Medical residents share their skills in Interlake-Eastern
The Interlake-Eastern region offers opportunities for new doctors who are interested in gaining hands-on rural medicine experience.
Dr. Amanda Wong and Dr. Rita Costa have begun a two-year residency through a family medicine residency program in the region. Residency is the final training stage for doctors after they graduate from medical school.
Born and raised in Manitoba, Amanda pursued all her studies in the province. She completed her undergraduate bachelor of science degree with a major in genetics at the University of Manitoba and continued her medical studies there as well. While completing her bachelor of medicine, she focused her research on predicting injuries in high-level circus artists.
For her residency, Amanda chose to come to Interlake-Eastern for several reasons.
“Firstly, the staff in IERHA are great and create an ideal learning environment for residents, where our learning is prioritized and our experience can be tailored to our areas of interest,” said Amanda, whose family has a cabin in the Interlake and whose mom grew up in East Selkirk.
“Secondly, IERHA serves a large area of rural Manitoba and diverse populations, creating an ideal setting to become a skilled rural family physician. IERHA has been extremely welcoming.”
To start, Amanda will be primarily based out of the Selkirk Medical Centre and the Selkirk Regional Health Centre, and she’ll also spend some time in Lac du Bonnet during her second year of residency.
When she’s not busy studying and working, Amanda loves to play soccer.
“I spent five years playing for the University of Manitoba Bisons’ women’s soccer team during my undergraduate studies, during which I was team captain for several years. I am still playing soccer now and find it to be a good way to socialize with friends and stay active,” she said.
“I have also been quite involved with coaching various soccer teams, including running some soccer camps in Selkirk. Another hobby of mine is my house plants and propagating them. I am also a big sucker for bad Netflix reality shows.”
Looking ahead, Amanda hopes to practise medicine in rural Manitoba.
“I hope to give back to underserved communities and improve access to health care,” she said. “I hope to have a diverse practice and be able to care for people of all ages and backgrounds and have a wide scope of practice to offer my patients.”
Like Amanda, Rita began her studies at the University of Manitoba, where she first obtained a degree in microbiology.
“I absolutely loved learning about how our bodies fought against bacterial and viral diseases. I even completed a research project and published a paper in virology during the last year of my degree,” Rita said.
“I had always had an interest in medicine and wanting to help patients navigate the health-care system, so I applied to the Max Rady College of Medicine here in Manitoba and began my medical journey in fall 2019.”
During her fourth year in medical school, Rita spent two weeks in Selkirk, which piqued her interest in returning to the community.
“I absolutely loved this experience, and it opened my eyes to how amazing a residency program the IERHA is. I knew that I wanted a residency program that allowed me to be a learner, while also giving me graded responsibility that will allow me to develop the skills and clinical reasoning necessary for independent practice — which is exactly what the program in IERHA allowed me to do,” she said.
“I have had such amazing learning opportunities and know that this is just the beginning. Another amazing aspect of the residency program that really sold me was the people I worked with.”
Rita also currently works at the Selkirk Medical Centre and the Selkirk Regional Health Centre.
“Everyone I have come into contact with during my residency has been so kind, supportive and I find that everyone is invested in my learning and growth as a resident,” she said.
“I cannot say enough positive words about the residency program here in IERHA. I am truly very lucky to be trained here, and I believe the training I receive here will truly help me as a transition into independent practice at the end of the two years.”
When she’s not busy with her residency, Rita enjoys spending time with family and friends. She also likes to bake and go for walks in nature.
In the future, Rita hopes to continue to call the Interlake home.
“I am not originally from the Interlake region; however, that has not stopped me from exploring the region and loving every minute. I do hope to one day settle down in the Interlake region,” she said.
“I hope to have a comprehensive practice that looks after patients of all ages and different stages in life. I also hope to incorporate women’s health into my practice. My dream would be to practise family medicine in IERHA.”
While Amanda and Rita are in the early stages of their residency experience, Dr. Stewart Nadurak is currently in the second year of his residency program.
The family medicine residency in Interlake-Eastern is co-ordinated by Selkirk Medical Associates in collaboration with the department of family medicine, Max Rady College of Medicine and Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority. Dr. Ian Alexander of Selkirk Medical Associates is the lead. To date, the regional medicine residency program has trained and graduated six residents since launching in the region in 2019, and five of them have remained in the region.
Physician Emeritus Awards now open for nominations
Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority is now accepting nominations for the 2024 Physician Emeritus Award.
Physicians who are retired or have reduced their practice in preparation for retirement are eligible for nomination if they have provided exemplary service and expertise to their communities.
The nomination can be submitted by either physician colleagues or by community members.
“As a medical professional, there is no higher honour than being recognized by the community you serve or the colleagues you work with daily,” said Dr. Charles Penner, regional lead of medical services and chief medical officer, Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority (RHA). “I look forward to reading the nominations of physicians in the region who go above and beyond every day for their patients.”
Nominations should have three signatures and a paragraph about why the physician should be considered for the award.
Have a physician in mind? Nominations should take into account the following factors:
• Length of service (commitment to the community)
• Scope of service
• Recognition of exemplary skill by colleagues
• Recognition by the community
• Demonstration of the Interlake-Eastern RHA values in their practice (always with compassion, success in collaboration, accountability in everything we do, acting with integrity and respectful of each other.)
Nominations are to be forwarded to Debbie Gregoire at [email protected] by February 9, 2024.
The regional Medical Advisory Committee will consider nominations and determine award recipients.
Award recipients will be recognized in-person at the annual physician dinner in April.
Holiday Closure Notice
All clinics and labs are closed on Dec. 25 Christmas Day, Dec. 26 Boxing Day and Jan. 1 New Year’s Day with the exception of the QuickCare Clinic which is only closed on Dec. 25.
The RAAM Clinic is closed on Dec. 26 Boxing Day and will reopen the following week on Jan. 2.
Applications Open for Beausejour Comprehensive Health Care Aide Program
Patient Partner Compensation Research Project
The Horizon Health Network (HHN), Maritime SPOR Support Unit (MSSU), and University of New Brunswick – Centre for Research and Integrated Care (CRIC) is looking for participants for the Compensation-Related Barriers and Facilitators to Patient Engagement in Canadian Academic Health Research Study. It is an opportunity to share their experiences with what works and what does not work for compensating patient partners, and how this affects inclusion. It is very important that to from a wide range of individuals in the following fields:
- Health researchers
- Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) staff
- Administration & finance staff at universities across Canada
- Patient partners in academic health research
Individuals who fit the criteria above may complete a pre-screening survey to determine their eligibility to participate in the virtual focus group or interview for the study.
Contact Sam to participate: [email protected] or (506) 566-2728
Please let us know if you require any accommodations to participate.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Samantha.Fowler@HorizonNB.ca or (506) 566-2728. If this email is better suited to someone else in your community, or if you would like to share this with another organization, please feel free to forward this along or let me know and I will reach out to them.
This study has been reviewed by the research ethics boards at the University of New Brunswick (File# 2023-037) and Horizon Health Network (File# 2023-3217)
Ashern’s Lakeshore Hospital Expansion – Temporary changes to roadway and hospital access during construction
Please see public notice updated here.
Prawda Outreach Primary Care Clinic closed temporarily – looking to secure new clinic space
The Prawda Outreach Primary Care Clinic is temporarily closed due to the sale of the building. We are working with community to find a new location to hold the clinic. In the meantime, please make an appointment at Whitemouth Clinic by calling: 204-348-2291
Lundar PCH/Clinic and community health office without power Tuesday, Nov. 7
Please be advised that tomorrow, Tuesday, Nov. 7 there is an all-day power outage scheduled for the Lundar PCH and clinic/community health office. This means that there will not be phone and internet services. The PCH will continue to have limited power to keep residents and staff comfortable. The clinic and community health office will be closed. Phones and emails will not be answered. Please call back on Wed., Nov. 8.
This power outage is necessary for updating the generator onsite.
Selkirk QuickCare Clinic is CLOSED Sunday, Nov. 5th
Selkirk QuickCare Clinic is closed Sunday, November 5th. We apologize for the inconvenience and will reopen on Monday, November 6. Click for clinic details.
Interlake-Eastern RHA Annual General Meeting attracts over 130 participants
Interlake-Eastern RHA’s virtual Annual General Meeting on October 10, 2023 saw just over 130 staff and community members login virtually for a review of activities and upcoming priorities.
Vice chair of the board of directors, Cyndi Typliski, was the master of ceremonies. The meeting opened with a prayer from Gwen Traverse, director of health, Pinaymootang First Nation and welcome from Robert Maytwayashing, Indigenous human resources development officer.
Board chair Michele Polinuk talked about adapting after the pandemic and she outlined the board’s governance structure and the progress towards achieving the goals of the RHA’s 2021-2028 strategic plan. She also announced the four winners of the Chair’s Award for Excellence in Customer Service.
“Staff members submitted 21 outstanding nominations this year and every one of these people reflects the culture we’d like to build in this organization,” Polinuk said.
To the winners Polinuk said, “How you choose to show up to work, what you bring to your workplace, and how you make the people around you feel good is inspiring to us all!”She recognized the following staff members:
Clinical team manager Clayton Fisher at Lac du Bonnet’s personal care home is supportive and caring towards residents and staff, as well as being professional and knowledgeable.
Val Kozyra, administrative assistant at Rosewood Lodge personal care home in Stonewall, embodies the region’s mission and values in her interactions with the public and colleagues. Her calm, positive and helpful demeanor is appreciated.
Licensed practical nurse Allison Maki works at Lac du Bonnet Personal Care Home. A proponent of learning what is important to residents and engaging them through their interests, Allison started out as a health-care aide and enrolled in the licensed practical nursing program to come back to work as a nurse.
Glenn Shymko, regional manager of facilities management and capital planning, goes out of his way to make things happen, even with short notice. He is reliable and capable in his behind-the-scenes work.
Chief executive officer, Marion Ellis, was joined by the RHA’s senior leadership team that included Paul Barnard, Tanya Cheetham, Kate Hodgson, Dr. Charles Penner, Katherine Podaima and Julene Sawatzky, to give an overview of the region’s activities this past year and touch on the upcoming priorities.
Other speakers included Dr. Tim Hilderman, medical officer of health for Interlake-Eastern RHA. Presenting the finance report were Murray Werbeniuk, chair of the finance committee of the board, and Lorianne Kowaliszyn, IERHA’s regional lead of corporate services and chief financial officer.
Receiving the CEO Award for Community Leadership was Suzanne Nicolas, dean of the school of nursing at Assiniboine Community College. The award recognized Nicolas’ commitment to providing locally accessible education opportunities within the region.
A recording of IERHA’s AGM and the IERHA 2022-2023 Annual Report can be accessed at www.ierha.ca under “About us” and “Annual General Meeting”.
Photo Cutline: Interlake-Eastern RHA’s board of directors hosted the 2023 Annual General Meeting on October 10,2023.
IERHA receives accredited status from Accreditation Canada
Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority (RHA)has recently received acknowledgment that it is continuing to deliver health care that adheres to internationally recognized standards of quality and safety. Accreditation Canada has granted “Accredited” status to Interlake-Eastern RHA.
Surveyors met with staff and community members over a six-day period in June to assess over 3,100 criteria. As part of the survey, Interlake-Eastern RHA sites were assessed by a team of surveyors who work in the field of health-care in facilities all over Canada. In the accreditation report, surveyor observations reflect: “Remarkable staff going above and beyond” and “Clients are genuinely happy and feel well cared for.”
Interlake-Eastern RHA’s board chair, Michele Polinuk says she’s proud of the work.
“The region and staff are all still adapting to a post pandemic world,” says Polinuk. “We have come a long way in that time and I commend our staff on their hard work using required operating procedures that focus on patient safety and quality care.”
A team of surveyors from Accreditation Canada last visited Interlake-Eastern RHA in 2019 as part of a four-year accreditation review cycle.
Accreditation Canada is a not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to working with patients, policy makers and the public to improve the quality of health and social services for all. Providing organizations with an independent, third-party assessment, Accreditation Canada evaluates organizations on standards that reflect internationally accepted best practices.
The Accreditation Canada report and executive summary are posted online. Visit Publications & Reports – Interlake-Eastern RHA (ierha.ca) and click Accreditation reports to see the latest report.
Respiratory Virus Update Bulletin #2
Please click here to read the second provincial respiratory virus update.
Assiniboine Community College Announces Practical Nursing Site in Beausejour
Student artwork brightens patient rooms in Ashern’s Lakeshore General Hospital
Patients in Ashern’s Lakeshore General Hospital now have cheery artwork to look at in their rooms thanks to students from Ashern’s Central School.
At the end of June, groups of middle years students painted large four-foot by eight-foot pieces of plywood with fun bright scenes for the rooms impacted by the construction of the new addition. The construction project is expanding the emergency department with additional treatment space and increasing the number of inpatient beds.
Ashern Lakeshore General Hospital Guild chair Shelley Bjornson heard during a planning meeting about the opportunity to provide some murals for the patient rooms and immediately thought of the middle years students at Ashern Central School where she substitute teaches. She talked to Grade 5/6 teacher Shannon Kosolowski and they were able to organize it as an end-of-year school project for the middle years students to do in groups of three or four.
“To kick off the project, we met with each group individually and told them about the project and the goal was to make something that would make someone feel happy. We discussed the importance of simplicity. They did a little research on hospital murals and, as soon as they had inspiration, they sketched rough design and went to the woodshop space and sketched it out and created final project,” Kosolowski said. “The educational assistant worked hard to support the students on this project too. The best part is that many live near the hospital or know family that do, so they were so proud and excited to tell their aunts, uncles, grandparents about what they did at school for the local hospital.”
Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority CEO Marion Ellis thanked everyone for their involvement.
“Thank you to Shelley and everyone at Ashern Central School for going out of their way to provide the patients in the hospital with warm, uplifting murals for their rooms while we undergo construction,” Ellis said. “We’ve heard from patients that the artwork is appreciated.”
The plywood murals were placed in the windows of existing patients’ rooms in Ashern’s Lakeshore General Hospital, where they are expected to remain during the duration of the construction project, that’s expected to be completed by fall 2024.
At the end of June, groups of middle years students including Lily DeFoort, Keara Buenafe and Danni Vanderveen painted large four-foot by eight-foot pieces of plywood with bright scenes for the rooms impacted by the construction of the new addition at Lakeshore General Hospital.
