Category: News

Health & Humanities film : The Choreography of Care

Health & Humanities film : The Choreography of Care

Posted on by Allan Peterkin

PREMIERE IS TODAY (Feb 16) !

Experience this short dance film tribute honouring the dedication and sacrifice of healthcare workers throughout the challenging times of the pandemic and beyond: https://youtu.be/kYT-K9FsRMo

To acknowledge the dedication and sacrifice of healthcare staff throughout the pandemic and beyond, Dr. Sarah Kim spearheaded this film project in collaboration with staff from all three sites at Unity Health Toronto, including St. Michael’s Hospital, St. Joseph’s Health Centre and Providence Healthcare. The film was made possible by the generous and enthusiastic participation of staff across all three sites and the support of the Joy Fund at Unity Health Toronto. The diversity and strength of our community is clearly reflected in this work and we could not be more proud to stand together as a unified team in our commitment to keeping healthcare alive.

About the film

The Choreography of Care is a collaborative tribute honouring the perseverance, dedication and sacrifice of all frontline workers, with a special focus on healthcare. The film features real-life healthcare professionals performing familiar, everyday routines with novel purpose, to the everyday sounds of their work environment. The Choreography of Care highlights the communities of support within healthcare, the diversity and resilience of the people, putting a human face to a place where many are feeling forgotten. It is an homage to what it means to be a frontline worker in 2021 and beyond.

How the film was made

The Choreography of Care invited all staff at Unity Health Toronto to think about their profession in new ways and collaborate as a team towards a creative goal. The soundtrack for this film was generated using “found” sound in the work environment, sounds heard every day. The intention of this film was to acknowledge the human value of frontline workers, not only in their roles, but also as people. The hope was that the collaborative process of creating this film would increase a sense of connectedness across all three sites, while bringing joy and pride to not only those involved, but to the entire community at Unity Health Toronto and beyond.

Core Team:

Concept by: Christy Stoeten | Sarah Kim, MD
Director/Editor…Sonia Gemmiti
Producer… Sarah Kim, MD | Christy Stoeten
Director of Photography…Katie Cooper
Composer… Danielle Goudge, RN
Choreography… Christy Stoeten | Sarah Kim, MD
1st Assistant Camera…Yuri Markarov
Colourist…Matthew Barnett
Sound Engineer…Mark Rozeluk

 

Questions?

Email dr.kim@alumni.utoronto.ca
Instagram: @sarahkim_md

Two Poetry Workshops and a poem

Two Poetry Workshops and a poem

Posted on by Allan Peterkin

Hello, welcome,

I have two workshops to share with you. And a poem.
These offerings come with my best wishes
for your health and strength.

Ronna

***

Postcards from the Edge:
Addressing Compassion/Covid Fatigue in Note Form
A workshop for medical students, physicians, residents, and other health practitioners.

Perhaps you are too overwhelmed to read this. Let’s be brief: this workshop will address the impacts on you –physical, emotional, professional — of living through Covid, while caring for human suffering. In notes. A creative writing workshop. With other hesitant people. Using poems as guides. Have a rest; write something. No experience necessary.

Sponsored by The Temerty Faculty of Medicine at University of Toronto.
February 15, 5:30PM-7PM
Register here

***

As part of The Winter Solstice Series
curated by Hard Feelings, I will be offering the workshop

Be Good to Yourself, Whoever You Are

Often in work, and in life, energy moves towards projects and people but there’s little left for your own restoration. In this workshop, through the use of poems and prompts, you will be nudged into writing and reflecting on what sustains you, what you love and what you need. Take this time for yourself as a flicker of possibility of how you might take time for yourself in general.

This session is part of the Winter Solace FREE online series. For individuals who are feeling isolated, struggling to find supports, and interested in developing new ways of coping.

CRITERIA FOR PARTICIPATION:

• Self-identify as financially vulnerable

• In need of mental health and/or well being supports

• Live in the GTA

• Ages 18+

Register Here.

For info on other sessions in the series, contact Kate Scowen

***

Lastly, here’s a new poem.
“An Excruciating Blue Day” was published in The Malahat Review

***
Thanks for taking the time.
ronna
MAA-CREMS Research Awards-Apply Now

MAA-CREMS Research Awards-Apply Now

Posted on by Allan Peterkin

 MAA-CREMS Research Awards in the Humanities, Social Sciences & the History of Medicine

The following is sent on behalf of the Medical Alumni Association in collaboration with the Comprehensive Research Experience for Medical Students (CREMS) Programs.

The Medical Alumni Association in collaboration with the Comprehensive Research Experience for Medical Students (CREMS) Programs would like to invite you to participate in the MAA-CREMS Research Awards in the Humanities, Social Sciences & the History of Medicine. This opportunity will be offered to first and second-year as well as MD/Ph.D. students. Funding is fully provided by the program.

PLEASE SEE ATTACHMENT FOR DETAILS ON APPLYING FOR STUDENT FUNDING OR BECOMING A SUPERVISOR FOR A CREMS PROJECT.

Queries to: crems.programs@utoronto.ca

Medical Humanities Education Matching Funding Grant - Call for Proposals January 2022

Medical Humanities Education Matching Funding Grant – Call for Proposals January 2022

Posted on by Allan Peterkin

Dear Colleagues,

Postgraduate Medical Education continues to offer the Medical Humanities Education Matching Funding Grant in the amount of $5,000 per project proposal, distributed on a semi-annual basis.

I am writing to announce the call for the spring 2022 submissions. The submission deadline is March 25, 2022 with grants awarded to the successful applicants in June.

The integration of humanities in medical education curricula has the potential to improve observation skills, self-reflection, and enhance learner competencies in the CanMEDS roles. Projects and proposals may reflect a variety of curricular designs which identify how medical humanities will be integrated into curricula and further enhance CanMEDS competencies.

Each proposal will require a matching funding commitment from the submitting department/division, i.e., if the project budget is $4,500 – a letter from the department chair committing to $2,250 is required. Funding will be provided for a one year period, and applicants must agree to submit a project report at end of the period.

PGME will transfer the awarded funds to the successful applicant’s Academic Department in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine. Business Managers will provide Financial Information Services (FIS) account numbers to facilitate this transfer within four weeks of application approval or the funding offer will be withdrawn. The Academic Department will be responsible for the disbursement of funds to the successful applicant.

Attached is further background on the purpose of the grant as well as a template for the application. Please distribute widely.

We look forward to receiving applications for the Medical Humanities Education Grant by March 25, 2022.

Please submit your package by email to Arlene McKinley at arlene.mckinley@utoronto.ca

Sincerely,

MEREDITH GIULIANI (She/Her/Hers) MBBS, MEd, PhD, FRCPC, DRCPSC
Associate Dean, Postgraduate Medical Education
Associate Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto

COMING THIS FALL (2022) - PHOTOGRAPHY ELECTIVE FOR MEDICAL STUDENTS

COMING THIS FALL (2022) – PHOTOGRAPHY ELECTIVE FOR MEDICAL STUDENTS

Posted on by Allan Peterkin

Humanities in Medicine—Photography Elective

Medicine Through the Lens of Photography: Empathy, Advocacy, Compassion through Storytelling

Dr. Dawn Lim, BSc, MD, FRCP(C), MBA, Certificate of Digital Photography, Certificate of Creative Writing (candidate), Clinician Teacher and Assistant Professor, Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Medicine

Email: dawn.lim@utoronto.ca  for more information

Zoom link will be specific to sessions

Learning Goals:

  • Background on the culture of medicine as seen in the literature

o   Behaviours such as bullying, harassment, favoritism, perfectionism (imposter syndrome), cynicism, and productivity as self-worth are common in medicine

o   Dr. Brené Brown (a grounded theory researcher expert in shame and vulnerability) has mapped out the elements of shame. The above behaviours, which we see in medicine, are all shame-based since they all exist when empathy does not co-exist

  • Storytelling is an excellent tool for connection and reflection. I wish to pilot a story-based photography elective to give undergraduate medicine trainees a chance to explore a theme of shame in their medical practice.
  • Goals:

o   Workshop#1 (1 hour): open discussion with medical students about the pervasiveness of shame culture in medicine, what is shame, how does it manifest

o   Workshop #2 (1 hour): discussion about how visual storytelling can be a powerful medium for advocacy work

o   Workshop #3 (2 hours): how to design a photo essay

  • As a group, we will choose one theme of shame to explore through photography
  • We will also go through tips on how to craft a visual story
  • Students will then be encouraged to create their own photographs

o   Workshop #4: feedback and critiques

  • 3 x 1 hour long online opportunities to critique photographs created by the students that can illustrate this concept of shame in medicine.
  • This will be done approximately every six weeks with dates decided by majority of the group
  • Critiques will be amongst students with feedback from 1-2 photographer/doctors with experience in publishing/photo-essays
  • Create a group photo essay to share at the  Synesthesia Art Show

Duration of Elective:

o   8 hours instruction time plus independent time for photographing own vision of the chosen theme

Deadline and Key Details:

o   Students need access to their own camera (preferred) thought smartphone may be acceptable if high resolution

o   Need to sign up early in the fall since the off hours creation time for photography may fall outside of the elective

HUMANITIES FUNDING FOR PGME INITIATIVES DEADLINE OCTOBER 15TH

HUMANITIES FUNDING FOR PGME INITIATIVES DEADLINE OCTOBER 15TH

Posted on by Allan Peterkin

Dear Colleagues,

Postgraduate Medical Education continues to offer the Medical Humanities Education Matching Funding Grant in the amount of $5,000 per project proposal, distributed on a semi-annual basis.

I am writing to announce the call for the fall 2021 submissions. The submission deadline is October 15, 2021 with grants awarded to the successful applicants in December.

The integration of humanities in medical education curricula has the potential to improve observation skills, self-reflection, and enhance learner competencies in the CanMEDS roles. Projects and proposals may reflect a variety of curricular designs which identify how medical humanities will be integrated into curricula and further enhance CanMEDS competencies.

Each proposal will require a matching funding commitment from the submitting department/division, i.e., if the project budget is $4,500 – a letter from the department chair committing to $2,250 is required. Funding will be provided for a one year period, and applicants must agree to submit a project report at end of the period.

PGME will transfer the awarded funds to the successful applicant’s Academic Department in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine. Business Managers will provide Financial Information Services (FIS) account numbers to facilitate this transfer within four weeks of application approval or the funding offer will be withdrawn. The Academic Department will be responsible for the disbursement of funds to the successful applicant.

Attached is further background on the purpose of the grant as well as a template for the application. Please distribute widely.

We look forward to receiving applications for the Medical Humanities Education Grant by October 15, 2021.

Please submit your package by email to Arlene McKinley at arlene.mckinley@utoronto.ca

HEALTH HUMANITIES-IPE CERTIFICATE-Deadline Sept 30 !

HEALTH HUMANITIES-IPE CERTIFICATE-Deadline Sept 30 !

Posted on by Allan Peterkin

The IPE Curriculum Portfolio at the Centre for Interprofessional Education and The Program In Health, Arts and Humanities  at the University of Toronto invites students to apply for the Interprofessional Health, Arts & Humanities Certificate Program.  Students wishing to engage in more specialized collaborative, experiential learning opportunities may apply to complete this Certificate Program.  This highly rated course will provide students with narrative-based skills, mindfulness training  and arts-based experiences that will support enhanced patient/client care and leadership skills. Some slots remain.

APPLY NOW  at : https://ipe.utoronto.ca/interprofessional-health-arts-humanities-certificate-program

Connections - University of Alberta

Connections – University of Alberta

Posted on by Allan Peterkin

The Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute (NMHI) at the University of Alberta

is launching the “CONNECTIONS” project: a collection of artwork and scientific images that portray the many aspects of neuroscience, brain diseases and mental health, and where art and neuroscience meet.

The NMHI invites artists, scientists, and persons with relevant lived experience to submit artwork that relates to this theme.

“Connections among brain cells make our brain work and determine who we are and how we feel and interact with the world. Connections within the brain and with the world around us can be lost or compromised in many brain diseases and mental health conditions. And, sometimes, they can be restored through empathy and care. From the neuroscientist to the patient, the carer and the clinician, NMHI believes that true and meaningful progress means everyone working together to understand, share, and empathize in order to promote connections, advance science, support each other and improve the life of those with neurological and mental health conditions.

The Connections project is an opportunity to showcase the connection between art and neuroscience as well as to support research at the NMHI. The NMHI at the University of Alberta is a multi-disciplinary research and teaching institute at the University of Alberta. It is home to over 150 scientists and clinicians dedicated to discovering how the nervous system works and the causes of neurological and mental health disorders, to develop new treatments and advance clinical care.”

Please see attached information for additional information, which includes the submission form.

Pamela Brett-MacLean, BA (Hons), MA, PhD (Pronouns: She/Her)
Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry &
Director, Arts & Humanities in Health & Medicine
MD Program, and Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry
Health Sciences College
University of Alberta
1-001 Katz Group Centre for Pharmacy and Health Research
Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E1
Email: pbrett@ualberta.ca  | Phone: 780-492-0445 (Lisa Bussiere: MD Program/ AHHM Administrator)

Website: www.ualberta.ca/medicine/programs/ahhm/

Website: www.ualberta.ca/medicine/programs/md

The University of Alberta respectfully acknowledges that we are situated on Treaty 6 territory, traditional lands of First Nations and Métis people.

Attachment: CALL FOR SUBMISSION_FINAL.pdf (application/pdf)

About Empathy Podcast-University of Toronto

About Empathy Podcast-University of Toronto

Posted on by Allan Peterkin

About Empathy is a healthCARE podcast that focuses on patient, caregiver and healthcare provider stories. The creators and hosts believe these stories of hope, struggle, love and grief can help inspire compassion and humanism. Podcast guests discuss their personal stories, while the hosts reflect and debrief on those stories to help enable and support empathic interactions in the healthcare community. About Empathy is most relevant to healthcare providers, patients and caregivers, but these engaging narratives appeal to a broad audience. About Empathy can be streamed or downloaded from Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Podcasts or directly from the website (https://www.aboutempathy.com). There are 3 seasons of the podcast and a total of 22 episodes with topics including Medical Aid in Dying, Children’s Grief, Navigating Cancer Survivorship, Loss During the COVID-19 Pandemic, among other areas of interest to healthcare providers.

For more info, please contact:
Dr. Giovanna Sirianni
sirianni.gio@gmail.com
MMM Rounds Update

MMM Rounds Update

Posted on by Allan Peterkin

Dear Friends,

We apologize for the recent cancellations of MMM rounds since entering the third pandemic wave. These recent weeks and months have taken even more energy and resolve than previous months and while we had hoped that MMM might provide a space for rest reflection and recharge, the energy required to organize and lead the charge has proved difficult to maintain in the light of other responsibilities. We are placing a hold on rounds until September in order to allow full recharge over the summer. We also wish to examine ways we can provide a better more reliable space for you all. If you have any comments, queries, advice or requests for MMM we would love to hear them and fold those in to our collective thinking. Wishing you a safe healthy resurgent summer ‘break’

Regards
Jane & Conor