wish Jon and his family all the best in their
academic and personal pursuits
s

The Difference a
Donor Makes
Dr. William Kindrachuk, U of S College of Medicine
Class of 1953
Dr. William Kindrachuk, U of S College of
Medicine Class of 1953, made a $93,000 gift
to the University of Saskatchewan in 2007.
Half of his very generous donation was
allocated to children of employees
of the Lakeview Pioneer Lodge elder home
in Wakaw, with the other half directed to
establish the William and Diana Kindrachuk
Bursaries in Medicine for Aboriginal
students in the College of Medicine.
Dr. Kindrachuk grew up on a farm near Fish
Creek which was originally homesteaded
by his grandfather in 1900. The 1930s and
40s were spent on the farm, where he
first became acquainted with the adverse
living conditions Aboriginal peoples often
faced. “Our house was about 4 km from
the One Arrow reserve, and although my
family didn’t have a close relationship with
members of the aboriginal community, we
definitely interacted with them and were
aware of the challenges they faced in
trying to make a living.”
Like many farm kids, the young Kindrachuk
took correspondence school for grades 9-11
and transferred to Bedford Road Collegiate
in 1945 to complete Grade 12. At 16, he
took a full time job at the Hudson’s Bay
Company, earning $21.40 a week and saving
for his first year of university tuition. He
was able to work and pay his way through
school by painting grain elevators in Alberta
with other University of Saskatchewan
students. “It cost us about $12 dollars each
to get to Calgary
by train. There
were about 10
of us – all in
medical school
or working
as Ph.D.
candidates.
We’d work all
summer – it
was a dirty job,
but it paid
our tuition.”
Funding his last
two years of
medical school
proved difficult.
There simply
was not enough
time between academic sessions to earn
sufficient money. A loan to finance the
balance was his only option.
Dr. Kindrachuk moved on to practice
medicine in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, but his
early experiences in Saskatchewan stuck
with him. “The University of Saskatchewan
provided me with my start at a very
reasonable cost, and I wanted to share
my good fortune. I created the fund
to assist aboriginal medical students
because I thought these students needed
help and I wasn’t aware of any programs
providing them with an adequate
amount of support. Dr. Kindrachuk’s gift
was motivated by his personal belief in
“sharing his good fortune.”
The Kindrachuk family’s commitment to
medicine remains strong: Dr. Kindrachuk
and two of his brothers became doctors,
and many of their children decided to
continue the family legacy.
Saskatchewan is still an important part
of Dr. Kindrachuk’s life, and his love
for this place continues to be shared
with his family. In fact, five of his nine
grandchildren have visited the province.
“
The University
of Saskatchewan
provided me with
my start and I
wanted to share
my good fortune.
”
Students from Saskatchewan are
reminded of Dr. Kindrachuk’s generosity
frequently, especially those who have
parents on staff at the senior’s home
near Wakaw. Dr. Kindrachuk’s mother
was a resident in the home for over two
decades, until she passed away at the
age of 95. Half of Dr. Kindrachuk’s gift
to the U of S was used to establish
a bursary for the children of his
mother’s caregivers.
On behalf of the College of Medicine,
we wish to thank Dr. Kindrachuk for his
support and commitment to effecting
change in our students’ lives. n
University of Saskatchewan • College of Medicine C O M M U N I Q U É 3

A Prescription
for Change
Implementing the FMEC Report at
the College of Medicine
The University of Saskatchewan College of
Medicine is committed to enhancing MD
education to ensure today’s learners are
well-prepared for the challenges of the future.
“Implementing the recommendations contained
in The Future of Medical Education in Canada
(FMEC): A Collective Vision for MD Education will
help us to meet the evolving needs of individuals
and communities in Saskatchewan,” said
Dr. William Albritton, Dean of the College of
Medicine. “Examining the FMEC recommendations
and discussing how to embed them within
the undergraduate curriculum is a high
priority for our College.”
The Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada (AFMC)
released the FMEC report in January 2010, following a Health
Canada-funded study of undergraduate medical education.
According to the AFMC, which represents Canada’s 17 faculties
of medicine, the 30-month FMEC project “set out to conduct a
thorough review of medical doctor (MD) education in Canada,
assess current and future societal needs, and identify the changes
needed to better align the two.” This resulted in the national
launch of the FMEC report, which contains 10 recommendations
and five enabling recommendations that comprise the FMEC
Collective Vision.
At the College, each recommendation is being championed
by a leader. Each leader is responsible for forming a working
group that will discuss how the recommendation’s objectives
can be achieved. The College has also hired an FMEC project
coordinator, who will assist the working groups in the examination
of the recommendations and who will write the College’s FMEC
implementation report. The report will be complete in fall 2011.
“As we enter our own period of curriculum renewal, the U of S
undergraduate medical program is well poised to engage in this
For more information on the FMEC project, visit the College of Medicine’s website at http://www.medicine.usask.ca/leadership/fmec.html
or the AFMC’s FMEC website at http://www.afmc.ca/future-of-medical-education-in-canada/.
4 C O M M U N I Q U É College of Medicine • University of Saskatchewan
comprehensive review of medical education,” said Dr. Gary Linassi,
Assistant Dean, Undergraduate Medical Education.
“It is vitally important
that we align our training
priorities beyond the
‘medical expert’ role to
meet society’s changing
needs and increasing
expectations of the medical
practitioner,” said Dr.
Linassi, who is leading
the FMEC working group
responsible for examining
Recommendation IX:
Adopt a Competency-
Based and Flexible
Approach. “The FMEC
visionary statement
identifies key expanded
s

oles and guides medical education in their development
to ensure inclusion in undergraduate medical curricula
across Canada.”
“The U of S College of Medicine has embraced the FMEC
recommendations, which will enhance work that is currently
A working group leader has been assigned to each FMEC Recommendation.
The ten Recommendations and the leaders are as follows:
underway in our College,” added Dr. Albritton, who is leading the
working group responsible for examining Recommendation VI:
Diversify Learning Contexts. “Our commitment to distributed
medical education and social accountability are positive steps in
the right direction.” n
• Recommendation I: Address Individual and Community Needs – Dr. Tom Smith-Windsor
• Recommendation II: Enhance Admissions Process – Dr. Barry Ziola
• Recommendation III: Build on the Scientific Basis of Medicine – Dr. Nick Ovsenek
• Recommendation IV: Promote Prevention and Public Health – Dr. Nazeem Muhajarine
• Recommendation V: Address the Hidden Curriculum – Dr. Penny Davis
• Recommendation VI: Diversify learning Context – Dr. William Albritton
• Recommendation VII: Value Generalism – Dr. Gill White
• Recommendation VIII: Advance Inter- and Intra-Professional Practice – Dr. liz Harrison
• Recommendation IX: Adopt a Competency-Based and Flexible Approach – Dr. Gary linassi
• Recommendation X: Foster Medical leadership – Dr. Anurag Saxena
A working group leader has been assigned to each FMEC Enabling Recommendation.
The five Enabling Recommendations and the leaders are as follows:
• Enabling Recommendation A: Realign Accreditation Standards – Dr. Sheila Harding
• Enabling Recommendation B: Build Capacity for Change – Dr. Marcel D’Eon
• Enabling Recommendation C: Increase National Collaboration – Dr. Sheila Harding
• Enabling Recommendation D: Improve the Use of Technology – Dr. Grant Stoneham
• Enabling Recommendation E: Enhance Faculty Development – Dr. Femi Olatunbosun
University of Saskatchewan • College of Medicine C O M M U N I Q U É 5

SMSS
Student Corner
STUDENT BODy SUPPORTS THE Casa de espera das Maes
Gravidas PROJECT
Talent shone the evening of March 9th, 2011 at the 8th Annual
College of Medicine Art Show and Silent Auction. Pastels and
paintings, photography and poetry, quilting and greeting cards
all demonstrated the remarkable artistic gifts of our student body.
The show, entitled “Our Wondrous World”, featured original pieces
such as daffodils in light bulbs, amigurumi, painted saw blades,
and an ovum/sperm stamp set.
Dance and music
enhanced the evening
with performances by our
resident ballerina, Sanchea
Wasyliw, Natalie Skilliter,
and the quartet, Heart
Sounds.
The auction was a-buzz
with activity as excited
buyers hastily bid on their
favourite pieces, trying
vigorously to outdo their
competitors. The item of
the night was a Calgary
Flames jersey signed by
Jarome Iginla.
The art show committee would like to extend their gratitude to
all individuals and sponsors who donated silent auction items, as
well as Dr. Kelly Dyck, Ms. Rae Bourner and Ms. Michelle Howe for
their hard work to make this event a success. We are grateful to
everyone who came out to show their support for our class and
this innovative charity.
Congratulations to our award-winning entries:
Judge’s Choice Award: The White Birch,
an acrylic on canvas by Stacey Lok
6 C O M M U N I Q U É College of Medicine • University of Saskatchewan
The class of 2014 chose to donate proceeds from the event to the
Casa de Espera das Maes Gravidas Project (the House for Waiting
Pregnant Mothers). This initiative, developed by students in the
U of S College of Medicine, aims to create a safe and welcoming
place in the town of Massinga, Mozambique where women can
stay in the weeks prior to their delivery. 60% of Mozambicans live
in rural communities, and many pregnant women must walk for
days to reach the nearest hospital, contributing to startlingly high
maternal and child mortality rates. Establishing the Casa will help
to ensure the women of Mozambique receive medical care prior
to welcoming their new child.
Students also recently organized the Spirit of Mozambique
Art Show to support the Casa de Espera project. Rungo Mazive,
a local Mozambican artist, donated a feature piece for the show’s
silent auction.
Left to right: Elliot Wilkinson, Dan Irvine and Cassie Pancyr, second year
medical students and Making the Links participants.
Voter’s Choice Award: Harmony,
a chalk pastel by Jenna-Lynn Senger

BUIlDING BRIDGES: AN INTERPROFESSIONAl FORUM (BBIF)
The HSSA (Health Sciences Student’s Association) hosted an event
for members of the health science colleges on March 23rd, 2011.
The evening featured food, friends and information, including
a panel discussion with health professionals from Medicine,
Pharmacy, Nutrition, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and
Nursing. Students from various health disciplines listened to panel
members comment on the successes and complexities of interprofessional
practise and gained a deeper appreciation for how
inter-professionalism will affect them post-graduation.
SMSS RETREAT
STUDENT MEDICAl SOCIETy OF SASkATCHEWAN
The Student Medical Society of Saskatchewan held a retreat in
January where they brainstormed ideas on how to improve the
student experience. A very hard-working, enthusiastic bunch! n
Jackie Ferguson, Chun Huang, Jen Culig
- 2nd year med students
University of Saskatchewan • College of Medicine C O M M U N I Q U É 7

The World of
Residents
This has been a busy and eventful time for Medical Residents
in Saskatchewan.
On January 8th Resident Doctors celebrated the New Year with
a gala dinner at TCU place. Everyone looked great and had a
great time!
In February PAIRS participated in the 10th annual National
Resident Awareness Day by hosting lunch for all the Residents
of Saskatchewan, inviting special guests to perform simulations
and handing out coffee and information about what a Medical
Resident is.
Ellis Hall, U of S
In March PAIRS moved to a new office! We are now at 339 Ellis
Hall. The new office is a bit brighter and bigger than the last
so we welcome visitors anytime!
Looking ahead, PAIRS will be participating in Resident Wellness
Day on May 26th by sponsoring lunch for the Residents! We
encourage Residents to participate and will keep you up to
date on the events planned for the day! n
Dermatology Residents (L-R) Olivia, Monica, Angela and Nicole enjoy some
down-time at the PAIRS BBQ.
8 C O M M U N I Q U É College of Medicine • University of Saskatchewan
NEWS FROM PAIRS
ExECUTIVE
Past President Dr. Gavin Beck
President Dr. Mary Kinloch
Vice-President Dr. Nicolette Sinclair
Secretary/Treasurer Dr. Laura Weins
Negotiator Dr. Dave Reid
Negotiator Dr. Nick Peti
Members-at-Large
BOARD POSITIONS
Dr. Sue Sidhu
Dr. Morgan Hewitt
Dr. Deng Mapiour
Postgraduate Education/Exec Dr. Maurice Ogaick
Dr. Ivan Norval
SMA Reps /Board/Med Educ Dr. Nicole Hawkins (Board)
Dr. Blair Ogle
SMA SPARC Committee Dr. Fran Carr
Faculty Council/Exec Dr. Kelly Chu
Dr. Jen Jin
Dr. Sanchu Bhasin
Dr. Aaron Khitab
CAIR REP Dr. Pavan Kumar
SDHB MAC
PROGRAM REPS
Dr. Danielle Stachiw
Regina Dr. JoLing Foo
Medical Imaging Dr. Chris Plewes
Obs/Gyne Dr. Lauren Beliveau
Psychiatry Dr. Tamara Hinz
Family Medicine
Ophthalmology/Rehab
Dr. Carla Holinaty
Internal Medicine Dr. Michael O’Byrne
Surgery Dr. Nick Peti
Pediatrics Dr. Eric Ong
Anaesthesia Dr. Mark Burbridge
Pathology Dr. Mary Kinloch
Vice-President Nicolette Sinclair (left) and
President Marilyn Kinloch (right) looking
beautiful at the New Year’s Gala.

Our Winning Team
Setting an Example for
Interprofessionalism at its Best!
An Interprofessional Problem-based
Learning (iPBL) faculty leadership team
has been named winner of the prestigious
Alan Blizzard Award on behalf of the
Society for Teaching and Learning in
Higher Education (STLHE). Established
to encourage, identify, and publicly
recognize those whose exemplary
collaboration in university teaching
enhances student learning, the Award
seeks to make visible and disseminate
scholarship of teaching and learning,
based on values and practices
of collaborative teaching.
How did they do it? In 2004-05,
collaboration between the School of
Physical Therapy and the College of
Medicine grew into the “Interprofessional
Problem-Based Learning (iPBL) Project”
boasting many PBL modules for hundreds
and hundreds of students from seven
different programs and three postsecondary
educational institutions.
Pharmacy students came on board in
2005-06. A new iPBL case on Palliative
Care was developed in 2006-07, and
representatives from Nursing and
Nutrition also joined in. Buoyed by
positive feedback from students and
tutors, Clinical Psychology and Social
Work accepted the invitation to
participate in 2007.
Close and collegial collaboration has been
essential in case development, module
scheduling, program evaluation, research,
and logistics for the team. Each time a
new program joins the Multi iPBL project,
faculty members are invited to modify the
cases to make them relevant to students
from their program. The Team strives to
demonstrate flexibility and understanding
in accommodating the needs and
perspectives of “new-comers.” Finding
times for iPBL to fit with diverse program
schedules takes great perseverance.
The Team has adopted an approach to
democratic decision making, allowing
members to come to solutions, including
in one case where time conflicts seemed
irresolvable. The logistical challenges of
mounting each iPBL module continue
to be significant. The Team depends on
each other for timely communication and
cooperation in planning the modules,
recruiting tutors, forwarding class lists,
informing students, finalizing research
instruments, attending meetings,
managing funds, and reviewing cases.
Since 2004, the steady growth and
development of the iPBL Project Team
and the work they have accomplished
together has been tremendous. The
group continues to celebrate successes,
and its members remain good friends
and colleagues. Not a single member or
program has been lost from the project.
The values of the Team include friendly
SCHOOl OF PHySICAl THERAPy
Back row (L to R): Jane Cassidy (Pharmacy, U of S), Nora McKee (Medicine, U of S), Doreen Walker (Nutrition, U of S )
2nd row from top row (L to R): Pat Wall (Nursing, U of S), Darlene Scott (Nursing, SIAST), Arlis McQuarrie (Physical Therapy, U of S)
3rd row from top row (L to R): Krista Trinder, Marcel D’Eon (Educational Support and Development, Medicine, U of S)
2nd step up from bottom: Erin Beckwell (Social Work, U of Regina)
Bottom right corner: Peggy Proctor (Physical Therapy, U of S)
Missing from photo: Megan O’Connell (Clinical Psychology, Arts and Science, U of S), Peggy MacLeod (Nursing, U of S)
and open communication; egalitarian
perspective where academic credentials
do not privilege power; consensus-based
decision-making; and shared leadership.
Our winning team will be granted the
Award at the national STLHE conference
being held in Saskatoon at the University
of Saskatchewan, June 15-18, 2011,
where they will make a formal public
presentation during the plenary. They
will also be guests of honour at a
reception held to celebrate their
exemplary collaboration. The team’s
Alan Blizzard Award paper describing the
collaborative project will be disseminated
by STLHE in printed form and on the
STLHE website. n
Congr atulations!
University of Saskatchewan • College of Medicine C O M M U N I Q U É 9

Congratulations
Faculty, Students, Alumni and Staff
The College of Medicine wishes to congratulate our Faculty, Students,
Alumni and Staff for their recent achievements:
Dr. Angela Baerwald, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, awarded
Canada Foundation for Innovation funding
Dr. Rudy Bowen, Department of Psychiatry, awarded Small Indiana Professorship in Psychiatry
Dr. linda Chelico, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, awarded Canada Foundation for Innovation funding
Dr. Donna Chizen, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences,
awarded Canada Foundation for Innovation funding
Dr. David Cooper, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, named Canada Research Chair in Synchrotron Bone Imaging
Dr. lena Derie-Gillespie, Department of Family Medicine, Rural Program Resident Leadership Award
Dr. Anne Doig, Class of 1976, 2010 Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award
Dr. James Dosman, Professor Emeritus, Class of 1963, appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada, inducted into the Saskatchewan
Agricultural Hall of Fame
Dr. Carla Eisenhauer, Department of Family Medicine, 2010 Reg L Perkin - College of Family Physicians of Canada Canadian
Family Physician of the Year
Dr. Cyprian Enweani, Department of Family Medicine, 2010 College of Family Physicians of Canada Award of Excellence
Adam Fowler, Class of 2012, 2011 Osler Medal Honorable Mention from the American Association for the History of Medicine
Dr. Emily Gawley, Department of Family Medicine, 2010 Resident Award for Excellence in Under Graduate Teaching, Regina
Dr. Geoff Johnston, Department of Surgery, elected Second President Elect of the Canadian Orthopaedic Association
Dr. lori Hanson, Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, 2010 SHRF New Investigator Establishment Grant
(Socio-Health, Clinical and Systems)
Dr. Juan Ianowski, Department of Physiology, 2011 Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Canada research grant and 2011-2012 Robbie
Promising New Research Award
Innovative Practice in Interprofessional Health Sciences Problem-Based learning Team: Dr. Marcel D’Eon (Educational
Support and Development), Dr. Nora Mckee (Department of Family Medicine), Prof. Arlis McQuarrie (School of Physical
Therapy) and Prof. Peggy Proctor (School of Physical Therapy), 2010 Provost’s Prize for Innovative Practice in Teaching
and Learning, Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education Alan Blizzard Award
Dr. leo lanoie, Department of Family Medicine, 2010 College of Family Physicians of Canada Award of Excellence
Dr. Sarah liskowich, class of 2010, 2010 College of Family Physicians of Canada Student Leadership Award
Dr. k. Erique lukong, Department of Biochemistry, 2010 SHRF New Investigator Establishment Grant (Biomedical)
Dr. G.A. (Bert) McBride, Department of Family Medicine, 2010 Family Medicine Community Teacher of the Year
Dr. Sean Mulligan, Department of Physiology, 2011 University of Saskatchewan Student Union (USSU) Teaching Excellence Award
Dr. kalyani Premkumar, Educational Support and Development, 2011 Provost’s Outstanding Teaching Award for the College of
Medicine; appointed by the AFMC Board of Directors to Chair the Resource Group on Faculty Development
Randi Ramunno, class of 2011, 2010 College of Family Physicians of Canada Student Scholarship
Alistair Smith, class of 2012, 2010 Dr. G. Ernest McBrien Memorial Fund for Student Experiences
in Rural Medicine (to 3rd year student)
Dr. Cal Stiller, Class of 1965, 2010 inductee to the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame, 2010
recipient of the David Foster Foundation Medical Achievement Award
Dr. Conrad Veikle, Department of Family Medicine, 2010 Resident Award for Excellence in
Under Graduate Teaching, Saskatoon
Dr. Heather Ward, Department of Medicine, 2011CAME Certificate of Merit Award winner
DEPARTMENT OF ACADEMIC FAMIly MEDICINE
RESIDENT RESEARCH AWARDS:
Dr. katherine (kate) Bisby, Dr. Conrad Veikle, Dr. Diana Hammond,
Dr. Meredith Mckague, Dr. Robert Woods,
Dr. Shari Mckay. A Study of Patient Opinions on Emergency Department Use
for Low-Acuity Medical Issues in the Saskatoon Health Region. First Place
Dr. lena Derie-Gillespie, Dr. Vivian R Ramsden. Health Professionals’
Opinions toward Encouraging Contact with a Stillborn or Miscarried
Child: A Qualitative Study of Healthcare Workers in a Regional Hospital
in Northern Saskatchewan. Second Place
Dr. Tim Neumann, Dr. kevin ledding, Dr. Sinisa Zerajic,
Dr. Andries J Muller, Dr. Shari Mckay. Scalpel vs. No-Scalpel
Vasectomies: Factors Affecting Choice of Technique. Third Place
10 C O M M U N I Q U É College of Medicine • University of Saskatchewan

18th Annual Research Day winners
18TH ANNUAl lIFE AND HEAlTH SCIENCES
RESEARCH DAy POSTER WINNERS:
Heather Allaway, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Second Place - Reproductive Biology
landon Baillie, Department of Physiology, First Place - Molecular,
Physiological and Behavioral Neuroscience
Hayley Britz, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, First Place
- Imaging
Virgilio Cadete, Department of Pharmacology, First Place -
Cardiovascular/Respiratory Science
Nataliya Dolgova, Department of Biochemistry, Third Place -
Structural Chemistry/Biochemistry/Nanostructure
Donelda Gowan-Moody, Department of Community Health
and Epidemiology , Second Place - Health Services/
Health Education
Jessica Grant, Department of Community Health and
Epidemiology, Second Place - Social, Cultural and
Population Health
David kroeger, Department of Microbiology and Immunology,
Third Place - Immunology
Nikki Mclean, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Second
Place - Molecular, Physiological and Behavioral Neuroscience
Tamara Satram-Maharaj, Department of Psychiatry, First Place -
Cell Signaling
Emma Turner, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Second
Place - Genetics/Molecular Biology
Heidi VandenBrink, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
First Place - Reproductive Biology
2011 RETIREMENTS FROM THE COllEGE OF MEDICINE:
Professor laura klassen, School of Physical Therapy
Ms. Irene Piel, Department of Surgery
Ms. Sylvia Rak, Physicians’ Billing Office
Ms. Shirley West, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology
Dr. Peter yu, Department of Pharmacology
COllEGE AWARDS AND HONOURS
A WARM WElCOME TO OUR FOllOWING NEW
FACUlTy MEMBERS: (SINCE JULY 1, 2010)
Dr. Paul Babyn, Department of Medical Imaging
Dr. Jennifer Black, Department of Family Medicine - Regina
Dr. Jill Blaser, Department of Family Medicine - Saskatoon
Dr. Anita Datta, Department of Pediatrics
Dr. Robin Erickson, Department of Pediatrics
Dr. Heather Hodgson-Viden, Department of Pediatrics
Dr. Oscar larios, Department of Medicine
Dr. Melissa Mirosh, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology
and Reproductive Sciences
Dr. Clara Rocha Michaels, Department of Family Medicine
– Regina
Dr. Bogdan Popescu, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology
Dr. Natalie Shiff, Department of Pediatrics
Dr. Changiz Taghibiglou, Department of Pharmacology
Professor Ina van der Spuy, School of Physical Therapy
Dr. Sandra Webber, School of Physical Therapy
Dr. yuliang Wu, Department of Biochemistry
Please help us share your accomplishments and those
of your colleagues by forwarding awards and honours
information to medicine.communications@usask.ca
University of Saskatchewan • College of Medicine C O M M U N I Q U É 11

Preparing for the
Future Today
College of Medicine Focuses on Third Integrated Plan
What would you describe as the most successful
initiative at the U of S College of Medicine?
What would you like to change?
What is your vision for the future?
The College of Medicine wants you to help answer these important
questions as its third integrated plan is developed. Faculty
members, staff, students, alumni and other stakeholders are
invited to participate in an upcoming College-wide public forum,
which will take place on May 18, 2011, from 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
in the SaskTel Theatre at Royal University Hospital.
“The forum will offer an opportunity for everyone to help
identify the College’s common goals for the next four
years,” said Dr. Sheila Harding, Associate Dean, Medical
Education, who is leading the College’s planning process.
Everyone is encouraged to attend the event, as it is
crucial that we develop the plan together. As University
of Saskatchewan President Peter MacKinnon stated
during the kickoff event for the third planning cycle last
fall, “Planning is collaborative. It is not my plan or your
plan, but our plan.”
In January 2011, colleges and units at the University of
Saskatchewan were provided with a third integrated
plan template, which identifies four areas of focus for
the 2012-2016 planning cycle:
• knowledge Creation: Innovation
and Impact
• Aboriginal Engagement:
Relationships, Scholarship, Programs
• Innovation in Academic Programs
and Service
• Culture and Community: Our Global
Sense of Place
The colleges and units have been asked to
consider these areas of focus in completing the
29-page template document. Each college and
unit must submit its final plan to Pauline Melis,
Assistant Provost, Institutional Planning and
Assessment, no later than October 15, 2011.
The plans of the colleges and units will then
be reviewed and utilized in the development
of a University-level plan.
12 C O M M U N I Q U É College of Medicine • University of Saskatchewan
The College of Medicine has hired a project coordinator to assist Dr.
Harding with the planning process. The project coordinator will be
involved in gathering stakeholder input and writing the College’s
third integrated plan based on the feedback received.
“Integrated planning should be a participatory process that assists
us in more fully understanding our College’s identity,” said Dr.
Harding. “Integrated planning helps us align what we want to
achieve with various internal and external realities. It is also an
important tool in making evidence-based decisions related to
resource allocation.”
During his academic address on March 1, 2011, Dr. Brett Fairbairn,
University Provost, discussed the importance of planning at
the University of Saskatchewan. He said “
planning is
Help the College of Medicine Plan for the Future
What is your vision for the College of Medicine?
Let your voice be heard!
The College is hosting a College-wide forum focusing on the development of
its third integrated plan (IP3). All faculty members, staff, students, alumni
and other stakeholders are encouraged to join us. We hope you can attend.
IP3 College-wide forum
May 18, 2011
2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
SaskTel Theatre,
Royal University Hospital (200)
Please forward your questions and/or comments to
Dr. Sheila Harding, Associate Dean, Medical Education
sheila.harding@usask.ca
Shannon Boklaschuk, Project Coordinator
(306) 966-5557
shannon.boklaschuk@usask.ca
s

how we bring about change, in order to make a difference.”
He also emphasized that the University’s planning process is
worth the time, energy and commitment it requires.
“To me, the most far-reaching impact of planning is this: It
makes us active agents in our own story,” said Dr. Fairbairn.
“Planning makes us a University that acts rather than a
University that simply exists.”
For more information on integrated planning, visit the College
of Medicine website at http://www.medicine.usask.ca/leadership/
integrated-plan/index.html or the Institutional Planning and
Assessment (IPA) website at http://www.usask.ca/ip/. n
“ ”
Good fortune is what happens when opportunity
meets with planning
– Thomas Alva Edison
College of Medicine Third Integrated Plan Timeline
Ongoing – Your thoughts about what should be included in the College of Medicine’s third integrated plan are welcome
and encouraged. Please contact Dr. Sheila Harding at sheila.harding@usask.ca or Shannon Boklaschuk, Project Coordinator,
at (306) 966-5557 or at shannon.boklaschuk@usask.ca.
May 12 IP3 Meeting with College Department Heads
May 16 IP3 progress update provided to College’s Budget Planning and Priorities (BPP) Committee
May 18 College-wide forum on the IP3 process to take place at the SaskTel Theatre at
Royal University Hospital from 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
June 6 IP3 Meeting with College Department Heads
June 10 All preliminary planning information must be provided to the project coordinator
June 27 The College’s IP3 plan is presented to the BPP Committee
August 5 All final College IP3 documents must be submitted to the Project Coordinator
September 6 BPP members discuss and endorse the final draft of the plan
September 21 Faculty Council discusses and approves the final draft of the plan
October 15 The College’s plan is submitted to the University’s Assistant Provost
University of Saskatchewan • College of Medicine C O M M U N I Q U É 13

What is
Gabriella Doing?
Our College of Medicine students know and love her. In fact, Gabriella
Mezo-Kricsfalusy was named the Honorary SMSS President last fall by
our student body.
Gabriella is still serving medical students, but in her new capacity as a
Recruiter with the Physician Recruitment Agency of Saskatchewan.
The Physician Recruitment Agency of Saskatchewan is a one
stop shop connecting physicians and communities from across
the province. Our team looks forward to connecting and working
with medical students at the College of Medicine, the SMSS and
PAIRS, as well as alumni to talk about the issues, challenges and
opportunities for physicians wanting to establish their practice
here at home.
While the Agency became operational in the fall of last year,
its development goes back to 2009 when the Government
of Saskatchewan announced its overall provincial physician
recruitment strategy. The Agency, more commonly referred to
as saskdocs, has secured office space in close proximity to the
College of Medicine and is minutes away from many of its key
stakeholders such as the College of Physicians and Surgeons of
Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Medical Association.
Over the past six months the Agency has done a lot of work
in a number of areas. Our CEO, Ed Mantler along with our
physician recruitment consultants, including Gabriella, have been
meeting and working with medical trainees and the College
of Medicine to encourage and entice more students to set up
their practice here, at home, upon completion of their medical
training. The Agency has also been
meeting with the province’s health
regions, their physician recruiters, the
Ministry of Health, municipal councils,
communities and practicing physicians
to see how our collective recruitment
efforts can be streamlined and how
we can work together to make sure
Ed Mantler, CEO, Physician
Recruitment Agency of
Saskatchewan
future, and practicing, physicians know
Saskatchewan is a great place to live,
work and practice.
“Saskdocs plays an important role in coordinating recruitment
and retention efforts between regions and communities,” says
CEO, Ed Mantler. “Many of the people we work with are starting to
envision us as a one-stop point of contact for physicians seeking
to set up practice in the province, and that is exactly what we’re
here to do.”
Saskdocs has created a plan to fill current vacancies and also
meet the ongoing and future needs of our growing province.
14 C O M M U N I Q U É College of Medicine • University of Saskatchewan
Saskdocs, Regional Health Authorities, the College of Medicine
and government work collectively to expand our province’s
capacity to train and retain our own physicians. “It is important to
remember that every initiative currently underway with saskdocs
and its partners is focusing on long terms results. While we will fill
current vacancies, we are not going to solve all of the recruitment
and retention problems overnight, we’re looking at seeing results
by 2013 and beyond,” says Mantler.
Saskdocs is meeting with students and residents to make sure
those who want to stay and practice in Saskatchewan have an
Gabriella Mezo-Kricsfalusy
s

L i v e , W o r k a n d S t a y i n S a S k a t c h e W a n
opportunity to do so. For those who are thinking about moving
away, saskdocs is working to convince them to stay here at home.
A lot of this work has involved face-to-face meetings with both
UGME and PGME students in the College of Medicine to introduce
ourselves and let medical trainees know we’re here to help them
establish their practice in Saskatchewan. Some of these groups
include:
• residents enrolled in family medicine since there are many
family medicine positions to be filled, especially in rural and
remote areas;
• Professional Association of Internes and Residents of
Saskatchewan (PAIRS). Much of our discussion with PAIRS
revolved around concerns with contract negotiations. Saskdocs
heard their concerns loud and clear and is hopeful and
optimistic the negotiation process will result in a mutually
satisfactory agreement as soon as possible;
• JURSIs (Junior Undergraduate Rotating Student Interns) to
ensure we made initial contact with current medical students
as they begin to plan their career path;
• Student Medical Society of Saskatchewan (SMSS) to hear first
hand some of the challenges facing medical students today.
More recently, Agency staff, together with your Dean, Dr.
Albritton, visited several medical schools in the Caribbean to
encourage Saskatchewan (and Canadian) students studying
medicine in those schools to return home to complete their
electives and consider residency training in Saskatchewan.
There is a growing trend toward Canadians studying medicine
abroad. “Facilitating opportunities for those studying outside
Canada to return home for clinical experience and residency will
greatly increase the likelihood of establishing practices here in
Saskatchewan when their training is complete,” said Mantler, “our
increasing number of residency seats in the province can create
opportunities for those studying abroad to come home.”
Saskdocs looks forward to working with the College of Medicine,
students, alumni and all of our partners to achieve the goals and
objectives set out for us over the next four years. We hope to see
you soon. n
For more information on any of our activities visit us in person,
give us a call, drop us a note or visit our website saskdocs.ca.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Physician Recruitment Agency of Saskatchewan
309-4th Ave N
Saskatoon, SK
S7K 2L8
1-888-415-3627
info@saskdocs.ca
Physician Recruitment Agency of
Saskatchewan Staff:
Ed Mantler, CEO
Erin Brady, Director
Gabriella Mezo-kricsfalusy, Recruiter
Brenda Taylor, Recruiter
Rhoda yakubwoski, Recruiter
James Winkel, Communications Manager
University of Saskatchewan • College of Medicine C O M M U N I Q U É 15

Making a difference:
Saskatchewan Health Research with Impact
TOOl kIT FOR COMMUNITy HEAlTH
Sylvia Abonyi, Canada Research Chair in Aboriginal Health
Associate Professor, Department of Community Health and Epidemiology
THE ISSUE:
Because aboriginal communities and organizations have limited local
data on what they feel is important to the health of their communities,
it is difficult to allocate resources to areas of greatest need and to
evaluate effectiveness of the health services provided.
“What is a healthy community?” asks Sylvia Abonyi. “How do we
measure that?”
THE CHAllENGE:
Information on what communities consider to be important, such
as strong and vital cultures, food and water security, environment,
appropriate services and infrastructure, is often poorly recorded - if
at all - and may not reflect local knowledge and experiences. Culture,
for instance, is loosely understood as the language and customs of a
group of people that create a feeling of pride and belonging. This is
something not easily captured by a number.
THE TOOl kIT:
Working with northern Saskatchewan aboriginal communities out of
the population health research facility in Prince Albert, and funded by
the Canada Foundation for Innovation, Abonyi and her communitybased
team produced a tool kit that identifies over 200 indicators of
community health and wellness. Some indicators relate to culture.
“Communities recognize the importance of intergenerational
relationships and their link to cultural vitality,” says Abonyi. “Severed
16 C O M M U N I Q U É College of Medicine • University of Saskatchewan
College of Medicine Faculty
connections contribute to low self-esteem, substance abuse and
self-harm. Communities using local measures that point to issues in
this area may decide to target resources differently than they may
have otherwise.”
Realizing the value of Abonyi’s work, the community of Fond du Lac
Denesuline First Nation and the Black Late Denesuline First Nation and
the Athabasca Health Authority have all lent their support.
THE IMPACT:
The tool kit is having an impact across the country. For example, it is
helping 13 First Nations communities in Nova Scotia develop their
planning activities; it is informing the decision-making and actions
of a nurse practitioner in a rural community with no physician.
The health director in another community says, “It has been very
helpful for me… showing the chief and counsellors that we do have
problems in [Elder housing].” He is using the tool kit to write proposals
leveraging resources for housing and food issues.
THE FUTURE:
Abonyi’s team is implementing the toolkit with the Athabasca Health
Authority in northern Saskatchewan, building a community database
of information and creating new measures as they better under-
stand how to monitor intangibles such as the role of culture in
community health.
For Abonyi, this is a long-term project grounded in collaborative
research. Among her collaborators: the Prince Albert Grand Council,
the Athabasca Health Authority, nine First Nation and provincial
communities, colleagues from the Saskatchewan Population Health
and Evaluation Research Unit, the Indigenous Peoples’ Health Research
Centre, First Nations University of Canada, the University of Regina
and, of course, her colleagues at the U of S. Together, they represent an
incredible pool of expertise in aboriginal health in Saskatchewan.
“We are providing home-grown answers to questions that are being
asked in indigenous communities around the world,” she says.
Article provided courtesy U of S Research Communications Office
s

Members – Why Their Research Matters...
DIABETES VS. DEMOGRAPHICS
Roland Dyck
Professor, Department of Medicine
THE ISSUE:
In a 1937 survey, there wasn’t a single case of diabetes among
Saskatchewan’s aboriginal population. By 2006, one in five individuals
had been diagnosed, and the prevalence continues to rise.
Though diabetes rates are increasing among all Canadians,
researchers have long speculated that Aboriginal Peoples are
genetically programmed to use calories sparingly, exposing them to
obesity, diabetes and all the health complications that go with it.
THE STUDy:
Funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Health Canada,
the Saskatoon Health Region and the Royal University Hospital
Foundation, a team led by Roland Dyck has been researching the
rise of diabetes among indigenous peoples for 20 years. The results
of a recent ground-breaking study were published by the Canadian
Medical Association Journal in February 2010.
“The study looked at more than 90,000 people with diabetes in
Saskatchewan since 1980 and gives the clearest picture to date of the
demographic differences between First Nations and non-First Nations
people across Canada,” says Dyck.
THE FINDINGS:
The first thing the study does is debunk that long-held notion
of genetics.
RESEARCH
“It’s clear that the rapid appearance of Type 2 diabetes, particularly
among First Nations populations, is due to environmental rather than
genetic factors,” he says.
Indeed, the epidemic is linked to rising rates of obesity, which in turn is
associated with the loss of traditional lifestyles.
The study also paints a distressing picture of how hard the disease
has hit aboriginal communities. First Nations women aged 20 to 50
experienced the heaviest burden of diabetes, and by age 60 nearly 50
per cent had been diagnosed. Overall and compared to their non-First
Nations counterparts, diabetes rates were four times higher among
First Nations women and 2.5 times higher among First Nations men.
Because diabetes strikes aboriginal women hardest during their
reproductive years, women and their children are caught in an
accelerating spiral. Higher rates of obesity lead to more diabetic
pregnancies, which can lead to Type 2 diabetes in mother and
child, and so on in future generations. Indeed, Dyck and computer
scientist Nathaniel Osgood recently showed that gestational
diabetes could be at the heart of 40 per cent of the epidemic
among First Nations people.
THE IMPACT:
“Diabetes is arguably the most important chronic health issue
among First Nations people and we’ve identified a key mechanism
behind it,” said Dyck.
Prevention of gestational diabetes could reduce the risk for Type 2
diabetes in both affected women and their unborn children. This
knowledge provides great potential for developing innovative
initiatives in First Nations communities.
Both Health Canada’s First Nations and Inuit Health Branch and its
associated Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative, which reaches more than
600 communities across Canada, have approached Dyck to explore
ways of using his findings to provide more effective programs and
services for diabetes prevention. n
Article provided courtesy U of S Research Communications Office
University of Saskatchewan • College of Medicine C O M M U N I Q U É 17

Health Training
in French (HTiF) or Formation Santé en Français (FSeF)
A committee of the social accountability division
Language barriers have been shown to reduce participation in health promotion and prevention activities
as well as interfere with the quality of patient-practitioner communication. For example, compelling
and consistent evidence highlights that linguistic and cultural barriers result in an increased risk of late
presentation at diagnostic, unnecessary procedures, poorer patient understanding of prescribed treatment
and lower patient satisfaction, which may lead to increased wait times and poorer health outcomes. With
almost 20,000 individuals who speak French at home in Saskatchewan, a higher proportion of Francophone
seniors compared to what is found in the majority population, and an increasing number of newcomers and
immigrants whose first official language is French, health services and clinical care in French are critical.
As such, the Health Training in French (HTiF) committee was formed at the U of S, with coordination based
in the department of Community Health and Epidemiology in
the College of Medicine.
HTiF committee membership includes faculty who are mentors
and a network of 50 health sciences students, including 38
from the College of Medicine, who want to improve their
French language skills and seek opportunities to train in
French. The HTiF works in collaboration with organizations,
such as the Réseau Santé en Français de la Saskatchewan
(Saskatchewan Network for Health services in French), and the
Institut Français, University of Regina, to identify how to better
respond to the needs of the francophone population in the
province.
The committee’s overall goal is to promote better access to
health services for the minority official language community in
Saskatchewan. Specific objectives are to:
1. Augment and strengthen patient-provider’s
communication in French in a variety of clinical settings;
2. Identify and network clinicians and other healthcare
professionals who speak French and can offer clinical and
research training opportunities in French;
3. Network and enhance the training of students and residents who are francophones or francophiles.
HTiF recently facilitated the placement of two third-year medical students in Francophone clinical electives.
One learner received training in pediatric psychiatry at l’Université de Montréal, while the second student
was able to train in family medicine in Edmonton.
On March 17, 2011 in Regina and March 18, 2011 in Saskatoon, two medical terminology workshops were
facilitated, by Dr. Jean Roy, assistant dean and director of the Francophone Office at the Faculty of Medicine
in Ottawa. Twenty specialists, family physicians, medical students and other health professionals enjoyed
this problem-based learning event in a supportive and interprofessional setting.
18 C O M M U N I Q U É College of Medicine • University of Saskatchewan
s
The directory of health professionals speaking French was
updated in November 2010 and can be found at the following link:
http://www.rsfs.ca/opFichier/_rK15gPcUhEkJ_12347.pdf

Upcoming Events
The Réseau Santé en Français is
inviting all interested clinicians
and students to attend the annual
forum santé en français to be held
at the University of Regina on May
13 and May 14, 2011 on the theme:
live well across generations.
For more information, please contact:
/ Pour plus d’information, merci de
contacter:
Anne Leis:
anne.leis@usask.ca
Phone: (306) 966-7878
Hortense Nsoh Tabien:
hortense.nsohtabien@usask.ca
Phone : (306) 966-7877
SOCIAl ACCOUNTABIlITy
As defined by the World Health Organization, social accountability is the obligation of medical
schools to meet the priority health needs of the communities they serve. The College of Medicine
at the University of Saskatchewan seeks to direct its Clinical activity, Advocacy, Research and
Education (CARE) activities towards the priority health concerns of local, regional, national and
international communities, reflecting and valuing social accountability.
The Division of Social Accountability, housed within the Department of Community Health
and Epidemiology, offers support to social accountability activities in the College of Medicine
and beyond.
Chair, Social Accountability Committee: Dr. Ryan Meili
Coordinator: Ms. Donna Zaleschuk
Royal University Hospital, Room 2720
103 Hospital Drive
Saskatoon, Sk S7N 0W8
Phone: (306) 966-1797
Email: medicine.socialaccountability@usask.ca
Website: www.medicine.usask.ca/socialaccountability
University of Saskatchewan • College of Medicine C O M M U N I Q U É 19

Our Collective
Wellbeing
Submitted by:
Dr. Anurag Saxena, Assistant Dean, Postgraduate Medical Education
Dr. Gary Linassi, Assistant Dean Undergraduate Medical Education
Dr. Femi Olatunbosun, Associate Dean, Faculty Affairs
Wellness usually refers to overall health in a popular and somewhat
restricted sense while at a more philosophical level, wellness and
the related term, wellbeing, encompass career, social, financial,
physical and community (and other) elements. Essentially
wellbeing is about what makes life worthwhile.
Our profession involves knowledge work and by its very nature
requires a lot of giving of self. Like most resources, the underlying
“energy” is a finite resource. “Success in the knowledge economy
comes to those who know themselves - their strengths, their
values, and how they best perform,” wrote Peter Drucker in his
article “ Managing self” (HBS 1991; 77(20: 64-74). It is as true today as
it was then.
There is enough evidence in the literature on physician wellbeing.
Many grassroots and institutional programs addressing physician,
resident and student wellbeing are based on this evidence.
Nonetheless, the ultimate responsibility for taking care of self
living Well:
Physician Wellness Initiative
Submitted by Anita Chakravarti, Faculty Facilitator, Physician Wellness Initiative
The College of Medicine has long strived to support our students
and ensure a positive, productive and supportive learning
environment. To complement the College’s efforts, Living Well:
Physician Wellness Initiative is a new idea designed by current
medical students and Dr. Anita Chakravarti, faculty facilitator, to help
promote a culture of wellness in the medical school and beyond.
Fundamental to PWI are four core pillars:
• Healthcare providers should be role models for healthy living
• Awareness, balance and choices in our own lives should
reflect our knowledge and expertise of the physical, mental,
emotional, spiritual and social aspects of a human being
• Growing awareness that the sustainability of the healthcare
system is intrinsically connected to the sustainability of the
healthcare providers, as is patient outcome and satisfaction
• Research and statistics in many of the healthcare fields show
disturbing increases in health issues in the healthcare provider
20 C O M M U N I Q U É College of Medicine • University of Saskatchewan
rests with the individual. A simple framework of developing a
strong core includes Renewal (replenishing the energy), Regard
(self-regard/self-respect), Resilience (ability to bounce back from
setbacks) and Reliance (on self and others).
At the College of Medicine, resident success, resident wellness
and resident satisfaction are key drivers of postgraduate medical
education. Our focus on student learning, engagement and success
in undergraduate medical education is no different.
Our current programs offer support (ex: stress, workplace
difficulties), resources (ex: career, professional and fitness) and
educational activities (ex: financial management) to our learners.
These programs are evolving to further utilize needs assessment,
reliable evidence, content expertise, and performance metrics.
Student and resident initiatives in health promotion activities
are essential for desirable shifts in culture and sustainability of
wellbeing programs. n
The Canadian Medical Association Code of Ethics stipulates a physician must practice
the art and science of medicine competently, with integrity and without impairment,
and that it is incumbent upon the physician to promote their own health and wellbeing.
There has been enormous support for the initiative amongst
College of Medicine undergraduate students. PWI has developed
a constitution, has been ratified with the Student Medical Society
of Saskatchewan (SMSS), and is also a member of the College’s
Social Accountability Committee.
To address student needs and interests, four PWI groups have
been set up, under the acronym SCAN: Stress Management,
Community, Activity and Nutrition. Each group hosts two
sessions per year, held monthly during the noon hour. The events
are designed to enable students to share practical tools, learn
new skills and discover knowledge that will empower them to
create their own Personal Wellness Plan. The PWI groups also
contribute to the planning of the annual Wellness Week and
development of other wellness-related special events.
To help ensure long-term success, the College of Medicine
Curriculum Committee has been engaged. Proposals were
s

PWI 2010 – 2011 Executive:
Dr. Anita Chakravarti, Alistair Smith (Sr.), Alison Thompson (Jr.), Afton Sielski (Sr.), Claudia Garcia (Jr.), Justen Naidu (Jr.),
Lindsay Hubenig (Sr.), Chris Pekrul (Sr.), Mike Sklar (Sr.), Khaliq Kurji (Sr.), Missing: Dorian Kristmanson (Jr.)
passed to incorporate Physician Health and Wellness into
the formal curriculum and to create a Working Group to
implement and embed it.
At the postgraduate level, a presentation on the Physician
Wellness Initiative was made to the PAIRS executive, resul
ting in the development of a Resident Wellbeing committee.
The inaugural National Resident Wellness day was held on
May 27th, 2010 and a noon hour lunch was sponsored by
PAIRS for the residents and JURSIs. The College of Medicine
also purchased the book, Iron Docs for distribution to
our students.
Living Well recognizes physicians do not work in isolation
and several initiatives are concurrently being implemented to
address health and wellbeing of students in all health sciences
and other fields. Presentations to the Council of Health
Science Deans and Health Sciences Advisory council have
been made as well as the Health Sciences Student Association.
Living Well has been approved by the Western College of
Veterinary Medicine Student Executive. Presentations have
also been made to the College of Dentistry and are in the
planning stages for the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition
and Department of Clinical Psychology at their request.
According to the American Medical
Student Association, “The demands
of medical education lead to welldocumented
increases in depression,
substance abuse, interpersonal
relationship difficulties, and stress.
Coping skills remain inadequate for
many medical students or even decline
as they progress through school
(Ball, 2002). Rather than learning
effective coping strategies, the
‘hidden curriculum’ teaches students
that self-denial is a necessary tool for
survival and that high levels of stress
PWI Objectives:
• Promote Personal Integrity, Resiliency, Sustainability,
Vitality and
• Connect it to Integrity, Resiliency, Sustainability and Vitality
of the Profession
• Link Personal Wellness to better patient care and outcomes,
interprofessional collegiality and collaboration.
PWI Premises:
• Student Led and Faculty Facilitated
• Interactive, Experiential
• Personal Commitment and Leadership
• Inclusivity, Collaborative Teamwork
• Respect, Integrity, Transparency
• Environmental and Global Awareness
• Privacy and Confidentiality n
In 2010, the SMA’s Physician
Health Program was
contacted by 105 physicians,
physicians in training,
and family members. Of
these 31% of contacts were
from medical students or
residents. The primary issue
upon contact was described
as Mental Health/Psychiatry
– 38% (primarily anxiety
and depression).
are a normal part of life (Shapiro,
2000). While not only damaging to
personal well-being, these difficulties
may follow students into their
future clinical practice and lead to
compromised patient care (Firth-
Cozens, 2001). ”
University of Saskatchewan • College of Medicine C O M M U N I Q U É 21

Building the Foundation
for Health Sciences Education and Research
d wing construction
22 C O M M U N I Q U É College of Medicine • University of Saskatchewan
The University of Saskatchewan Health Sciences project
will create a new standard for interprofessional education,
research and practice. Our state-of-the-art, integrated facility
will support and enable collaboration between students,
faculty and researchers in all health science disciplines and will
help us to educate health professionals using a team-centred
approach. When complete, the Health Sciences facility will be a
resource for the whole province.
The project will ensure Saskatchewan can continue to
educate health experts here at home, and recruit and retain
health experts to teach, conduct research and practise in
the community. In addition, the project will expand learning
resources for health-care instructors, clinical supervisors and
practitioners across the province. Completion of the Health
Sciences project will ensure the province has the capability to
provide leading health sciences education for the future health
of our people.
The Government of Saskatchewan has recognized the
importance of this project by making the largest financial
commitment to a capital project in U of S history. Additionally,
the first stage of a multi-phased fundraising campaign has a
goal of $12 million for the completion of the building. Future
phases will raise funds to strengthen interdisciplinary research,
support programs and provide scholarships for students.
On February 16, 2011 President Peter MacKinnon spoke to
project volunteers, faculty members and prospective donors
about the Health Sciences project. His address recounted a
brief history of Health Sciences at the U of S and touted the
impact this interprofessional project will have on our future.
Dr. Lorna Butler, Dean of the College of Nursing, and current
Chair of the Council of Health Science Deans, commented
“the design is to create intellectual collisions for learning. This
building is much more than you can see - it is a building that
builds – it is transformative.” Dr. Butler also spoke of how the
project is investing in people who will build for today with
an understanding and deep appreciation for the needs of
tomorrow.
“
this building is much more
than you can see – it is a
building that builds – it is
transformative.
”
– Dean Butler, Chair, CHSD
The Council of Health Science Deans provides collaborative
leadership for the Health Sciences project, and academic
leadership and strategic direction with respect to health
sciences planning, interprofessional curricula, research, service
and infrastructure.
s

Council of Health Science Deans Vision Statement:
Together, the Health Sciences will be leaders in
advancing health, locally and globally, through
excellence in interprofessional education
and practice, interdisciplinary life and health
sciences discovery, and committed engagement
with stakeholders.
OUR HEAlTH SCIENCES PROJECT
Participating Disciplines:
College of Dentistry
College of Kinesiology
College of Medicine
College of Nursing
College of Pharmacy and Nutrition
School of Physical Therapy
School of Public Health
University Library
Western College of Veterinary Medicine n
d wing construction
University of Saskatchewan • College of Medicine C O M M U N I Q U É 23

Janessa Grosenick
Externships Fuelling Interest
in Rural Family Medicine
24 C O M M U N I Q U É College of Medicine • University of Saskatchewan
Program reinvigorated thanks to
Physician Recruitment Agency
Students are very likely to establish their medical practice in a location where they
received medical training or completed a residency program. In the College of Medicine,
our students are increasingly taking advantage of the chance to explore their options in
rural family medicine by learning and training in communities and health regions across
Saskatchewan. The externships run during the summer months for a minimum of four
weeks and a maximum of 12 weeks in rural health facilities across the province.
To help ensure the long-term success of this popular learning opportunity, the Physician
Recruitment Agency of Saskatchewan, more commonly referred to as Saskdocs, is happy
to announce it is administering the PRAS Rural Externship Program (PREP). Under the
program, the student is of course, not licenced to practice medicine. However, they do
gain invaluable clinical experience through shadowing practicing physicians every step
of the way. The lessons learned are all about best practices in diverse settings
and communities.
“Some students go to Estevan, some go to La Loche, it all depends on the student,” said
Gabriella Mezo-Kricsfalusy, PRAS’ administrator of the program. “The students who go
through this program get hands on experience working alongside a practicing physician;
the physician receives a stipend to supervise the student; and the health regions and
communities get a chance to wow the student to convince him or her to come back to
the community after graduating – so really it’s a win-win-win situation all around,”
says Gabriella.
Alistair Smith, class of 2012, completed his externship in Estevan in 2010. Looking back
on his experience, Smith recalled how the diverse practice of a rural setting was so
exciting. “During my five weeks in Estevan I stayed in a suite right in the hospital, meaning
I was roughly 100 feet from both the emergency department on the ground floor and
the labour and delivery unit upstairs. Being a young and keen medical student, I asked
the nurses and staff in both departments to call me at any time if something cool or
interesting came in and they were happy to oblige,” said Smith.
Janessa Grosenick, class of 2013, chose to do her externship in her hometown of Radville.
Grosenick said it was a humbling experience returning to a community that was so
willing to accept and teach one of its own. “Every part of my experience was rewarding.
Dr. Oberholzer and Dr. Helms were brilliant role models who were full of knowledge,
experience and patience; the nurses and staff treated me like a member of the team; and
the patients at the clinic were so appreciative of everything, although I am the one who
is truly appreciative to them, for helping me to learn.”
“From my own experience, I can say this program has the potential to be a valuable tool
for promoting rural medicine to medical students at an early stage. Over the past few
years there has been a great deal of interest in the program from students and as a result,
it can be difficult to accommodate all students on their first choice of location. That being
said, students can be assured no matter where they end up for their externship, they will
gain valuable experience in medicine and exposure to rural Saskatchewan,” said Smith.
“My experience taught me rural medicine is a challenging, exhausting, emotion-filled
and exhilarating job that is infinitely rewarding in so many ways. The sense of community,
appreciation and belonging that comes with working in a small town is indescribable,”
said Grosenick. n

Highlights in
Medicine Annual Conference and Reunion
2011: June 22nd - 25th
For graduates in the classes of: 1961, 1966, 1971, 1976, 1981, 1986, 1991, 1996, 2001 and 2006
2012: June 20th - 23rd
For graduates in the classes of: 1962, 1967, 1972, 1977, 1982, 1987, 1992, 1997, 2002 and 2007
2013: June 26th – 29th
For graduates in the classes of: 1958, 1963, 1968, 1973, 1978, 1983, 1988, 1993, 1998, 2003 and 2008
2014: June 25th – 28th
For graduates in the classes of: 1959, 1964, 1969, 1974, 1979, 1984, 1989, 1994, 1999, 2004 and 2009
2015: June 24th – 27th
For graduates in the classes of: 1960, 1965, 1970, 1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000 and 2005
All pre-1957 alumni are invited every year!
promoting tradition, preserving history, generating pride
Alumni blog
http://usaskmedalumni.com
For more
information
Please contact us:
Verity Moore-Wright,
Alumni Relations Officer
Phone: (306) 966-8864
E-mail: verity.moore-wright@usask.ca
Christine Wood, Advancement Support
Phone: (306) 966-6260
E-mail: christine.wood@usask.ca
www.medicine.usask.ca/alumni
Supporting the College of Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan
Your Gift Generates Change.
Cure cancer. That’s the change Alumnus Dr. Bill Roesler, PHD ’86, dreams of for his research.
Thanks to the funding he received from the Hazel Constance Brooker Research Fund, he’s
one step closer.
Supported by an estate gift by Ms. Hazel Constance Brooker, Dr. Roesler has discovered a new
function of the protein regulator in genes that controls cell division. “Cancer is a class of
diseases in which cells display uncontrolled growth, and by controlling cell division we are
one step closer to curing cancer.” Dr. Roesler further explained that, “Without the support
of the Brooker Fund our understanding of how cells divide would have been lost.”
By considering the University of Saskatchewan in your financial and estate plans you
can ensure that world-class research, like Dr. Roesler’s will continue at the University of
Saskatchewan. Your support can also be directed towards capital projects, such as the
Academic Health Sciences project or student awards.
Change the future by
planning a gift today.
For more information about planning a gift to the
University of Saskatchewan in support of the
College of Medicine, please contact:
Fred J. Matiko, Development Officer
College of Medicine Advancement Office
Phone: (306) 966-1786
Email: fred.matiko@usask.ca
College of Medicine
www.usask.ca/plannedgiving
University of Saskatchewan • College of Medicine C O M M U N I Q U É 25

OUR MISSION: to improve health through
excellence in education, research and clinical care.
Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to:
College of Medicine
University of Saskatchewan
B103 Health Sciences Building
107 Wiggins Road
Saskatoon SK S7N 5E5 Canada
Phone: (306) 966-2673 Fax: (306) 966 6164
Canadian Publications Mail agreement #4000561400
www.medicine.usask.ca