Dr. Michael Ertel has been practicing medicine for over 25 years. He’s a physician with a focused practice in Emergency medicine in Kelowna. Since his initial training, Ertel has seen younger ER doctors with enhanced skills in ultrasound use, airway management and simulation training. Being a life-long learner, he wanted to be properly trained in these skills. He also thought other doctors would be interested, too.
Innovative Ideas Flow from Specialists
Jun 9, 2014
In April, SSC dedicated $15 million to fund specialist-led ideas in quality and innovation. The call for ideas went out through an Expression of Interest (EOI). And BC specialists didn’t disappoint. SSC received over 300 ideas – a total value of $177 million. The EOI submissions came from specialists within all health regions.
Spotlight on a Specialty: Neurology
Jun 9, 2014
Magicians can trick our brains with a sleight of hand and we are delighted. But what happens when our brain tricks itself? An individual is often left confused, scared, and anxious – and that’s when the expertise of a neurologist is needed. Neurology is endlessly fascinating because the brain defines the essence of who we are.
Video Story: "Heart Pounding Excitement" Doesn't Always Mean Fun
Jun 9, 2014
Heart-pounding excitement is extolled by many theme parks and any monster truck rally, but for Vancouver engineer Emmanuel Domingo it has a very different meaning.
An inherited heart arrhythmia runs in Mr. Domingo’s family. It took the lives of four close relatives in their 40s and 50s. Domingo, now 56, not only fears for this own life, but is worried he may have passed on the genetic condition to his three sons, aged 18 to 25.
In the News: Kelowna Doctor Helps to Heal Patients Faster
Jun 9, 2014
Published in Kelowna Daily Courier April 2014
Dr. Ron Collins, who likes to hike, cycle or cross-country ski during his time off, is leading a group of colleagues in eight Interior Health hospitals that do colorectal surgery in new ways to foster better health for surgical patients.
Transforming the surgical experience for patients is the goal of a group led by a Kelowna doctor.
Anesthetist Dr. Ron Collins is leading a group of colleagues in eight Interior Health hospitals that do colorectal surgery in new ways to foster better health for surgical patients.
Expression of Interest - More Funding Opportunities from SSC
Mar 27, 2014
The SSC has dedicated up to $15 million to fund new specialist-led Quality and Innovation Initiatives for quality improvement and to address care gaps. An Expression of Interest (EOI) submission is available to actively practicing in BC specialists to complete online until April 30. More information is available in the EOI information package and Frequently Asked Questions.
Spotlight on a Specialty: Respirology
Mar 14, 2014
Lungs – they breathe life into us and are one of the single most essential elements to our survival. They are responsible for a need so inherent we do it without even thinking about it. So what happens when disease strikes these vital organs?
ERAS - Turning Traditional Wisdom on its Head
Mar 14, 2014
A doctor picks up the chart of a patient scheduled for prostate cancer surgery that morning and the doctor’s orders do not say NPO. A head-scratcher for some, but for other doctors involved in the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) pathway - it makes perfect medical sense.
SSC – Collaborating to Enhance Specialist Care
Mar 13, 2014
The Specialist Services Committee (SSC) is one of a number of collaborative committees that make BC's health care system unique. No other province have collaborative committees of doctor and government members working together to improve the health care system.
SSC Supporting Patient Safety and Quality
Mar 3, 2014
The Specialist Services Committee (SSC) took part in the annual BC Patient Safety and Quality Council Forum February 27 and 28. The forum featured workshops and presentations on a variety of topics related to improving quality across the continuum of care. SSC conducted an interactive workshop, held a number of storyboard presentations, and also sponsored a number of specialists to attend the forum.
Have You Experienced That “Look”?
Dec 5, 2013
You know the look. You get it after you tell a patient “you have cancer.” The look takes on a myriad of forms such as fear, tears, disbelief and so on. It is in this state that patients are usually expected to listen to crucial information about their treatment options.
Shifting Landscape Reveals Care Gaps
Dec 5, 2013
The landscape continues to shift in relation to the lifespan of children with chronic care conditions. What was once fatal in childhood, no longer is. One of SSC’s sponsored initiatives is helping specialists in pediatric care and in adult care coordinate the transition of youth with chronic care needs into adult care.
Spotlight on a Specialty – Endocrinology
Dec 5, 2013
Hormones – the drivers behind every part of who we are, and how we function. And as part of one of the most complex systems in the body – the endocrine system – these hormones behave radically differently from person to person.
Telehealth Wound Care: Transcending Barriers to Care
Oct 17, 2013
In BC, all but two specialities now have a fee code for telehealth service. The Specialist Services Committee has funded three telehealth projects under the Quality and Innovation Initiatives.
Spotlight on a Specialty: Rheumatolgy
Oct 17, 2013
With more than 150 disease conditions that they diagnose and treat — including arthritis, lupus, gout, vasculitis, scleroderma and other systemic autoimmune conditions — BC's rheumatologists have "fascinating patients with complex problems that often require digging to solve a mystery," says Dr. Jason Kur, president of the BC Society of Rheumatologists.
Knowledge Seeker and Organic Farmer
Oct 17, 2013
Dr. Chester Morris knows about healthy eating and it’s not just because he’s a doctor. It’s because along with his wife, Nicky, and their nine year-old daughter, Mara, he runs Morris Farm in the Port Alberni area.
CHARD is discontinued
Aug 15, 2013
The Ministry of Health has made the decision to discontinue the Community Healthcare and Resource Directory (CHARD), effective immediately.
Hearing and Responding to Your Concerns
Apr 12, 2013
SSC conducted a survey and identified that Telephone Fees are easier for a Specialist to use when the primary physician sends over patient information to the Specialist’s office.
Specialist Participation at the Canadian Conference on Physician Leadership
Mar 8, 2013
Sponsoring Specialist Participation at the Canadian Conference on Physician Leadership, May 31 to June 1, 2013 in Vancouver
How can the Specialist Services Committee (SSC) best support you in improving the services you provide to patients across BC? In 2013 the SSC will be reviewing its current initiatives and creating a strategic plan for how to support specialists for the 2
Jan 1, 2013
A group of BC specialists and health care executives recently traveled to Cleveland, Ohio to find out the secrets of success at one of the US’s top medical centres. Organized by the Practice Suppo