Students, trainees, faculty and staff,

For the safety and protection of our university community, you’re now required to wear a face covering or non-medical mask in indoor public spaces at all University of Calgary campuses. Exceptions to mask use are the same as those outlined in the City of Calgary bylaw (while eating, drinking or exercising in a fitness facility).

Faculty and staff who are included in a Workplace Safety Plan for working on campus can pick up two complimentary reusable masks. Department leaders will receive instructions from Staff Wellness on how to receive their reusable masks. This process will be the same as the one used for the distribution of sanitizer and disinfectant wipes. Students will also be provided two complimentary reusable masks. Details for the distribution of student masks will be announced before the fall term begins.

For more information, read the July 29 message and follow UCalgary’s campus face coverings protocol FAQ page for the latest information. If you have any questions or feedback, please email [email protected].

Mental health and wellness

• On Aug. 10, Dr. Walter Reynolds, a central Alberta physician, was tragically killed at Red Deer’s Village Mall Walk-In Clinic. Please remember that there are resources to help you if you’re feeling distressed.
  • Alberta Medical Association Physician and Family Support Program
  • Well Doc Alberta (a province-wide list of resources available to physicians and their families)
  • Student Advising and Wellness Office (a safe and confidential resource dedicated to supporting students through their medical school journey)
  • UCalgary Student Wellness Services (supports the well-being of all students)
  • Resident Affairs and Physician Wellness
  • Mental health and wellness resources for graduate students
  • Staff Wellness (supports the health and wellness of faculty and staff)
  • Formal peer support teams within some departments and groups. Please connect with your department head or departmental peer support group lead for more information.

Learning and working

• UCalgary faculty and staff are provided free access to LinkedIn Learning — a combination of dynamic, online instructional content, videos and tutorials on the latest technology, software, business skills, creative talents and personal hobbies. For new users, visit ucalgary.ca/hr/training-development/linkedin-learning and register your account.

CSM in the news

• Congratulations to Dr. Kimberly Williams, MD’14, recipient of this year’s Award for Young Leaders (Resident) and to Dr. Ian Anderson, MD, the 2020 recipient of the John McCrea Memorial Medal, both presented by the Canadian Medical Association (CMA).
• New guidelines, co-led by Dr. David Lau, MD, PhD, and published in the CMA Journal stress the need to focus on root causes when treating obesity rather than weight loss alone. Read more.
• Programs at three of 17 medical schools in Canada aim for equity for Black students. Dr. Remo Panaccione, MD, shares information about the Cumming School of Medicine’s new Black Applicant Admissions Process. Read more.

Have a great week!

Sincerely,

Jon Meddings, MD
Dean, Cumming School of Medicine
University of Calgary