Spring 2019 - New Brunswick Medical Society
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A publication of the New Brunswick Medical Society Spring 2019 In Focus CMA President-Elect Q&A with Dr. Ann Collins Choose Wellness Conference dedicated to improving physician health NBMS In The Community President Dr. Serge Melanson tours New Brunswick Opioid Prescribing Allied health professionals strike task force
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Contents
New Brunswick Medical Society
President
Dr. Serge Melanson, Moncton
Board Chair
Dr. Lynn Murphy-Kaulbeck, Moncton
Chief Executive Officer
Mr. Anthony Knight, Fredericton Page 8 Page 12
Past-President
Dr. Dharm Singh, Restigouche
President and CEO’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
President-Elect
Dr. Chris Goodyear, Fredericton Billing numbers: the path to modernization
in New Brunswick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Treasurer
Dr. Jeff Steeves, Saint John NBMS and allied health-care professionals
strike Opioid Prescribing Task Force. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Elected Representatives
Dr. Carl Boucher (Acadie-Bathurst) Wellness conference dedicated to
Dr. Katelyn Stymiest (Capital Region) improving physician health. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Dr. Mark MacMillan (Capital Region) Q&A with Dr. Ann Collins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Dr. Gurpreet Singh-Ranger (Carleton-Victoria)
Dr. Stéphanie Ward (Kings County) Four decades of service: Judy Kelly retires
Dr. Luc Arsenault (Miramichi) from the NBMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Dr. Ahmed Ghaly (Moncton)
NBMS In The Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Dr. Lise Babin (Moncton)
Dr. Nachiketa Sinha (Moncton) FMNB — one year later . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Dr. Inas Yacoub (Restigouche)
Dr. Jo-Anne Attard (Saint John) Lab reports are changing how physicians
Dr. Theresa Koppert (Saint John) deliver care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Dr. Doug Hall (Saint John) NBMS visits New Brunswick medical learners . . . . . . . . . 17
Dr. Mahmood Moolla (St. Croix)
Dr. Michèle Michaud (Madawaska) Medical Education Foundation scholarship
deadline draws near . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Do you have any comments or suggestions about our NBMS launches two new eLearn sessions. . . . . . . . . . . . 18
magazine? Please contact the NBMS office with your
In Memoriam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
feedback: info@nbms.nb.ca
Editor-in-chief : Nora Lacey
Editors : Eric Lewis, Marcelle Saulnier
Staff Writers : Eric Lewis, Melissa Ketch, Andie McDonald,
Marcelle Saulnier
Photography : Melissa Grandmaison, Eric Lewis,
Nora Lacey
Design : Pierre Allain, BLACKink DESIGN Contact information
21 Alison Blvd., Fredericton, NB E3C 2N5
Translation: Noëlla Bordage 1-506-458-8860 • 1-800-661-2001 • info@nbms.nb.ca
Printing: Taylor Printing Group Inc., Fredericton
nbms.nb.ca
SPRING 2019 1 OPUSMD
President and CEO’s Message
Welcome to your redesigned OPUSMD! For 2019, we wanted to freshen up
our members magazine to offer a more dynamic, engaging publication.
OPUSMD will now be published quarterly, with Spring, Summer, And we are just months away from seeing Dr. Ann Collins, a
Fall and Winter issues, allowing for more timely, relevant family physician from Fredericton, installed as president-elect of
content. We are also bringing more consistency to the content the Canadian Medical Association for 2020-2021. She will
and design of the magazine with greater focus on important be the first New Brunswick-based president in 18 years.
news, NBMS initiatives and community-focused stories.
All of this and much more can be found on the pages inside
Of course, the most obvious change is that OPUSMD is now this issue of OPUSMD.
produced with French on one side and English on the other, similar
to the 2018 annual report. We made this change to enhance the Finally, on behalf of the physicians of New Brunswick and the
design and to allow a more comfortable, convenient read. entire NBMS staff, we would like to wish Judy Kelly, longtime
NBMS board secretary and executive assistant, a happy
This is a fascinating time to be in health care in New retirement.
Brunswick. We have a new government that is heavily focused
on improving our province’s financial condition. The New We hope you enjoy the new OPUSMD.
Brunswick Medical Society is closely monitoring and engaging Regards,
with partner stakeholders on what this might mean for
investment into health care.
At the same time, government has pledged to eliminate the billing
number system that has been used to manage physician resources Dr. Serge Melanson, Anthony Knight,
for decades. After years of lobbying for a modernization of the President CEO
system, the NBMS is pleased to be working with government on
what a new physician recruitment model might look like.
The New Brunswick Medical Society’s
My Account page, available to all
members, provides physicians with
access to the following features:
• Member profile: Your contact, membership,
banking, practice, and education information.
• Fee-for-Service Retention Program: Fee-for-service
physicians can review the program description,
review/print their Retention Statement detailing
their shares in the program and request their
retention payout upon retirement.
• Messages: Important information from the New
Brunswick Medical Society.
• Documents: Documents related to committees you
serve on, agreements, membership documents, etc.
To log in, simply visit nbms.nb.ca.
OPUSMD 2 SPRING 2019
Billing numbers: the path to
modernization in New Brunswick
NBMS works with government to improve recruitment and retention
across the province
Marcelle Saulnier, Communications Manager
Billing numbers were implemented in 1992 to regulate Step 2: Form a time-limited, three-party
physician distribution in the province. But the system has not
achieved its intended goals and has proven to be a deterrent task force of the Department of Health,
for physician recruitment. The Progressive Conservative Regional Health Authorities, and the NBMS
government announced its commitment to eliminate the billing to act on the plan.
number system, with support from the New Brunswick Medical
Society. The task force will ensure that the plan is rolled out in a timely
manner, and they will monitor for any unforeseen outcomes
“We advocated heavily for the elimination of billing numbers and make appropriate adjustments.
in our recent election advocacy campaign,” says Anthony
Knight, NBMS chief executive officer. “Recruiting new family
physicians is harder than ever before. We need a flexible Step 3: Create a Rural, Underserviced and
strategy for the recruitment and retention of physicians to Northern (RUN) Recruitment Strategy.
respond to the changing demographics of the province, so
they can establish a practice where their services are needed Many rural and northern communities are concerned that without
while still meeting the needs of under-serviced areas.” the current system controlling where doctors may practise, few
will choose to come to their communities and will instead move
The NBMS has advocated for a modernization to this system to more urban areas in the south. While this experience is clearly
for decades, and after seeking board approval, it has not the case in Fredericton and Saint John, which have had
proposed a five-step approach to the provincial government. multiple open positions for years, the Moncton area has been
known to be a major draw for new physicians. To address this
Step 1: Articulate the plan to end billing concern, the program should rate rurality on a one-to-three scale,
and offer a number of incentives to improve recruitment. It is
numbers, and ensure relevant parties proposed that incentives not only be monetary, but address
know their roles and responsibilities in the lifestyle and family values.
new landscape.
Continued on page 4
The announcement should recognize that the province must do
more to recruit doctors in underserviced areas, and it should
include timing and responsibilities.
82%
of New Brunswickers identify having more family physicians as the most
critically important funding priority in health care*
*Corporate Research Associates, 2018 Health Issues Public Opinion Study, 2018
SPRING 2019 3 OPUSMD
Step 4: End the billing number system for Step 5: Continue to perform resource-
family doctors and specialists in stages. utilisation impact studies at the Regional
The NBMS is suggesting that billing numbers not be lifted all at Health Authority level to aid in physician
once, but in phases to help evaluate and monitor outcomes. health human resource planning.
Billing numbers should first be lifted for family physicians, with
the exception of Moncton. Finally, when the task force ends its term, it is important that
there be a plan in place to ensure that there is consistent
Moncton is a special case: on paper, the number of family evaluation of physician recruitment and retention in the
physicians in the area should be enough for the population. province. Doing so can keep the RHAs well informed of
However, several issues are at hand, including the local physician staffing and allow them to react to any problems
phenomenon of omnipresent walk-in clinics. Before making before they become severe in the province.
changes in the area, the NBMS feels that a better
understanding of how physician resources are deployed is Knight is pleased with the results of discussions with the
necessary. Better mechanisms are needed at the local level for provincial government to date.
understanding what clinical functions physicians are doing “There are many stakeholders involved in this process who
before expanding the number of doctors who work there. have expertise in the nuances of the billing number system,”
Phase two would end billing numbers for specialist positions says Knight. “Understanding that we may need to adjust our
across the province, though careful monitoring by the RHAs proposal to reflect needs within the health authorities and the
will be required. The final phase, with restrictions in the Department of Health, I am confident the transition to a system
Moncton area lifted, would mark the official end of billing without billing numbers will develop into a stronger recruitment
numbers. By then, a strategy to address the cultural and strategy that will benefit New Brunswick physicians and
clinical nuances of the region can be created and patients.”
implemented, and the RUN Recruitment Strategy will be in full
effect.
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OPUSMD 4 SPRING 2019
NBMS and allied health-care
professionals strike Opioid
Prescribing Task Force
Committee examines the current state of opioid prescribing in the province
Andie McDonald, Campaign Manager
Opioid overuse is causing a public health crisis in Canada with The task force is focusing its efforts on the following priorities:
devasting consequences. While deaths caused by opioid
overdoses, including fentanyl, are increasing from coast to coast, • Provide opioid prescribing educational tools and resources
so is the practise of inappropriate prescribing of opioids. When to New Brunswick physicians and medical learners.
prescribed properly, opioids can help patients manage pain. But • Work with partners to improve access to, analysis, and
when overprescribed, or combined with certain other medications, sharing of opioid prescription data.
they use can cause dependence, overdose and even death. This is
a complex health issue across Canada, and one that the New • Develop a plan for the Department of Health and the
Brunswick Medical Society is keeping a close watch on. College of Physicians and Surgeons of New Brunswick’s
consideration that addresses resource challenges related to
A 2015 Health Canada survey found that more than one in the provision of addiction and pain treatment services in the
eight Canadians age 15 and older had taken an opioid in the province.
previous year. In June 2017, the Public Health Agency of
Canada reported 2,458 apparent opioid-related deaths for • Develop and propose a strategy to the Department of Health
2016 (excluding Quebec). for greater oversight of opioid prescribing in the province’s
walk-in clinics.
The NBMS struck an Opioid Prescribing Task Force in 2018
with a mandate to examine the current state of opioid • Develop and launch an educational awareness campaign
prescribing in the province, discuss areas of collaboration about the risks associated with the use of opioid medication.
between allied health professionals, and report to the NBMS “The task force is multidisciplinary, bringing together a number
board of directors its finding and recommend guidance as it of individuals with expertise related to opioid prescribing,”
relates to the prescribing of opioids. says Dr. Heather Logan, a physician at Addictions and Mental
“This is an important health-care issue that requires partnership Health Fredericton and chair of the task force. “Issues around
from various health-care professionals,” said Dr. Serge opioid prescribing and use require multidisciplinary co-
Melanson, president of the NBMS, in a statement to media in operation and solutions. Over the past year, the task force has
January. In addition to members of the NBMS, the task force been collaborating on numerous projects across the province.
includes representatives of the College of Physicians and Ultimately, we want to make opioid prescribing safer for all
Surgeons of New Brunswick, College of Family Physicians, New Brunswickers.”
College of Pharmacists, New Brunswick Nurse Practitioners, The NBMS will be sharing the Opioid Prescribing Task Force’s
the Department of Health, the New Brunswick Pharmacists’ action plan and related initiatives in the future.
Association, WorkSafe NB and a patient representative.
Members of the Opioid Prescribing Task Force are:
(back row, from left): Cathy Purvis, New Brunswick
College of Pharmacists; Murray Weeks, opioids
provincial coordinator, Department of Health; Dr.
Heather Logan; Dr. Paul Atkinson, WorkSafe NB;
Andie McDonald, New Brunswick Medical Society;
Leanne Jardine, executive director, Pharmaceutical
Services, Department of Health; (front row, from left)
Janet Weber, New Brunswick Nurse Practitioners;
Dr. Michael Perley; Janet MacDonnell, New
Brunswick Pharmacist Association; Edith Doucet,
patient representative ; Bernard Goguen, Addiction
& Mental Health Services, Department of Health.
Absent from the photo: Dr. Eric Basque; Dr. Ed
Schollenberg, College of Physicians and Surgeons
of New Brunswick; Dr. Melissa McQuaid, New
Brunswick College of Family Physicians.
PHOTO: Nora Lacey
SPRING 2019 5 OPUSMD
Wellness conference
dedicated to improving
physician health
First of its kind event takes place May 24-25, focuses on
empowering physicians with tools to maintain their health
Andie McDonald, Campaign Manager
Physician wellness is a hot topic in health care across Canada. manager in 2018 to support physicians and their families in
While caring for patients can bring many rewards, there can coping with the demands of practise, relationships, addiction,
be times when the stress of the job becomes too much. and other life challenges.
The Canadian Medical Association Physician Health Survey Building on these efforts, the NBMS is set to host the first
revealed that while 82 per cent of physicians and residents Physician Wellness Conference in New Brunswick this spring.
reported high resilience, more than one in four reported high
levels of burnout and one in three screened positive for Attendees will enjoy two days of practical sessions dedicated
depression. to the health and well-being of physicians. From mindfulness to
emotional resilience to finding positive work-life balance, the
The New Brunswick Medical Society has taken a proactive conference aims to empower New Brunswick physicians with
approach to supporting its members, revamping its Physician meaningful information and practical tools to maintain their
Wellness Service and hiring a new physician wellness own health while they provide care to their patients.
“In planning for the Physician Wellness Conference, our goal
was to provide physicians with practical and timely information
that would allow for them to take immediate, concrete steps
towards improving their overall wellness,” says Meaghan
Sibbett, physician wellness manager. “We have attempted to
create a series that has a broad range of topics focussing on
creative strategies to solve physician burnout.”
The conference will take place Friday afternoon, May 24 and
Saturday morning, May 25 at the Delta Hotel Fredericton and
will feature keynote speakers Dr. Rumeet Billan and André Picard.
Dr. Rumeet Billan, an award-winning entrepreneur, will present
Emotional Resilience for Professionals, looking at understanding
self, understanding others and understanding context with a
focus on the impact of our emotions related to how we act,
react and interact.
André Picard, a veteran health columnist for the Globe and
Mail and one of Canada’s top health and public policy
observers and commentators, will present How Healthy
Systems Work: why burnout and mental health issues among
physicians are increasing and how policy changes could help
build a healthier health system.
Dr. Rumeet Billan
OPUSMD 6 SPRING 2019
The conference will also feature three breakout sessions:
• Dr. Wendy Stewart, a pediatric neurologist and associate
professor at Dalhousie University, will offer a presentation
on the Risks and Rewards of Choosing a Career in
Medicine;
• Dr. Shiona McIntosh, a family doctor with a passion for
wellness and prevention, will present How to Meditate —
the Practical Aspects of Beginning & Sustaining a
Meditation Practice;
• Janice Butler, president of Creative Breeze Training, will
present Enjoy a Work-Life Balance. Through practical
techniques and tools, you will be inspired to create more
balance and liveliness in your life.
Sibbett notes that space at the conference is limited and
seats are filling up, so she encourages interested members
to sign up as soon as possible.
Dr. Serge Melanson, president of the NBMS, is looking
forward to attending the conference.
“As physicians, we focus so much of our energy on taking
care of our patients that sometimes we forget to take care of
ourselves,” he says. “I am proud to see the Medical Society
taking the lead on physician wellness. I believe the
conference will be a great opportunity to gain insight on
how to incorporate wellness and balance into our hectic
schedules.”
For additional details on the Physician Wellness Conference
and to register, visit: physicianwellnessconference.ca.
The NBMS’s Physician Wellness
Service exists to support
New Brunswick physicians and
their loved ones.
Members and their families have access to
InConfidence, a free and confidential national
employee and family assistance program. You
can access this service online at
myinconfidence.ca.
André Picard
Call inConfidence toll-free, 24/7:
1-877-418-2181.
Members can also contact NBMS physician
wellness manager Meaghan Sibbett for
additional information on the tools and
resources available through the Physician
Wellness Service at msibbett@nbms.nb.ca or
(506) 875-6749.
SPRING 2019 7 OPUSMD
IN
Focus
Because of the CMA’s rotating election schedule, it’s been
nearly two decades since a New Brunswick physician
practising in the province was CMA president. Dermatologist
Dr. Dana Hanson was the last New Brunswick-based
physician to hold the CMA mantle, in 2002-03. Cardiologist
Dr. Chris Simpson, born in New Brunswick but based in
Ontario, served as CMA president in 2014-15.
Dr. Ann Collins OPUSMD spoke with Dr. Collins over the phone from her
family vacation in Florida shortly after she was voted president-
elect.
Fredericton physician to be first N.B. OPUSMD: Congratulations on being elected by your New
doctor to lead CMA in 18 years Brunswick peers to be CMA president. What about the role
interested you?
Eric Lewis, Communications Specialist Dr. Ann Collins: It was a natural progression and the right
timing. I’ve been involved in the medical-political landscape
Dr. Ann Collins has always been drawn to leadership for over 25 years, starting with what was then the York-
positions. The oldest of eight children, she says her parents Sunbury-Queens District Medical Society (now the Capital
instilled in her that she should lead by example. And she has, Region Medical Society), and the New Brunswick Medical
from her school days captaining the volleyball team and Society. And then I became the CMA representative from New
editing her yearbook, to her career, sitting on the board of the Brunswick, and I’m in my sixth and final year of that. The
Capital Region Medical Society and later leading the New opportunity for New Brunswick to put forth a candidate for
Brunswick Medical Society as president (2002-03). CMA president-elect only comes up every 18 years.
“If there was something that needed to be done, I would find CMA has gone through tremendous change in my time on the
myself either being tagged for that position or stepping in to board, with the creation of subsidiary companies and then
that position,” she says. most significantly — at least to the membership — the sale last
The Fredericton family physician is stepping into her biggest spring of MD Financial to ScotiaBank. There is so much to do
role to date as president of the Canadian Medical Association going forward, and now with the funds to do that, this is
in 2020. She was voted president-elect by her New Brunswick something I wanted to do on behalf of New Brunswick and all
colleagues in February after an election that also included Dr. Canadian physicians.
Michael Dickinson, Dr. Dharm Singh, and Dr. Jami Sridhar. Dr. OPUSMD: Why did you initially get involved with the societies
Collins’ election as president-elect is set to be ratified in and associations 25 years ago?
August.
Dr. Collins: I’ve always been involved, in school and in my
profession. It was a natural transition when Dr. Geoff Beaney,
an ear, nose and throat surgeon in Fredericton, stepped
into my office one day in the early ‘90s and said, ‘We
need and would like to have a woman become
involved in the York-Sunbury-Queens medical
society.’ He was really the person who
invited me to become interested, which I
think is critical to all of us in developing
future leaders. We need to ask people to
get involved. Leadership is something that’s
either part of who you are, or someone
recognizes it in you and fosters it,
encouraging you in that direction.
OPUSMD: What have you learned about health
care at the national level during your time on the
CMA board?
Dr. Collins: I’ve learned that issues affecting
doctors in British Columbia are very much the
same issues that affect doctors in the Yukon and
Newfoundland. Those broader health issues that
the working, grassroots physician experiences are
the same — the same joys, but also some of the
same challenges.
OPUSMD 8 SPRING 2019Accessing resources, wait times, the challenges of acquiring Golf has become a strong part of my life too. I’m terrible at it,
good care for senior patients, physician wellness and but I enjoy being outdoors and I’ve built a wonderful network
physician burnout — these issues are the same across the of friends around that activity. I try to maintain some level of
country. physical activity over and above that. It’s those things that
ground you outside the office.
OPUSMD: As a New Brunswick physician, what kind of a
perspective do you bring to the national stage? I’m in Florida right now for the month of March. This is our
fourth year, and our family usually joins us. I call it my ‘practice
Dr. Collins: We have the same issues and challenges, but prolonging plan.’ Making some of those adjustments is
because we are smaller population wise and physician important. And sometimes people think they can’t afford those
population wise, you can see the issues in a very tangible things, either timewise or financially. But you need to look at
way. Should there be new initiatives or innovative ideas the bigger picture of what’s good for your health because
around changes in those areas, New Brunswick is a good ultimately that contributes to good patient care.
testing ground. We’re not tiny, but we’re not a huge province
like Ontario or Quebec or British Columbia. We have that From a national perspective, the CMA is fully committed to
ability, I think, to be an incubator for new models of care. Our physician wellness as well. It has created a division within
size is to our advantage in a way. senior management to focus on this, and it has hired Dr.
Caroline Gérin-Lajoie as its first vice-president of physician
OPUSMD: One of the priorities mentioned in your election health and wellness. The CMA is also planning the Canadian
platform was youth mental health. As a practising family Conference on Physician Health, which will take place in St.
physician, what kind of trends or themes are you seeing with John’s, N.L. in October.
youth?
OPUSMD: What would you say to physicians who are
Dr. Collins: As a frontline family doctor with a large practice, considering getting involved in a leadership role, through the
I’ve seen great change in my adolescent and youth patients NBMS, CMA or another means?
related to anxiety — challenges in school, challenges handling
the pressures that are sometimes inherent to social media. Dr. Collins: It is rewarding. It allows you to build relationships
Being able to deal and cope with that kind of youth with your peers that you don’t otherwise experience. And
environment is challenging, but the solution is often not leadership doesn’t always have to be within the medical
medication. Many of these patients require a skill-based community either — I spent time on the board of St. Thomas
management approach that is better served by cognitive University. I wanted to take it outside of the medical box, and
behavioural therapy. But those resources are not readily that was rewarding and educational. My advice is to find the
available and often have great cost associated with them. right time for you, your practice or your family, find the right
area that you’re passionate about and get involved.
I’m humbled and honoured to be in this position as a New Brunswick physician.
I don’t profess that the CMA has the answers to this, but I think And on the other end, we need to identify and reach out to
it’s an issue that needs to be talked about. Awareness needs to potential leaders. Physicians are busy. They may read that a
be raised, and I think that the CMA has that national voice committee or group is looking for membership. But if a
and platform to do that. colleague calls you, I would bet there’s a higher rate of return
on that.
OPUSMD: Physician wellness was also highlighted in your
platform. It is becoming a more recognized issue provincially OPUSMD: Anything else you would like to add?
and across the country. How do you make your own health a
priority while maintaining a large practice, family and your Dr. Collins: I’m humbled and honoured to be in this position as
medical leadership? a New Brunswick physician. I think the fact that there were
four candidates from our province who sought this position
Dr. Collins: I hope I do maintain my well-being. (Laughs). speaks well for CMA’s position in New Brunswick. Dr.
Sometimes we’re not our best judge. From a personal level, Dickinson, Dr. Singh and Dr. Sridhar ran good campaigns,
John is a very supportive husband. And I have three adult and I carry their issues forward as well. I look forward to a
children who are extremely supportive. I’ve always tried to good ongoing relationship between the CMA and the NBMS.
maintain my family as a priority. I’ve adjusted office schedules
to attend their activities when they were kids. We’re fortunate (This interview has been condensed for length and clarity.)
that our children and our two granddaughters all live in
Fredericton. We’re a very close family. So that is critical to my
wellness. I also have an incredibly supportive group of
colleagues in Fredericton.
SPRING 2019 9 OPUSMDFour decades of service: Judy Kelly
retires from the NBMS
Executive assistant and board secretary had ‘steady focus’
and dedication to New Brunswick physicians
Eric Lewis, Communications Specialist
Judy Kelly had been employed at the New Brunswick Medical “She’s just a fine person,” he explains. “And she’s really
Society for only a month when she worked the registration contributed to the success of the NBMS over the years. She is
desk at the society’s 1979 annual general meeting by herself. so dedicated.”
“(I) was terrified because I didn’t know anybody,” she says, Anthony Knight, chief executive officer of the NBMS — the
“but boy, it was a good way to learn.” fourth CEO that Judy has worked with — echoes Dr. Fraser’s
sentiment.
Forty years later, Judy is credited by Dr. Peter Fraser for leading
four decades of annual general meetings, “like a maestro for a “It’s been my absolute pleasure to have worked with Judy
large symphony orchestra.” during my time at the NBMS,” Knight says. “Her steady focus
and caring consideration for the physicians of the province
“She has been a major contributor to the NBMS for the past during her 40-year career serves as an inspiration to me and
40 years,” says Dr. Fraser, a semi-retired family physician in the whole NBMS team. I truly want to wish her well in this next
Oromocto and past-president of the NBMS (1987-1988). new and exciting chapter.”
Judy, executive assistant and board secretary, retired from the Judy says she has always been proud of her lead role with the
NBMS in February. A celebration of her career was held at annual general meeting, a milestone event every year for the
the NBMS’s Fredericton office on Feb. 14 with many NBMS. She also takes pride in having worked closely with the
practising and retired physicians on hand with NBMS staff to NBMS’s CEOs, management teams and boards of directors
celebrate her 40 years of dedicated service. — past and present.
Dr. Fraser says he was always impressed by Judy’s skill, “I may be a bit biased but every CEO needs a good executive
attention to detail and her professionalism. He jokes that he assistant,” she says with a smile.
could never convince Judy to call him anything but “Dr. Fraser.”
Retirement for Judy will mean joining her Church Outreach
“I would often joke with her, ‘I do have a first name — and it’s Committee and the Elementary Literacy Friends program to
not doctor,’” he says with a laugh. help elementary students who struggle with reading. She also
wants to volunteer with Hospice NB, spend more time with
family, and travel.
“I was so fortunate 40 years ago to be given an opportunity to
work for the NBMS, and I could never have dreamed what a
rewarding journey it would turn out to be,” she says. “In those
four decades, I had the chance to work with all four CEOs and
worked in all four office locations in Saint John and Fredericton.
The NBMS — including my co-workers, some of whom I have
worked with for 30 years — will always be near and dear to
my heart. I would like to thank you all for your well wishes and
gifts which has added to the joy of my retirement.”
An admirer of Fred Rogers, the minister who gained fame as
Judy Kelly (centre, striped shirt) is seen with her NBMS colleagues on her last Mr. Rogers on the television series Mister Rogers'
day in the office. PHOTO: Melissa Grandmaison
Neighborhood, Judy looks to her retirement with the following
Rogers’ quote in mind: “Often when you think you’re at the
end of something, you’re at the beginning of something else.”
OPUSMD 10 SPRING 2019NBMS
IN THE COMMUNITY
President’s tours take holistic view of
health care in New Brunswick
Revamped tours include visits to community health clinics, food banks
Melissa Ketch, Member Engagement Officer
Eric Lewis, Communications Specialist
Each year, the New Brunswick Medical Society president and “Health care goes well beyond our clinics and hospital
staff tour the 10 medical districts in the province to update borders,” says Dr. Melanson. “We are visiting community
members on important society news and issues. health centres, food banks, substance abuse clinics and other
facilities that assist New Brunswickers in managing things like
For 2018-19, the NBMS refreshed its approach to the tours so poverty, food insecurity and mental health. These are the topics
president Dr. Serge Melanson and NBMS staff could have a that need to be brought further into the discussion when we’re
more holistic look at the health-care efforts and challenges in talking about health care across New Brunswick.”
each community.
Alex Boyd, executive director of Greener Village, talks with
Dr. Melanson. PHOTO: Eric Lewis
Dr. Melanson met with Dr. Bill Martin
and Brian King, deputy mayor of
Miramichi, during the Miramichi District
President’s Tour. PHOTO: Eric Lewis
OPUS MD 12 SPRING 2019Dr. Melanson and the NBMS staff completed five tours in late
2018, visiting Miramichi, Saint John, Fredericton, Moncton and
Sussex. The tours included meetings with mayors and municipal
councillors, local health-care leaders and medical learners, in
addition to dinner and discussion with district members.
The president’s tours included visits to the Natoaganeg Community
Food Centre and Eel Ground Health Centre in Eel Ground, Le
Centre Pédiatrie Sociale Sud-Est in Memramcook, SALVUS Clinic
in Moncton, the Fredericton Downtown Community Health Centre
and Victoria Health Centre in Fredericton. The NBMS also met
with municipal officials and health leaders to learn about important
programs like the Parent-Child Assistance Program and the Centre
for Research, Education and Clinical Care of At-risk Populations in
Saint John as well as the Sussex Sharing Club and the Leisure
Enjoyment for All People Program in Sussex.
“While it’s important that we continue to collaborate to move
the needle on the many health-care challenges we face in
New Brunswick, we should also recognize the people and Dr. Melanson spoke with medical learners at the Centre de Formation
facilities having a real impact at a grass roots level in the Médicale du Nouveau-Brunswick. From left: Mathieu Doiron, Dr. Emmanuel
Maicas, Ahmad Muftah, Billie Haché, Dr. Melanson, Samuel LeBlanc,
province,” says Dr. Melanson.
Emeraldine Libert and Jolyane Chamberlain. PHOTO: Eric Lewis
Visits to the five remaining medical districts are planned for the
spring.
NBMS gives back to New Brunswick
The NBMS recently purchased 10 automated external
defibrillators (AED), one for each medical district, in
partnership with the Heart and Stroke Foundation of New
Brunswick. At the Sussex Regional Library. From left are Paula McKinley, Director,
Strategic Partnerships, Heart and Stroke Foundation of New Brunswick;
According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 35,000 to Alison Stickings, Sussex Regional Library, and Dr. Melanson.
45,000 people die of sudden cardiac arrest each year. PHOTO: Nora Lacey
Along with CPR, an AED can double the chance of
someone surviving cardiac arrest.
NBMS members chose where the AEDs would be placed in
each community, and Dr. Melanson delivered them during
the president’s tour.
Here is where the first five AEDs have been placed:
• Miramichi Cross Country Ski Club;
• Sussex Regional Library;
• Greener Village (Fredericton);
• SALVUS Clinic (Moncton);
• Outflow Mission Centre (Saint John).
The remaining AEDs will be donated during the
spring president’s tour dates.
SPRING 2019 13 OPUS MDFMNB — one year later
New model of family medicine is improving access to primary care
and enticing physicians to stay in New Brunswick
Marcelle Saulnier, Communications Manager
Family Medicine New Brunswick (FMNB) recently celebrated Dr. Katie Goodine is a family physician who joined FMNB
one year since its first group of four physicians started under with four colleagues in August. After three years in practise,
this new team-based model in January 2018. she was drawn to the model due to its focus on team-based
care and for the recruitment opportunities it offered in her
The model now boasts 37 physicians in six groups across the hometown of Woodstock.
province. These physicians deliver care to over 32,000
patients. She hoped an FMNB clinic in the area would aid in bringing
more family physicians to the area. Her theory proved
“The biggest surprise is that the program is here, it’s better than successful when the group recruited Dr. Brandon Kelly, a new
it was one year ago, and it’s opened our eyes to so many physician from Upper Kingsclear who trained outside the
other opportunities,” says Andrew MacLean, chief of strategic province, to the area.
programs and innovation director for FMNB.
“I knew (team-based care) was attractive to me, and I think I’m
According to Maclean, FMNB set ambitious and optimistic representative of new graduates and what our generation of
targets for this new model during its development, and “with a physicians is looking for,” says Dr. Goodine. “Joining a team of
tiny staff and very little history in the province of doing this sort physicians is great for graduates who are just starting to
of thing, we are very close to achieving those goals.” practise. Mentorship and supportive colleagues really add to
Most important, however, is that the program is realizing its your experience.”
main goal of improving access to family physicians.
Government, physicians, and FMNB’s leadership agree it is
difficult to estimate the value of timely access to family
medicine.
“We are seeing patient access improve. And that’s the bottom
line,” says MacLean.
He has also noticed a change in physician recruitment. FMNB
is not only enticing residents to remain in New Brunswick and
set up a practice, it has also drawn physicians from other
provinces interested in its leadership role in family medicine.
Six medical residents have signed with FMNB and will begin
practising under this model in 2019.
“ Joining a team of physicians is great
for graduates who are just starting to
practise. Mentorship and supportive
colleagues really add to your
experience.
– Dr. Katie Goodine”
Dr. Katie Goodine.
PHOTO: Contributed
OPUSMD 14 SPRING 2019Family Medicine New Brunswick – A timeline
2016 2017 2018
NOVEMBER JANUARY JUNE JANUARY
The NBMS created a set of Memorandum of Final agreement First FMNB-affiliated
principles that would become the understanding signed signed with the group begins practising
core values of FMNB and with the province. province. in Oromocto.
presented them to government.
Dr. Goodine admits she was concerned about some of the add variety to my day. The patients were thrilled to be able to
adjustments she had to make to join FMNB, including call that day and see a doctor. They were incredibly
migrating to the Provincial EMR from another system, but many appreciative, and it felt great to be able to provide them with
of these adjustments have proven to be positive changes. care.”
“One thing to get used to was the idea of phone calls with This patient-centred care is at the heart of FMNB. As MacLean
patients, though so far it’s gone very well and my patients have reflects on the whiteboard concept that eventually developed
been very appreciative. I think it’s certainly helped with access into FMNB, and the many changes since to address scenarios
and doing things in a timely manner – I’ve been very happy that were not anticipated and to fix technology bugs, he says
with that capability in the program,” says Dr. Goodine. She he is proud the model has the same core values as the original
was also surprised to find herself enjoying a Saturday morning concept.
shift during the clinic’s extended hours.
“Despite all the evolution, it is remarkable how little has
“It didn’t take me long to pinpoint why it felt so enjoyable and changed from a principle point of view,” he says. “We have
fresh — I was seeing people who had acute concerns. made hundreds of changes and every one of them, I believe,
Because of the way family medicine has evolved, I don’t is for the better. But the major things – team-based care,
always have the availability to see these patients. Our days different way of getting paid, after-hours access, better
can be filled with chronic disease management, and I’m not outcomes for patients, better work/life balance for physicians,
always able to fit in those quick acute appointments which better recruitment — none of those things have changed.”
Family Medicine New Brunswick by the numbers (Feb. 2019)
32,703 37 9
Patients affiliated Physicians currently Physicians signed and
with FMNB working in FMNB awaiting implementation
6 7 15
Groups Provinces FMNB has presented Affiliated physicians in their
to about the model first five years of practise
SPRING 2019 15 OPUSMDLab reports are changing how
physicians deliver care
Tens of thousands of lab reports are going directly to electronic patient records
in the Provincial EMR each month
Marcelle Saulnier, Communications Manager
Lab reports have made the Provincial EMR “much more “I am finding I (deliver) much better medicine because I have
powerful” since they were introduced. access at the best point in time to compare what’s going on,”
she says. Ultimately, Dr. Alborg says the timely reports are
A much-desired feature of the Provincial EMR, lab reports improving patient care.
became available to all users in January 2019. Tens of
thousands of lab reports are now going directly to electronic Lab reports integrate seamlessly with other Provincial EMR
patient records each month. features. Saint John family physician Dr. Joshua Tracey often
develops care plans for his patients, allowing him to search for
Only weeks after their introduction, Dr. Frances Alborg, a a subset of patients, and then set an action for that group. He
family physician in Woodstock, says the electronic lab reports can then schedule interventions such as check-ups, tests, and
have increased her efficiency and accuracy. screenings with each patient.
“It has made the (Provincial) EMR so much more powerful and “Lab reports add to the quality of information in the care plan,”
worth using, because I get direct reports instantly,” she says. says Dr. Tracey. “You need the ability to update your care
Paper lab reports are often slow to reach Dr. Alborg’s office, plans as you’re reviewing your labs, and (lab reports are)
and she says they would often be delivered out of quickly and easily integrated.”
chronological order. Through the Provincial EMR, electronic lab Dr. Tracey has been receiving lab reports in his Provincial EMR
reports can now be processed and sent to an individual for over a year, as physicians affiliated with Family Medicine
patient’s medical record in as little as two hours. The reports New Brunswick (FMNB) had early access to the feature while
also show which labs are incomplete and awaiting further it was in testing. This means he can view a year’s worth of
results. trends at a glance.
Patient presents Physician Lab tests Lab staff
condition to orders lab tests performed compiles
physician report
Lab reports Physician Delivery Lab reports
reviewed by receives lab agent receives sent to Electronic
physician reports in and sorts lab Health Record
Provincial EMR reports
OPUSMD 16 SPRING 2019“For patients, you’re monitoring things over time and it’s easy “My primary focus is obstetrics, but it does make me feel as
to quickly look at long-term values and compare them, and though I still have my finger on the pulse of my family
you’re able to make adjustments faster and much easier,” he practice,” she says. “I love the idea that when I’m at the
says. “You can also generate a task for your staff to notify the hospital and when I’m on call I can be logged into the EMR
patient.” remotely, and I can see if my family medicine patient who I
saw two days earlier in my clinic has gone to get their
Dr. Tracey has integrated various steps into his workflow to bloodwork done.”
help him be better organized during patient visits.
It has also encouraged her to make use of some of the features
“If you change your (settings) so that the lab reports actually in the Provincial EMR which she didn’t use on her previous
come up spaced in between patient visits, you can easily see EMR, such as messaging to connect with her administrative
which lab reports and referrals have come back for that patient staff.
since the last time they’ve been in,” he says.
“It’s become quite natural,” says Dr. Goodine, who believes
This feature allows physicians to quickly refresh themselves on the addition of lab reports to the Provincial EMR is a positive
a patient’s health history and serves to remind the physician of step forward.
any items that need to be mentioned in an appointment.
“I think the concept is incredible and I love that I get results in
Dr. Katie Goodine, part of the Woodstock FMNB clinic, is a real time – I think that’s wonderful.”
new user of the Provincial EMR. As a part-time family physician
also working in obstetrics, electronic lab reports allow her to
feel more connected to her family practice in Woodstock.
Physicians interested in adding labs to their Provincial EMR will need to complete the training first. Training materials and forms can
be found on the Velante User Portal ( velante.nbms.nb.ca/learn/labs-integration/ ). The training is a short PowerPoint presentation
and only takes a few minutes to review. Your login information is the same one used to log in to the New Brunswick Medical
Society website. Physicians can anticipate a turnaround time of approximately two weeks, based on demand.
NBMS visits New Brunswick
medical learners
The New Brunswick Medical Society met with approximately 120 New Brunswick medical learners around the province and
those studying in Newfoundland over the winter months.
The visits serve as a chance to deepen connections with these residents and students — the future of medicine — to support them
in their learning and discuss how they can build their medical
careers in New Brunswick.
In January, the NBMS met with many learners completing their
residency programs at Memorial University in St. John’s. The
NBMS also met up with over 20 medical students currently
completing their medical degree at Memorial.
During the visits, NBMS staff presented each learner with
neurological exam kits compliments of the NBMS.
In November, the NBMS presented neurological exam kits to third-year
students from Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick, including (from left)
Natalie Wallace, Courtney Larsen, Kathleena Sarty, and Emily Leaman.
PHOTO: Melissa Ketch
SPRING 2019 17 OPUSMDMedical Education Foundation
scholarship deadline draws near
Scholarships are only open to
New Brunswick residents
Eric Lewis, Communications Specialist
The deadline to apply for New Brunswick Medical Education
Foundation scholarships is fast approaching.
The scholarships are open to New Brunswick residents
attending accredited medical schools who are committed to
establishing their medical practices in this province. The
deadline to apply is May 31, and scholarships will be
awarded at a ceremony in August.
“We are trying to cultivate goodwill and good relationships
with persons who are interested in returning to this province,” Recipients of New Brunswick Medical Education Foundation’s scholarships are
says Mike Murphy, executive director of the New Brunswick seen at a ceremony at the Imperial Theatre in Saint John in August 2018.
PHOTO: Contributed
Medical Education Foundation.
Since forming in 2009, the foundation has awarded approximately 240 scholarships totalling $1.8 million. The foundation was
created to support New Brunswick medical students in their education and to encourage them to return to this province to practise
medicine.
As the organization grows, Murphy says it hopes to one day fund all medical learners from the province, but scholarships are only
available now through a competition. Last year, 40 scholarships totalling about $300,000 were awarded.
“These scholarships are only available to New Brunswick residents,” he says. “(Residents) are not competing with a person from
Alberta, they’re competing with people from this province and only this province.”
For more information or to apply for a scholarship, visit the New Brunswick Medical Education Foundation website: nbmeded.ca.
NBMS launches two new
eLearn sessions
The NBMS launched two new eLearn sessions — one on medical marijuana (available in English and French) and one on
transgender health (English only).
The medical marijuana eLearn is presented by Dr. Richard Dumais, an anaesthesiologist in Moncton. At the end of the
presentation, participants will be able to: review the history of prohibited substances, review of the components types and
pharmacology of marijuana, identify physiological effects of marijuana, describe medical uses of marijuana, discuss prescribing
marijuana, discuss travelling and marijuana.
The transgender health eLearn is presented by Dr. Adrian Edgar, a family physician in Fredericton. At the end of the presentation,
participants will be able to: identify transgender patients, diagnose gender dysphoria, develop a treatment approach and discuss
clinical pearls.
These online 1 credit-per-hour Self-Learning programs have been certified by the College of Family Physicians of Canada for up to
1 Mainpro+ credit. They are Accredited Group Learning Activities (Section 1) as defined by the Maintenance of Certification
program of The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada for one credit per session. These programs have been
reviewed and approved by University of Ottawa, Office of Continuing Medical Education.
If you would like to take part in these learning opportunities, please visit nbms.nb.ca/elearn
OPUSMD 18 SPRING 2019In Memoriam
Dr. Fernand Arseneau (1961-2018): in Saint John before becoming the chief medical officer for the
Workmen’s Compensation Board from 1959-1973. He was the
Dr. Fernand Arseneau of Moncton passed away peacefully at director of Dr. William F. Roberts Children’s Hospital until 1980
home on Friday, Nov. 30, 2018. Born June 17, 1961 in and retired from his position at the Saint John Regional Hospital in
Tracadie, he was the son of Juliette (Doucet) Arseneau and the 1985.
late Joseph E. Arseneau.
Leonard was a leader in the Lebanese community and had an
Besides his mother, he is survived by his partner, Anne avid interest in the historical settlement of the community in Saint
MacKinnon; her children: Maggie and Niall MacKinnon, both John. Leonard was a lifetime member of the Canadian Lebanon
of Moncton; one brother, Raymond (Debbie) of Tracadie; as Association and president for 5 years. He was part of the
well as aunts, uncles and cousins. Canadian Army Reserve as the Commander of the New
Brunswick Medical Company, retiring as a Lt. Colonel. He was
Dr. Arseneau’s passion was sports medicine. He was at his
also a lifetime member of the New Brunswick Medical Society
happiest while travelling with Anne or when running, cycling
and the Fairvale Outing Association. Leonard was predeceased
and cross-country skiing.
by his son Dr. David Stephen and daughter Jane, brothers
Douglas and Wally and his sister Dorothy Zed.
Dr. Leonard Stephen (1924-2018): Leonard is survived by his wife Roxina of 65 years, daughters
Dr. Leonard Stephen passed away peacefully at home on July 4, Mary and Elizabeth, Halifax and Theresa, Saint John, sister
2018 at the age of 94. Born on May 10, 1924 in Saint John, Lawanda (Vaughan) and brother Dr. Malcolm Stephen (Joan),
he was the son of the late Thomas and Fema (Corey) Stephen. daughter in law Karen (Ian) grandchildren Natasha (Neville),
Adam (Jane), Jacquelyn (Jean Francois), Lauren, Luke, Alexandra
Dr. Stephen graduated from St. Vincent’s High School, attended and Gabriel, great grandsons, Cooper, Henry, Theodore,
St. Francis Xavier University and graduated from Dalhousie School Charles and Malcolm and numerous nieces, nephews and
of Medicine in 1949. He practised family medicine for 10 years cousins.
MEMORIAL MEDICA
AL STUDENTS PRESENT
In Partnershi
s p with MD
D Financial Managemen
nt
April 5 - 7, 2019
Includes: St. John's, NL
- Student Research Poster Presentations
-Clinical Skills Sessions
-Talks on underprivileged populations
-Friday Night event att the Johnson Geo Centre
-Saturday Night Gala at the Holiday Inn with live
performances from special guests
-AND MUCH
U MORE!
Tickets are on sale now! Register at coams2019.com
Follow www.facebook.com/coams2 2019 for more info and exciting updatess!
SPRING 2019 19 OPUSMDYou can also read
