Students, trainees, faculty and staff,

Sadly, we’ve learned of the deaths of health care workers in Alberta from COVID-19, including those who may have contracted the virus in their workplace. For all of us, but especially those working directly with COVID patients, it is difficult to hear of the loss of fellow health care professionals.

I would like to remind anyone who feels they might benefit from mental health and bereavement support that resources are available:

• UCalgary: Mental Health During COVID-19
• Alberta Health Services: Employee and Family Assistance Program (password required)
• Additional resources for physicians: AMA Physician and Support Program, Canadian Medical Protective Association and Well Doc Alberta

A video created by the Alberta Medical Association following the tragic death of a physician in Red Deer last year provides insight into the personal impact of the loss of a colleague and how your own personal grief might manifest.

RETURN TO CAMPUS

As this is the first update since some of us returned to work — either at home or on campus — after the holiday break, please check the latest update at UCalgary COVID-19 Return to Campus for information you may need to stay healthy and safe. Read more.

UCalgary resources and events

• We are excited to share that admissions for the new Precision Health Program are open. The transdisciplinary program brings together future health care leaders, entrepreneurs, and educators with the goal of improving patient care. Watch our introductory video and learn how to register.
• What is your leadership style? Build a better understanding by examining your leadership style in an interactive workshop on Jan. 29 hosted by the CSM’s Office of Faculty Development and Performance. Learn more.
• Graduate students with an eye for photography will want to enter a research photo competition hosted by the Faculty of Graduate Studies and the UCalgary Graduate Students’ Association. Read more.
• Want to know what else is going on? Visit the CSM events calendar.

Learning and working

• Congratulations to Dr. Steven Boyd, PhD, who had his appointment as director of the McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health renewed until 2026. Read more.
• I would also like to welcome Dr. Chandrew Rajakumar MD, as Medical Director and Dr. John Kortbeek, MD, as Associate Medical Director of the Advanced Technical Skills Simulation Laboratory. The appointments are effective January 1, 2021. Read more.

Awards and recognition

• Congratulations to Dr. Melinda Davis, MD, Dr. Aliya Kassam, PhD, and Dr. Martina Kelly, MD, recipients of a Canadian Association of Medical Education 2021 Certificate of Merit. Read more.

CSM in the news

• Calgary epidemiologist confident vaccines will work against new COVID-19 strains. Watch video.
• Everything You Need To Know About COVID-19 Variants. Read more.
• Fear of needles may keep some people from getting COVID-19 vaccine, experts say. Read more.

Have a healthy week everyone.

Sincerely,

Jon Meddings, MD
Dean, Cumming School of Medicine