31. The birth of a new specialty: The history of emergency medicine in Canada

2007 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 44 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Elyas
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Medicine ◽  
Royal College ◽  
Emergency Departments ◽  
Clinical Medicine ◽  
Task Force ◽  
Family Physicians ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Emergency Physicians ◽  
Canadian Association ◽  
History Of

Modern day emergency rooms across Canada have almost completely transformed over the past 30 years; perhaps more so than any other specialty. Before the 1970’s, it was primarily general practitioners working on a part-time basis who ran our emergency departments. Some hospitals used interns and residents as first-line emergency care providers, often under the direction of a surgeon or internist. Emergency Medicine has evolved into a highly sophisticated and respected medical specialty that extends beyond clinical medicine, into both research and academia. The appeal of Emergency Medicine is so great that it is now one of the most sought after specialties in the annual CaRMS match. The success story of Emergency Medicine is characterized by the tireless efforts and determination of its founders across the country. They fought for adequate and supervised care of the acutely ill or traumatized patient, believing in a special body of knowledge that should be available to physicians who spend most, if not all, their time in Emergency Departments. In 1977, these founders formally united and The Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians was born. A few years later, in 1980, Emergency Medicine was finally designated as a free-standing specialty by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Meanwhile, the College of Family Physicians of Canada also sought to establish a parallel route for Emergency Training of Family Physicians, feeling that Emergency Medicine lay within the realm of Family Medicine. The result was that both colleges established Emergency Medicine training programs that exist until this day. Using journals, archives, a survey, and interviews, the paper will trace the history of the professionalization of Emergency Medicine in Canada. Johnson R. The Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians. The Journal of Emergency Medicine 1993; 11:362-364. Reudy J, Seaton T, Walker D, Rowat B, Cassie J. Report of the Task Force on Emergency Medicine: RCPSC Accreditation Section, 1988. Walker DMC. History and Development of the Royal College Specialty of Emergency Medicine. Annals Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada 1987; 20:349-352.

scholarly journals Building and strengthening relationships between academic departments/divisions of emergency medicine and rural and regional emergency departments

CJEM ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 595-599 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aaron Johnston ◽  
Kylie Booth ◽  
Jim Christenson ◽  
David Fu ◽  
Shirley Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Medicine ◽  
Emergency Departments ◽  
Academic Departments ◽  
List Type ◽  
Emergency Physicians ◽  
Common Value ◽  
Rural And Urban ◽  
Canadian Association ◽  
Rural Physicians ◽  
Training Opportunities

ABSTRACTObjectivesMake recommendations on approaches to building and strengthening relationships between academic departments or divisions of Emergency Medicine and rural and regional emergency departments.MethodsA panel of leaders from both rural and urban/academic practice environments met over 8 months. Draft recommendations were developed from panel expertise as well as survey data and presented at the 2018 Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians (CAEP) Academic Symposium. Symposium feedback was incorporated into final recommendations.ResultsSeven recommendations emerged and are summarized below: 1)CAEP should ensure engagement with other rural stakeholder organizations such as the College of Family Physicians of Canada and the Society of Rural Physicians of Canada.2)Engagement efforts require adequate financial and manpower resources.3)Training opportunities should be promoted.4)The current operational interface between the academic department of Emergency Medicine and the emergency departments in the catchment area must be examined and gaps addressed as part of building and strengthening relationships.5)Initial engagement efforts should be around projects with common value.6)Academic Departments should partner with and support rural scholars.7)Academic departments seeking to build or strengthen relationships should consider successful examples from elsewhere in the country as well as considering local culture and challenges.ConclusionThese recommendations serve as guidance for building and strengthening mutually beneficial relationships between academic departments or divisions of Emergency Medicine and rural and regional emergency departments.

scholarly journals Health human resources for emergency medicine: a framework for the future

CJEM ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 40-44
Author(s):  
Douglas Sinclair ◽  
Peter Toth ◽  
Alecs Chochinov ◽  
John Foote ◽  
Kirsten Johnson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Medicine ◽  
Annual Meeting ◽  
Royal College ◽  
Training Programs ◽  
Family Physicians ◽  
Quebec City ◽  
Final Report ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Emergency Physicians ◽  
The Future

ABSTRACTIn June of 2016, the Collaborative Working Group (CWG) on the Future of Emergency Medicine presented its final report at the Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians (CAEP) annual meeting in Quebec City. The CWG report made a number of recommendations concerning physician Human Health Resource (HHR) shortfalls in emergency medicine, specific changes for both the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCPC) and the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CCFP-EM) training programs, HHR needs in rural and remote hospitals, future collaboration of the CCFP-EM and FRCPC programs, and directions for future research. All recommendations were endorsed by CAEP, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC), and the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC). The CWG report was published in CJEM and has served as a basis for ongoing discussion in the emergency medicine community in Canada. The CWG identified an estimated shortfall of 478 emergency physicians in Canada in 2016, rising to 1071 by 2020 and 1518 by 2025 assuming no expansion of EM residency training capacity. In 2017, the CAEP board struck a new committee, The Future of Emergency Medicine in Canada (FEMC), to advocate with appropriate stakeholders to implement the CWG recommendations and to continue with this important work. FEMC led a workshop at CAEP 2018 in Calgary to develop a regional approach to HHR advocacy, recognizing different realities in each province and region. There was wide representation at this workshop and a rich and passionate discussion among those present. This paper represents the output of the workshop and will guide subsequent deliberations by FEMC. FEMC has set the following three goals as we work toward the overarching purpose to improve timely access to high quality emergency care: (1) to define and describe categories of emergency departments (EDs) in Canada, (2) define the full time equivalents required by category of ED in Canada, and (3) recommend the ideal combination of training and certification for emergency physicians in Canada. A fourth goal supports the other three goals: (4) urge further consideration and implementation of the CWG-EM recommendations related to coordination and optimization of the current two training programs. We believe that goals 1 and 2 can largely be accomplished by the CAEP annual meeting in 2020, and goal 3 by the CAEP annual meeting in 2021. Goal 4 is ongoing with both the RCPSC and the CFPC. We urge the EM community across Canada to engage with our committee to support improved access and EM care for all Canadians.

scholarly journals Building a national organization of future emergency medicine physicians

CJEM ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 1 (02) ◽  
pp. 132
Author(s):  
Jason R. Frank
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Medicine ◽  
Family Medicine ◽  
Royal College ◽  
Training Programs ◽  
Emergency Physicians ◽  
National Organization ◽  
New Family ◽  
Canadian Association ◽  
Family Medicine Residents

Resident interest in emergency medicine (EM) is on the rise. Each year, postgraduate matches add to the ranks of Canadian EM residents, and the Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians (CAEP) Residents’ Section (RS) continues to expand. The numbers are inspiring. This year, 16 residents accepted Royal College EM postgraduate year-1 (PGY-1) slots. Many more began their CCFP(EM) PGY-3 year, and this doesn’t include the residents who matched separately to EM training programs in Quebec. At the same time, the Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS) matched about 433 new Family Medicine residents and 63 new Pediatrics residents. A significant number of these groups will also go on to develop interests and skills in EM.

scholarly journals Physical activity prescription by Canadian Emergency Medicine Physicians

2018 ◽  
Vol 43 (8) ◽  
pp. 861-864
Author(s):  
Robert Soegtrop ◽  
Matt Douglas-Vail ◽  
Taylor Bechamp ◽  
Melanie Columbus ◽  
Kevin Wood ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Emergency Medicine ◽  
Primary Health Care ◽  
Family Medicine ◽  
Family Physicians ◽  
Further Education ◽  
Emergency Physicians ◽  
Primary Health ◽  
Canadian Association

An increase in physical activity has been shown to improve outcomes in many diseases. An estimated 600 000 Canadians receive their primary health care from emergency departments (ED). This study aims to examine physical activity prescription by emergency medicine physicians (EPs) to determine factors that influence decisions to prescribe physical activity. A survey was distributed to EPs via email using the Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians (CAEP) survey distribution protocol. Responses from 20% (n = 332) of emergency physician/residents in Canada were analyzed. Of the EPs, 62.7% often/always counsel patients about preventative medicine (smoking, diet, and alcohol). Only 12.7% (42) often/always prescribe physical activity. The CCFP-trained physicians (College of Family Physicians Canada) were significantly more likely to feel comfortable than CCFP-EM–trained physicians (Family Physicians with Enhanced Skills in Emergency Medicine) prescribing physical activity (p = 0.0001). Both were significantly more likely than the FRCPC-trained EPs (Fellows of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada). Of the EPs, 73.4% (244) believe the ED environment does not allow adequate time for physical activity prescription. Family medicine-trained EPs are more likely to prescribe physical activity; the training they receive may better educate them compared with FRCPC-trained emergency medicine. Further education is required to standardize an approach to ED physical activity prescription.

scholarly journals The International Federation for Emergency Medicine report on emergency department crowding and access block: a brief summary

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
A. P. Javidan ◽  
◽  
K. Hansen ◽  
I. Higginson ◽  
P. Jones ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Emergency Medicine ◽  
Task Force ◽  
Video Conferencing ◽  
International Federation ◽  
Emergency Physicians ◽  
Emergency Department Crowding ◽  
Comprehensive Guidance ◽  
The World ◽  
Ed Crowding

Abstract Objective To develop comprehensive guidance that captures international impacts, causes, and solutions related to emergency department crowding and access block Methods Emergency physicians representing 15 countries from all IFEM regions composed the Task Force. Monthly meetings were held via video-conferencing software to achieve consensus for report content. The report was submitted and approved by the IFEM Board on June 1, 2020. Results A total of 14 topic dossiers, each relating to an aspect of ED crowding, were researched and completed collaboratively by members of the Task Force. Conclusions The IFEM report is a comprehensive document intended to be used in whole or by section to inform and address aspects of ED crowding and access block. Overall, ED crowding is a multifactorial issue requiring systems-wide solutions applied at local, regional, and national levels. Access block is the predominant contributor of ED crowding in most parts of the world.

scholarly journals Emergency medicine training demographics of physicians working in rural and regional southwestern Ontario emergency departments

CJEM ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 9 (06) ◽  
pp. 449-452 ◽  
Author(s):  
Munsif Bhimani ◽  
Gordon Dickie ◽  
Shelley McLeod ◽  
Daniel Kim
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Medicine ◽  
Family Medicine ◽  
Residency Training ◽  
Emergency Departments ◽  
Training Programs ◽  
Family Physicians ◽  
Demographic Information ◽  
Trauma Resuscitation ◽  
Curriculum Content

ABSTRACT Objectives: We sought to determine the emergency medicine training demographics of physicians working in rural and regional emergency departments (EDs) in southwestern Ontario. Methods: A confidential 8-item survey was mailed to ED chiefs in 32 community EDs in southwestern Ontario during the month of March 2005. This study was limited to nonacademic centres. Results: Responses were received from 25 (78.1%) of the surveyed EDs, and demographic information on 256 physicians working in those EDs was obtained. Of this total, 181 (70.1%) physicians had no formal emergency medicine (EM) training. Most were members of the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CCFPs). The minimum qualification to work in the surveyed EDs was a CCFP in 8 EDs (32.0%) and a CCFP with Advanced Cardiac and Trauma Resuscitation Courses (ACLS and ATLS) in 17 EDs (68.0%). None of the surveyed EDs required a CCFP(EM) or FRCP(EM) certification, even in population centres larger than 50 000. Conclusion: The majority of physicians working in southwestern Ontario community EDs graduated from family medicine residencies, and most have no formal EM training or certification. This information is of relevance to both family medicine and emergency medicine residency training programs. It should be considered in the determination of curriculum content and the appropriate number of residency positions.

scholarly journals Important returns on investment: an evaluation of a national research grants competition in emergency medicine

CJEM ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 12 (01) ◽  
pp. 33-38 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaime Bawden ◽  
Namdar Manouchehri ◽  
Cristina Villa-Roel ◽  
Eric Grafstein ◽  
Brian H. Rowe
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Medicine ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Emergency Physicians ◽  
Research Grants ◽  
Annual Basis ◽  
Canadian Association ◽  
Additional Funding ◽  
Study Completion ◽  
Returns On Investment ◽  
Median Amount

ABSTRACTObjective:We sought to examine scholarly outcomes of the projects receiving research grants from the Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians (CAEP) during the first 10 years of national funding (i.e., between 1996 and 2005).Methods:We sent email surveys to 62 emergency medicine (EM) researchers who received funding from CAEP. We focused our data collection on grant deliverables and opinions using a 1–7 Likert scale with regard to the value of the award.Results:Fifty-eight recipients responded to our survey. Grants were most commonly awarded to residents (21 [36%]), followed by senior (16 [28%]) and junior (13 [22%]) emergency staff. Twenty-six applicants from Ontario and 11 from Quebec received the majority of the grants. Overall, 51 projects were completed at the time of contact and, from these, 39 manuscripts were published or in press. Abstract presentations were more common, with a median of 2 abstracts presented per completed project. Abstract presentations for the completed projects were documented locally (23), nationally (39) and internationally (37). Overall, 19 projects received additional funding. The median amount funded was Can$4700 with an interquartile range of $3250–$5000. Respondents felt CAEP funding was critical to completing their projects and felt strongly that dedicated EM research funding should be continued to stimulate productivity.Conclusion:Overall, the CAEP Research Grants Competition has produced impressive results. Despite the small sums available, the grants have been important for ensuring study completion and for securing additional funding. CAEP and similar EM organizations need to develop a more robust funding approach so that larger grant awards and more researchers can be supported on an annual basis.

scholarly journals Reflections on the History of the Canadian Association for Child Neurology

1998 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 328-335 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henry G. Dunn ◽  
John A.R. Tibbles
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Child Care ◽  
Royal College ◽  
Training Programme ◽  
Child Neurology ◽  
Certification Examination ◽  
University Departments ◽  
Canadian Association ◽  
History Of ◽  
Close Cooperation

The Canadian Association for Child Neurology (CACN) was founded in June 1971 to combine neurologists interested in children and paediatricians interested in the nervous system into an organization which would promote the development of this subspecialty. Initially, the members of the Association mostly wished to have a training programme under the combined supervision of University Departments of Paediatrics and Neurology. However, under the influence of the Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons of Canada, and its Committee on Neurology, the training of child neurologists was organized in a manner analogous to that of neurologists for adults, though with an initial one or two years of paediatrics instead of medicine. By 1975, four years within a recognized neurological training programme could lead to the Certification Examination in Neurology, as modified for paediatric neurology. In 1981, the CACN also joined the Canadian Congress of Neurological Sciences. It has played an increasing part in child care and also in academic studies. However, evidence will be presented to show that the present number of paediatric neurologists in Canada is insufficient. The number of trainees also appears inadequate, and increased funding for training positions is needed. Close cooperation between paediatric neurologists, rehabilitation experts, developmental paediatricians and related subspecialists is required.

scholarly journals The core emergency ultrasound curriculum project: A report from the Curriculum Working Group of the CAEP Emergency Ultrasound Committee

CJEM ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 176-182 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Olszynski ◽  
Dan Kim ◽  
Jordan Chenkin ◽  
Louise Rang
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Emergency Medicine ◽  
Working Group ◽  
Focused Ultrasound ◽  
Position Statement ◽  
Emergency Ultrasound ◽  
Emergency Physicians ◽  
The Core ◽  
Canadian Association ◽  
Curriculum Project

Emergency ultrasound (EUS) is now widely considered to be a “skill integral to the practice of emergency medicine.”1The Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians (CAEP) initially issued a position statement in 1999 supporting the availability of focused ultrasound 24 hours per day in the emergency department (ED).2

scholarly journals “The Future of Emergency Medicine” Inaugural address to the First Canadian EM Residents Workshop

CJEM ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 2 (04) ◽  
pp. 262-264 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isser Dubinsky
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Medicine ◽  
Emergency Services ◽  
Emergency Physicians ◽  
Inaugural Address ◽  
Health Network ◽  
Canadian Association ◽  
The Future ◽  
National Forum ◽  
The University

On June 10 to 11 this year, the Residents’ Section of the Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians (CAEP-RS) held its first official national forum for future emergency physicians — the First Canadian EM Residents Workshop, in conjunction with CAEP 2000. To celebrate the event, the RS decided to invite a nationally recognized emergency medicine leader, advocate, and teacher to be the first to address the Annual Residents’ Dinner. We were grateful for the privilege of having Dr. Isser Dubinsky be that person. Dr. Dubinsky, currently Chief of Emergency Services at the University Health Network in Toronto, was asked to speak about “The Future of Emergency Medicine.” Dr. Dubinsky's speech, filled with warmth, wisdom, and humanity, is transcribed below. — Jason Frank, MD, Chair CAEP-RS

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