New DRCPSC Trauma General Surgery Credential: Statement by TAC Board of Directors

The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) has developed an Area of Focused Competence (AFC) credential in Trauma General Surgery. This credential can be obtained via successful completion of training in an accredited training program or via the Practice-Eligibility Route (PER). Successful completion results in the applicant being conferred the status of a Diplomate of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (DRCPSC) in Trauma General Surgery. The Trauma Association of Canada is the National Specialty Society that is recognized by the RCPSC for Trauma General Surgery, and indeed a TAC representative sits on the AFC Trauma General Surgery Subcommittee.

The creation of this new credential in trauma surgery that is accessible to actively practicing trauma surgeons is a step forward in the recognition of the expertise and advanced training of these surgeons and sets a new standard of excellence in this field.

In alignment with our Vision and Mission, the Trauma Association of Canada recognizes the DRCPSC Trauma General Surgery credential, recommends it for all trauma surgeons practicing in Canada, and further recommends that such a credential should be considered mandatory for those in trauma system leadership positions in Canada.

Approved by the Trauma Association of Canada Board of Directors

March 7th, 2023

Download the TAC Statement on the DRCPSC Trauma General Surgery Credential here.

JOB POSTING: Academic Trauma Surgeon McMaster University/Hamilton Health Sciences

Academic Trauma Surgeon

McMaster University, in conjunction with Hamilton Health Sciences, is seeking an academic Trauma and Acute Care General Surgery surgeon. The Hamilton General Hospital serves as the regional Lead Trauma Hospital (i.e. Level 1) for a catchment area of more than 2.5 million residents and is the regional referral hospital for Neurosurgery and Stroke, Orthopedic Trauma, Cardiac Surgery, Extra-Corporeal Life Support, and Vascular Surgery. The regional Trauma service, together with the Department of Surgery, McMaster University, is involved in undergraduate, post-graduate and continuing medical education programs. The Department of Surgery endorses a Mission statement of six tenets and collectively pursues:

  • Culture that is inclusive
  • Research that impacts
  • Education that inspires
  • Advancement for all
  • Transformation through innovation
  • Excellence in patient care

 

Please visit the CREATE website www.macsurgerycreates.ca for further information.

The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate experience and training in General Surgery and in the management of Trauma and Acute Care General Surgery patients appropriate for an academic tertiary care level referral centre. They will be expected to participate in clinical care on the Trauma Service, Acute Care Surgery Service, and as a Trauma Team Leader. They will be expected to show evidence of exceptional interpersonal and collaborative skills with initiative to further advance the clinical and academic productivity of the regional Trauma Program, including local and regional educational and quality initiatives. A demonstrated record of commitment and success in research and surgical education is essential, as well as interest in supervision of trauma & acute care general surgery research projects completed by residents and fellows.

This is a full-time faculty position for a period of three years (renewable) in the Department of Surgery, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University. Applicants must be certified (or eligible for certification) by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in General Surgery and have completed fellowship training in Trauma Surgery, with preference given to accredited fellowships. Preference will be given to candidates with advanced training in research, education, simulation, or quality initiatives including Master’s/PhD or equivalent, including evidence of productivity and experience in these areas such as publications, presentations, and guideline development.

The candidate must be eligible for licensure in the Province of Ontario. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. However, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be considered first for this position. To comply with the Government of Canada’s reporting requirements, the University is obliged to gather information about applicants’ status as either Permanent Residents of Canada or Canadian citizens. Applicants need not identify their country of origin or current citizenship; however, all applications must include one of the following statements: “Yes, I am a citizen or permanent resident of Canada” or “No, I am not a citizen or permanent resident of Canada”.

Applications must include:

  • A curriculum vitae.
  • Description of previous academic experience, as well as specialty training.
  • Submit a brief statement describing any contributions made or planned in relation to excellence in teaching, research or service within higher education, community-based or other profession settings, and/or advancing equity, diversity and inclusion (2-page maximum).
  • Provide the names and contact information of three professional referees; letters of reference are not required and will not be reviewed at the application stage; the Department will request letters of recommendation from referees at later stages of the search process.

 

Applications will be accepted until April 15, 2023. Submissions may be made to:

Dr. Mohit Bhandari, Professor and Chair,

Department of Surgery, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University

Juravinski Hospital & Cancer Centre

711 Concession Street

Hamilton ON L8V 1C3

Email painebr@mcmaster.ca

McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by the “Dish With One Spoon” wampum agreement. The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity. The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+. As part of McMaster’s commitment, all applicants are invited to complete a confidential Applicant Diversity Survey through the online application submission process. The Survey questionnaire requests voluntary self-identification in relation to equity-seeking groups that have historically faced and continue to face barriers in employment. Please refer to the Applicant Diversity Survey – Statement of Collection for additional information. Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact: • Human Resources Service Centre at 905-525-9140 ext. 222-HR (22247), or • Faculty of Health Sciences HR Office at ext. 22207, or • School of Graduate Studies at ext. 23679 to communicate accommodation needs.

Download job posting here.

JOB POSTING: Trauma and Acute Care General Surgery: One Year Clinical Associate Position, St. Michael’s Hospital

Trauma and Acute Care General Surgery: One Year Clinical Associate Position, St. Michael’s Hospital

 

St. Michael’s Hospital, is a fully-affiliated academic health centre highly interconnected with University of Toronto, and with an international reputation in research and education. The Departments of Surgery at St. Michael’s Hospital invites applications for the position of Clinical Associate in Trauma and Acute Care General Surgery for a term of one year.  The potential start date is July 01, 2023, with some flexibility.

The candidate must be eligible for certification by the RCPSC in General Surgery and must have at least a one year of post-residency fellowship training in trauma surgery / trauma and acute care general surgery.   The candidate must be eligible for licensure with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario.

The Department of Surgery espouses the core values of professionalism, clinical excellence and commitment to training the next generation of surgeons. The candidate will join 4-5 trauma and acute care surgeons in a team based model of care.  Clinical responsibilities will include the provision of clinical and surgical care on a large in patient team as part of rota, on-call activities including TTL, trauma surgery and general call.  The successful candidate will be responsible for the supervision and training of medical students, residents and fellows, as well as participation in trauma related educational courses, (e.g ATLS, TEAM, DSTC), and quality improvement activities.

Please submit a letter of intent, CV and names of three references by April 30th, 2023 to

 

Dr. Najma Ahmed

Surgeon-in-Chief,

St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto,

Najma.ahmed@unityhealth.to

 

And

 

Dr. Andrew Beckett

Trauma Medical Director,

St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto

Andrew.Beckett@unityhealth.to

 

Registration is now Open for TAC 2023 Annual Scientific Meeting and Conference in Edmonton April 20-21, 2023

Registration is now open for Delegates to attend the 2023 conference at the Westin Edmonton on April 20-21, 2023.  Pre Conference day is April 19th.

For additional information and to register: CLICK HERE
Early bird rates in effect until January 31, 2023.

The Program Planning Committee is hard at work putting together an exciting in-person event and the program will be posted when finalized in January.  The Scientific Abstracts have undergo peer review and primary authors will be receiving confirmation of their acceptance this week.

National Day for Truth & Reconciliation September 30th.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

The TAC Board of Directors would like to acknowledge this significant day in Canada. We encourage our members to take the time to educate themselves on the meaning of this commemorative day by accessing the resources available at:
National Day for Truth & Reconciliation-English version

Journee-Nationale-Verite-Reconciliation-French version

Each year, September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

The day honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.

This federal statutory holiday was created through legislative amendments made by Parliament.

Wear orange

Beaded orange shirt necklace

Both the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day take place on September 30.

Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day intended to raise awareness of the individual, family and community inter-generational impacts of residential schools, and to promote the concept of “Every Child Matters”.  The orange shirt is a symbol of the stripping away of culture, freedom and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations.

On September 30, we encourage all Canadians to wear orange to honour the thousands of Survivors of residential schools.

 

“We are all thinking of you in Saskatchewan” TAC President says

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, we would like the people in Saskatchewan to know that we are thinking of you at this time. We extend our thoughts to the victims and families of those who have died or who are injured and also to our trauma colleagues caring for multiple stabbing attack victims. It is horrific. Be safe.”  Dr Andrew Beckett, TAC President

New Executive Director for TAC!

ANNOUNCEMENT:  NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR TAC

 

After a job search and application/interview process, the TAC Board of Directors is pleased to announce the selection of Cheryl Connors to the role of Executive Director as of September 1, 2023. Cheryl will run the affairs of the Association from her home office in Caledon, Ontario. She will be overlapping with Kate for orientation during September and the office location will be transitioned during this time.

Cheryl has an extensive healthcare association management background, with over 30 years’ experience. She specializes in education program development, financial and event management, marketing/ communications, public relations, strategic planning, fundraising, and government relations. Cheryl has also worked as the executive director of several professional and trade associations, including the Canadian Network for Respiratory Care, the Canadian Association for Quality Assurance in Healthcare and the Canadian Market Research Association. Cheryl also worked as a Strategic Communications Planner with the Ontario government. Cheryl has an Honours BA in Political Science as well as certificates in Marketing and Public Relations. She is a long-time member of the Canadian Association of Association Executives. At the Canadian Network for Respiratory Care, Cheryl created a training and certification program for healthcare professionals in smoking cessation. She was successful in securing a million dollar grant from the Public Health Agency of Canada and securing partnerships with Alberta Health Services and the Centre for Addiction & Mental Health (CAMH) to develop and deliver a very successful education and certification smoking cessation program.

At this time, the Board of TAC would like to thank Kate Mahon for her past nine (9) years of service. Kate was the first Executive Director for TAC starting in 2013. She has strengthened the business model and the governance structure of TAC during her tenure and been an ambassador for the Association. She will be greatly missed by all the TAC family, and we wish her all the best in her retirement plans. Kate’s last day with TAC will be September 30th.

Andrew Beckett CD MD MSc FRCSC FACS
TAC President