1October

2003

Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Continuing Professional Development . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5

Obituary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Junior Member News . . . . . . . . 7

KOALA PalmTM Project . . . . . . . 7

Canadian Foundation for Women�s Health . . . . . . . . . 8

The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada Newsews

IN THIS ISSUE

SOGC Hosts International Women�s Health Meeting

Representatives of the International Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (FIGO) and the International Confedera-tion of Midwives (ICM), the World Health Organization (WHO), PATH, USAID and other international organizations met in Ot-tawa (Canada) on August 7 and 8th, 2003 to develop a joint statement on �Manage-ment of the Third Stage of Labour to Pre-vent Post-Partum Hemorrhage�. This statement will be endorsed by ICM and FIGO respec-tively, and launched and promoted by both international organizations at their respective annual meeting/congress, and integrated within their organization�s programme for the upcoming year.

Hemorrhage, or severe bleeding, ac-counts for approxi-mately 25% of all maternal deaths in

the world. It usually occurs within 24 hours of delivery and is especially dangerous for women who suffer from anaemia. Upon re-view of the available evidence on the issue, FIGO and ICM agree that active manage-ment of third stage of labour is proven to reduce the incidence of postpartum haem-orrhage, the quantity of blood loss, and the use of blood transfusions.

Participants to the meeting:

Last row (left to right): D. Young (SOGC),

J. Blum (Gynuity Health Projects), M.E. Stan-ton (USAID), T. Leonhardt (meeting facilita-tor), P.ten Hoope-Bender (ICM).

Before last row: A.B. Lalonde (SOGC), B. Lynch (ICM), M. Gulmezoglu (WHO), D. Williams (ACNM), D. Vivio (JHPIEGO), H. Sanghvi (JHPIEGO), J. Spieler (USAID).

Second row: P. Stephenson (USAID), P. Coffey (PATH), H. El Rafaey, J. Thomposon (ICM), A. Acosta (FIGO), A. Foster-Rosales (ACOG).

First row: L. Klein (ACOG), J. Primo Carpenter (US Pharmacopeia), H. Eltahir (USAID), L. Perron (SOGC), M. McNeil (IPHNIP).

Congratulations!Dr. Dorothy Shaw, Associate Dean for

the Faculty of Medicine and Clinical Pro-fessor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of British Columbia, was presented the prestigious May Cohen Gender Equity Award by the Association of Canadian Medical Colleges (ACMC) during their 2003 Annual Meeting, held in Québec City.

Dr. Shaw, a former SOGC president, was recognized for her outstanding effort and achievements in improving the gender equity environment in academic medicine in Canada.

The annual award is named in honour of Dr. May Cohen in recognition of her unique contributions, throughout her professional career, to promote women�s health issues, increase awareness of gender issues in health and health care, and enhance wom-en�s roles within the medical profession.

Dr. Dorothy Shaw (center) accompanied by Dean Abraham Fuks, President of the Association of Canadian Medical Colleges and Dr. Jean Gray, President of the Canadian Association of Medical Education.

2October

From the EVP�s Desk

Elections and Health Care IssuesAndré B. Lalonde, MD, FRCSC,FSOGC, FACS, MScSOGC Executive Vice-President

As you read this newsletter, the elections in Ontario will be complete and the Liberal Party of Canada will shortly be electing its new leader. It is interesting that health care issues are still one of the most important issues to be raised by Ca-nadians during an election. In Ontario, the ruling party is banking on the fact that it can reduce administrative costs by 1.5 billion in health care and education to decrease taxes! This will have a major impact on the delivery of health care as well as education. Physicians should take a pro-active role in discussing this and other issues.

On the federal scene, there is a move to constitute the Canadian Health Council and the Canadian Patient Safety Institute. Having lived the difficulties of the creation of the information highway and the other federal health initia-tives, one begins to wonder how the Canadian Government will prioritize these issues and how

ordinary Canadians will benefit from these initiatives. Again, physicians should be aware of these issues and should address them with their representative of parliament so he/she can be well informed when an important decision is required.

The reproductive technology bill is up for discussion and it may be passed, delayed or rejected. Unfortunately, the reason it won�t be passed is that it is felt to be too liberal, whereas many of our members have expressed concerns that it was too conservative! This is precisely the Canadian dilemma. On one hand, some Cana-dians are conservative; on the other hand, many Canadians want to push the envelope further.

There is no better advice than placing a call this fall with your member of parliament, to dis-cuss some of these issues and to express in very simple terms what you think is best for Canadian families. It promises to be a very interesting fall indeed!

Building on SuccessA Pan-Canadian Forum on Cervical Screening

The Organizing Committee of the Pan-Ca-nadian Forum has collaborated with health professional organisations and the research community to create an electronic forum for interested stakeholders to input into the development of a Canadian position for the adoption of human papillomavirus testing and liquid-based cytology in organised cervi-cal screening. To access the electronic forum,

please visit www.g-o-c.org, and follow the link to �Building on Success: A Pan-Canadian Forum on Cervical Screening.� This virtual dialogue will end in a workshop in Ottawa, November 21 and 22, 2003.

It is our hope that the Canadian position will provide a positive direction for adopting new strategies to reduce cervical cancer incidence and mortality. We look forward to your input.

�THE WORLD WITHIN A CITY�

Don�t be disappointed, book your hotel today!Toronto Marriott Eaton CentreTel: 1-800-905-0667$132 per night single/double occupancyDeadline: November 7, 2003

For more information, please visit the SOGC Website at: www.sogc.org/conferences/ontario/index_e.shtml

Be sure to check your mail this month for the preliminary programme due to arrive any day now!

22nd Ontario CME Programmein association with OSOG

December 4-6 2003 Toronto Marriott Eaton Centre

COUNCIL 2003-2004

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

President Dr. David YoungIWK Grace Health Centre Halifax, NS

Past President Dr. Donna FedorkowMcMaster University Hospital Hamilton, ON

President Elect Dr. Gerald StanimirRoyal Victoria Hospital Montreal, QC

Executive Vice-President

Dr. André B. LalondeSOGC National OfficeOttawa, ON

Treasurer Dr. Douglas BlackOttawa Hospital, General Campus Ottawa, ON

Vice-Presidents Dr. Michael HelewaSt. Boniface General Hospital Winnipeg, MB

Dr. David WilkieB.C. Women�s Hospital Vancouver, BC

REGIONAL CHAIRS, ALTERNATE CHAIRS AND

OTHER REPRESENTATIVES

Western Region Dr. Michael BowGrey Nuns HospitalEdmonton, AB

Dr. Nicole RacetteRoyal Columbian HospitalNew Westminster, BCand Genesis Fertility CentreVancouver, BC

Central Region Dr. Ahmed EzzatRoyal University HospitalSaskatoon, SK

Dr. Mark HeywoodSt-Boniface General HospitalWinnipeg, MB

Ontario Region Dr. Guylaine LefebvreSt. Michael�s HospitalToronto, ON

Dr. Catherine MacKinnonBrantford General HospitalBrantford, ON

Quebec Region Dr. Claude FortinPavillon LaSalleLaSalle, QC

Dr. Philippe-Yves LabergePavillon C.H.U.LSte-Foy, QC

Atlantic Region Dr. Shelagh ConnorsQueen Elizabeth HospitalCharlottetown, PEI

Dr. Scott FarrellIWK Grace Health CentreHalifax, NS

Public Representative

Ms. Jane E. CaskeyToronto, ON

Junior Member Representative

Dr. Sukhbir SinghUniversity of Western Ontario London, ON

Associate MD Representative

Dr. Carolyn LaneFoothills HospitalCalgary, AB

Associate RN Representative

Mrs. Karen MacKinnonUniversity of Calgary Calgary, AB

Associate RM Representative

Ms. Eileen HuttonUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouver, BC

APOG Representative

Dr. William FraserUniversity of MontrealMontreal, QC

Corresponding Member

Senator Lucie PépinSenate of CanadaOttawa, ON

3October

2003

New prenatal/postpartum vitamin-mineral supplementDuchesnay, the company that markets Di-

clectin and Proctofoam-HC, has just launched PrPregVit�, a brand new and unique pre-con-ceptional, prenatal and postpartum vitamin-mineral supplement.

Éric Gervais, Executive Vice-President, explained how Duchesnay came to develop PrPregVit�. «Our research team has identified the main problems related to the brands cur-rently available on the market, i.e. poor iron absorption, increased constipation, size of the tablets, plus the unpleasant odour associated with bulk packaging, which exacerbates the

ClearPlan Easy Fertility MonitorNovartis Pharmaceuticals

Menstrual cycle irregularity hampers the prediction of fertile days. In fact, 75% of wom-en cannot tell which days they are fertile.

ClearPlan Easy usually identifies up to 6 fertile days per cycle. It detects the elevation of two key hormones : E3G and LH. Completely safe and noninvasive, it works no matter what the cycle regularity (from 21 to 42 days).

Main advantages of the monitor: � easy to use� precise� predicts the timing of ovulation� eliminates the guess work

In the U.S., 92% of physicians questioned felt the monitor fills a gap in fertility products.

symptoms of nausea of pregnancy. The sepa-ration of iron and calcium into two different tablets to be taken at two different times of the day has enabled us to avoid the inhibitory ef-fect of the calcium on the iron and to increase the iron absorption while reducing related side effects such as constipation. Health Canada�s National Guidelines recommend that these two mineral supplements be taken separately.»

«Since the potential protective effect of a prenatal vitamin depends mostly on the preg-nant woman�s compliance», added Éric Ger-vais, «we made the PrPregVit� tablets small and easy-to-swallow, and had them sealed in unidose blisters to make compliance easy. The pink morning tablets and the blue evening tab-lets are presented respectively on both sides of the weekly blister cards, which can be carried individually in a purse.

According to Duchesnay, prenatal/postpartum vitamin supplementation is critical to pregnancy and breastfeeding and should be part of the regular pregnancy follow-up. There-

fore, the company made sure that PrPregVit� be provided on prescription only so that health care providers can best advise their pregnant patients on the important elements to seek in a preconceptional, prenatal and postpartum vitamin supplement. PrPregVit� is available in 30-day supply.

www.pregvit.com

Two New Books AvailableBest Practice & ResearchClinical Obstetrics & GynaecologyS. Arulkumaran, Editor-in-Chief

The latest issue, Vol. 17, Number 3, is titled Inherited Thrombophilias. This series describes and integrates the results from the latest original research articles into practical, evidence-based review articles, addressing the key clinical issues of diagnosis, treatment and patient management. It is available from Rogers Media, Toronto, Canada.

Pages of History in Canadian Obstet-rics & GynaecologyThomas F. Baskett, Editor

Custom Communications, Healthcare and Financial Services Group, Rogers Media, 2003, 172 pages. ISBN: 0-88896-409-9

This collection of papers highlights the contributions of individuals who have had a major influence in the specialty of Ob-gyn

BEXTRA (Valdecoxib) EfÞ cacy in Primary DysmenorrheaPÞ zer Canada Inc.

BEXTRA is a cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) selective inhibitor specifically developed to relieve pain and inflammation as effectively as the widely used traditional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drugs, while of-fering an improved gastrointestinal safety profile. In primary dysmenorrhea studies conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of BEXTRA vs naproxen sodium, as-

in Canada. It contains numerous pictures, images, tables and references. Some of the articles have been updated, but most appear largely as they did at the time of their initial publication. An interesting read for anyone currently involved in our specialty. It is avail-able through your Organon Canada repre-sentative, or by calling Mr. Jason Broome, Marvelon Product Manager at Organon Canada Ltd., at 416-290-6131, ext 2256.

sessment of the relief of moderate to severe pain associated with primary dysmenorrhea was based upon pain intensity differences at scheduled intervals after the initial dose. BEXTRA 40 mg once-daily and naproxen sodium 550 mg both were more effective than placebo (p ≤ 0.001). BEXTRA 40 mg once-daily demonstrated an onset of analgesia within 30 minutes while naproxen sodium was within 90 minutes.

4October

2003

SOGC CME EVENTS

PROGRAMMES

16th Quebec CME (offered in French)Fairmont Manoir RichelieuLa Malbaie, Québec September 25-27, 2003

22nd Ontario CMEMarriott Eaton Centre Toronto, Ontario December 4-6, 2003

17th International CMEMeliá Caribe Tropical, Punta CanaDominican RepublicMarch 1-5, 2004

14th West/Central CMEThe Rimrock Resort HotelBanff, AlbertaApril 1-3, 2004

60th Annual Clinical MeetingEdmonton, AlbertaREVISED DATES: June 25-29, 2004

COURSES

SCOPE - 2003Vancouver, B.C. - October 24-25 University of BC, Centre of Excellence for Surgical Education

Toronto, ON - November 14-15 Mount Sinai HospitalSurgical Skills Centre

ALARM - 2003Ottawa, ON - October 24-25

Victoria, B.C. - November 21-22

Toronto, ON - December 7-8

ALARM - 2004Regina, SK (in conjunction with POGO) - February 7-8

London, ON - February 27-28

Montreal, QC (offered in French only) - April 17-18

Vancouver, BC - May 7-8

Edmonton, AB (in conjunction with ACM) - June 23-24

Midland, ON - October 15-16

Abbotsford, BC - October 29-30

Toronto, ON (in conjunction with ON CME) - November 28-29

To register, please visit our website at www.sogc.org/alarm/index.shtml or call (613) 730-4192 or 1-800-561-2416 to obtain a copy of the registration form by fax.

PUNTA CANADominican Republic

17th International CMEMeliá Caribe Tropical Resort

March 1-5, 2004

MELIA CARIBE TROPICAL is a deluxe five-star all inclusive prop-erty situated on the palm-lined shores of Bavaro Beach. Its extensive facilities are set amidst beautifully landscaped tropical gardens. The hotel is adjacent to the 27-hole Cocotal Golf and Country Club. The Melia Caribe Tropical Resort is fabulous for couples, singles, golfers and families.

ICME CreditsThis programme is approved, under

section 1, as an accredited group learn-ing activity for the Maintenance of Cer-tification Program of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Other credits are pending accreditation approval.

Visit the SOGC Website at www.sogc.org/ icme/index.htm for complete details of the scientific programme.

60th Annual Clinical Meeting, Edmonton Alberta - June 25-29,2004

60th Anniversary Celebration of the SOGC�s (1944-2004) historical accomplishments, past and present

5October

2003

Obituary - Past PresidentsIt is with regret

that the Societyannounces thepassing away of one of its formerpresidents (1961-1962) Dr. George B. Maughan onJune 16, 2003in his 93rd year. Dr. Maughanhad an extremelyd i s t i n g u i s h e d career both in his

professional as well as personal endeavours. A graduate of McGill University Medical School in 1934, he completed his training in obstetrics and gynaecology at the Royal Victoria Mon-treal Maternity Hospital. In 1941, he joined the Navy and served until 1944. Back in civilian

Message from the AEVP Dr.Vyta Senikas, Associate Executive Vice-President

In my new capacity as an Associate Executive Vice-President of SOGC, I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to the membership. From McGill University I received a Bachelor of Science as well as my Medical Degree. My specialty education in obstetrics and gynaecology included training at the McGill University Hospital Centers and I received my fellowship from the Royal College in 1979. I then attended the University of Montreal for a one-year perinatal research fellowship which in-cluded ultrasonograph service at King�s College Hospital in London, England.

Since 1980, I have been on staff at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal as well as an Asso-ciate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at McGill University. During this time, I was active in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching. I am a past president of the Association of Obstet-

New faces at the SOGC Sylvie Paquette, Director, Corporate Affairs & QA

We regret to announce the departure of Danielle Bélanger, our Membership Coordina-tor. Danielle was with us for over three years and she was an exceptional employee. She has decided to make a career change and will be travelling with her husband.

The SOGC is proud to an-nounce that we have hired Shaely Williams to replace Danielle as the Membership Ser-vices Coordinator. Shaely will add new dimensions to the member services aspect

and we look forward to having her as part of our team. Her background is in financial planning and customer service environ-ments. Her new challenges at SOGC began September 15. If you need to contact Shaely, she can be reached at swilliams@sogc.com or 1-800-561-2416 ext. 233.

The Corporate division has been busy recently, interviewing for the position of Ad-ministrative Assistant, Corporate Affairs. With the end of summer and the departure of our student, this became a more pressing issue with the Fall projects upon us. We are happy to announce that Ms. Janie Poirier joins the Corporate Divi-sion team effective September 10, 2003. Janie brings years of experience in administrative and coordina-tion work to the position. She will be quite active with Council and Executive activities as well as other projects, and will work very closely with myself and Dr. Lalonde. Already, Janie has proven to be a welcome addi-tion to this team. She can be reached at jpoirier@sogc.com or at 1-800-561-2416 ext. 262.

Welcome Shaely and Janie!

life, he continued to work at the Royal Victoria Hospital and was appointed Professor and Chairman of the Department at McGill Univer-sity in 1956, a position in which he served until statutory retirement in 1975. He was made an Emeritus Professor in 1977. The �Maughan Manoeuvre� is a well known procedure in use to correct and deliver persistent posterior posi-tions. In addition to his distinguished medical career, Dr. Maughan represented Canada in the 1932 Olympics as a competitor in box-ing. He was the flag-bearer for Canada at the commencement ceremonies of these Olympic games and at a recent gathering of Canadian Flag-Bearers, Dr. Maughan was the oldest participating athlete. The achievements of Dr. Maughan are numerable and deserve honour. The Society extends its condolences to his family and its three generations.

rics and Gynaecol-ogy of Quebec as well as a past Vice-President of SOGC. Upon assuming this current administra-tive post, I also left my position as a Council and Execu-tive Member of the CMPA. My responsibilities at SOGC include all continuing professional development activities, particularly those associated with guidelines, policies and committees.

On a more personal note, I was born in St.Jean sur Richelieu, Quebec and have lived the majority of my life in Montreal. I am cur-rently married to a family practice physician and have two sons aged 14 and 15. In this career change I look forward to working with Drs. Lalonde and Milne and the entire SOGC staff, a group dedicated to the betterment of obstetrics and gynaecology. The Executive and Council of SOGC offer dynamic direction and interchange on interesting issues. I hope to become better acquainted with the membership throughout Canada and should I be able to be of service, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Ob/Gyn Re-entry PositionThe Department of Obstetrics and Gyne-

cology at U.B.C. has received funding for a re-entry position in its regular Ob/Gyn resi-dency programme. The entry is at a PGY2 level and is for 4 years. As it is funded by the B.C. MOH, it is open to any practicing

physician in B.C. Further information can be obtained from Nancy Kent, Program Di-rector at nkent@cw.bc.ca. The position can start anytime between now and April 2004, but preferably in January.

Dr. George B. Maugan

6October

2003

Members� CornerNATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEETINGS

AWHONN 14th National ConferenceBuilding Brighter FuturesDelta MeadowvaleMississauga, Ont. - October 16-18, 2003 Info: 905-521-2100 x 75969; dore@hhsc.caRegistration: 519-685-8500 x 52142; nancy.watts@lhsc.on.ca

Northwest Regional Perinatal ConferenceOctober 23-25, 2003Best Western Inn, Terrace, BCInfo: BC Reproductive Care Program Tel.: (604) 875-3737, www.rcp.gov.bc.ca

Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society 49th Annual MeetingFairmont Empress Hotel, Victoria, BC November 5-8, 2003Info: (514) 524-9009Fax: (514) 524-2163E-mail: info@cfas.caWeb site: www.cfas.ca

MIRU Conference - Pregnancy and Birth: What Is Best for Mothers and Babies?Centre for Research in Women�s Health, Toronto, Ont. - November 28, 2003Info: Judy Cardwell, 416-323-6501, ext.3781E-mail: miru@sw.ca. Web site: www.utoronto.ca/miru

Nordic Federation of Societies of Obstetrics and Gynecology XXXIV CongressHelsinki, Finland - June 12-15, 2004Info : www.nfog2004.com Congress office: Tel.: + 358 9 5840 9344 Fax : + 358 9 5840 9555 E-mail: nfog2004@congreszon.fi

The SOGC News is produced and published by the SOGC. This issue is brought to you by Berlex Canada Inc.

The SOGC News is published on a monthly basis. Comments and con-tributions are welcome and should be forwarded to:

SOGC News780 Echo Dr., Ottawa, ON K1S 5R7Tel: (613) 730-4192 or 1-800-561-2416Fax: (613) 730-4314E-mail: lbray-levac@sogc.com

Newsews

Attention SOGC MembersThe SOGC is currently updating its records. If your name appears on this list, we would like to

hear from you. Please call the National Office at 1-800-561-2416 to update your member record.

Haim Arie AbenhaimDr. Tahmeena AliDr. Hugh H. AllenDr. A. Albert AnnenMs. Kathryn ArnoldDr. Johannes Vagn AsfeldtDr. Antoine F. AsswadDr. Kayode Isaiah AyodeleMs. Jackie BarrettDr. Michael T. BassDr. SanDr.a BaydockDr. Myles Franklin BeattyMs. Anne BoudreaultDr. Daryl BrainMs. Michele BuchmannDr. Charlene A. BurkhardtDr. Charles Edward BurnettDr. Theodore M. BusheikinDr. Mary Ming-Lai ChengDr. Alison ClarkDr. Derek ClarkeMs. June H CousensDr. Denise Crawford-BourkeDr. Jerome DansereauDr. Howard DavidsonDr. D.G. DawoodMs. Brenda Anneasa DushinskiDr. Diane E. EdmondsDr. Ernest J. EwaschukDr. Catherine D FolinsbeeDr. Josée FoucaultDr. Serge Richard GagnonMs. Heather GallagherDr. Kenneth GambleDr. Atamjit Singh GillDr. Rahel GiorghisDr. Adam Ryszard GlowackiDr. Hans Peter GoeritzMs. Sally E. GouletDr. Robert Norman GrimshawDr. Chander K. GuptaDr. Ralph HaleMs. Bev HallDr. Adolf HamannDr. Annick HamelDr. Gregg W. HancockDr. Linda M. HarrisonDr. Mohsen HenisDr. Paul A. HergottMs. Teresa Mary Anne HildebrantDr. Cheryl A. HillyerDr. Amir HimayaDr. David L. Holmes

Ms. Bijou HowattMs. Sharon HuberDr. Wouter L. HugoMs. Lynn IhemeDr. Elisabet JoaDr. Geoffrey G. KalchmanDr. Herbert KhosidDr. Susan KingstonDr. Hilary KinnearMs. Roxanne LaforgeDr. Gregory M. LangDr. Melvyn LavalleeDr. Vivian Kwan LeeDr. Eldon Edward LeeDr. Sylvie Leone-TomaschoffDr. Maxine LingurarMs. Sandra MajuLise MarcotteMs. Helen MargiottaDr. Teresa MarinoDr. Brit MathisenDr. Joanna MishMs. Margaret MoïseDr. Kathleen MossDr. Suzanne MuiseDr. William Robert MundleDr. Lynn Carole Murphy-KaulbeckDr. Kenneth G. NickersonMs. Martha NutbrownDr. Keith Elliott PearseMs. Gwen PeterekDr. Richard John PittiniDr. William D. PostDr. Gerry PrinceDr. Stella PsarakisDr. Paul G. PuddicombeDr. Shelley RechnerDr. Mary Patricia E. RocheDr. Charles D. RoweMs. Catherine RoyleDr. Nelson SaveinDr. Gavin SemelhagoDr. Deirdre D. SmithMs. Debra Ann SmithDr. Sabrina StewartDr. John Robert TallettDr. Robert TanguayDr. Kevin J. TompkinsDr. William R. Carl TupperDr. Jacques VincentM. Jeff WackettDr. Rahel Wolde-Giorghis

Attention Members: Please watch for your membership renewal form in early November. Remember to renew your membership to the Society early to avoid any interruptions in your subscriptions and service.

7October

20032003

The Junior Member News section of SOGC News is funded by a grant from Wyeth PharmaceuticalsJunior Member News

Objectives for the fellowship p rog ramme. E s s e n t i a l l y , the KOALATM Palm adds the mobility dimension to an already establ ished educational knowledge management system that facilitates both the fellow and programme committees to monitor learning relative to their objectives.

The project is presently being supported in a large part by an unrestricted grant to medi-cal education by Ortho Biotech Oncology and GlaxoSmithKline.

Message from the Vice-ChairMichelle Suga, Vice-Chair, Junior Member Committee

Hello all! My name is Michelle Suga, and I am the new Vice-Chair of the Junior Members of the SOGC. In my spare time I am a resident in my PGY-4 year in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Memorial University of Newfoundland. I hail from Windsor,

Ontario, and completed my undergraduate training there. I subsequently went on to the University of Western Ontario, where I had the pleasure of knowing our Chair, Sony Singh. I am very excited to increase my responsibilities and involvement in the Junior Member Com-mittee (I have been a Junior Representative for MUN for the past two years), seeing all the ex-citing things the Committee has accomplished over the years and hope to help it continue to enhance the lives of ob/gyn residents across the country.

KOALATM Palm Project LaunchedDr. Michael Fung Kee Fung, GOC

The Society of Gynecologic Oncologists of Canada and the Nucleus Committee of the specialty in Gynecologic Oncology in as-sociation with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada are launching the KOALATM Palm Project in the current academ-ic year. The purpose of this is to establish and investigate the role of a learning portfolio in the assessment of programmes at present who are accredited without certification. It is also to incorporate, measure and evaluate the Can-Meds 2000 roles within the fellowship training programmes. There has been tremendous in-terest both nationally as well as internationally on the role of electronic learning portfolio par-ticularly the KOALA Project. The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education in the United States has invited the KOALA Project to be presented at their national meeting in

JM Committee to Meet in DecemberSony Sukhbir Singh, PGY-4 University of Western Ontario, Chair, JM Committee

Because you�re busy with a hectic call schedule, rounds presentations and time with family and friends, your JM Committee has some friendly reminders of upcoming events.

The JM Committee will be holding its an-nual meeting in Toronto again to coincide with the SOGC Ontario CME. Each university is expected to send one representative who will be present at the half day meeting and have an opportunity to attend CME events. Please notify Denise Desautels (SOGC) of the rep-resentative who will be attending from each university.

This year we are also encouraging all in-terested Residents to attend the Association of Professors of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of Canada (APOG) meeting during the same weekend. A critical issue to be discussed will be Resident intimidation and harassment. A pre-liminary programme and registration should be out soon.

Everyone should be aware of the benefits of being an SOGC Member. It includes a sub-scription to the JOGC, website access for mem-bers, copies of guidelines, discounted rates for meetings and a chance to become a Resident

Reporter to the ACOG or SOGC ACMs. We have had an amazing response over the past year including the most medical student mem-bers ever! Remember to JOIN or RENEW your membership ASAP if you haven�t already.

There�s a lot more going on with the SOGC JM Committee so ask your local representa-tive for more information or contact myself (sony605@rogers.com) or Michelle Suga if you would like to get involved. See you in

March 2004. The ACGME is also actively looking at portfolio-based programmes to address the evaluation of competencies within various specialty boards.

The KOALATM Palm Project is based on the already established KOALA Portfolio, (1996). The KOALATM Palm�s basic elements include a hand-held based dynamic relational database allowing for real-time capture of residents� pro-cedures and questions, and the establishment and recording of learning projects. The Palm allows for dynamic synching with any personal computer, allowing immediate download to a central server. Outputs of the database include real-time and dynamic graphing of proce-dures, learning projects and distribution of learning objectives acquired. In addition, the various competencies definitions are linked on the web to the Royal College Learning

Attn: JM Committee MembersJM Annual Mid-Year Meeting 2003

Where: Toronto Marriott Eaton Centre (SOGC Ontario CME)When: Friday, December 5th, 2003 at 12 noonWho: JM Committee Representative from each UniversityTo Do: Book Flight, Hotel & Register for CME

8October

2003

Robert J. Gauthier, M.D. David Young, M.D.President PresidentCanadian Foundation Society of Obstetriciansfor Women�s Health and Gynaecologists of Canada

Sony Sukhbir Singh, MDLondon, ON

Gerald Stanimir, MDMontréal, QC

NATIONAL OFFICE/BUREAU NATIONAL

780 promenade Echo DriveOttawa, ON K1S 5R7

Tel./Tél. : (613) 730-4192Fax/Téléc. : (613) 730-4314E-mail/Courriel : rharris@sogc.comWebsite/Site Web : www.cfwh.org

Charitable Registration Number/Numéro d�enregistrement d�organisme de bienfaisance 88688 4089 RR0001

Generously supported by the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of CanadaAppuyé généreusement par la Société des obstétriciens et gynécologues du Canada