JOURNAL TRANSCRIPT

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October 2006

SOGC Calls For a National Birthing Strategy for Canada page 3

Society opens nominations for positions on the SOGC Council page 2

New Partnerships, Interventions Planned for International Women’s Health Program page 3

“What Ob/Gyn Means to Me”: The winning entry from our Junior Members’ writing contest page 6

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS to Positions on Council SOGC, Corporate Division The SOGC is accepting nominations for positions on Council for terms starting July 1, 2007. As was done in 2005-06, the Call for Nominations to positions on SOGC Council will be conducted electronically. Information is sent via an email to members, and is also available online. We have posted the “Call for Nominations” letters and forms on our website, http://www.sogc.org. Positions available for the term beginning July 1, 2007: - Vice-President, Central (SK) Region - Chair, RN Advisory Committee (can renew two years) - President-Elect, Atlantic Region - Chair and Alternate Chair positions, Ontario Region

- Chair and Alternate Chair positions, Western Region - Alternate Chair position, Quebec Region - Public Representative Candidates to any of the above positions shall: • be members in good standing with the Society; • have demonstrated their commitment to the success of the Society through experience in various capacities within the Society; • have served as regional representatives or committee members; • be able to devote significant time traveling across the country and abroad, to attend Executive, Council and other meetings;

• possess past experience with government and other healthcare related partners; • be willing to coordinate closely with the National Office and be available on short notice. As always, we welcome membership participation at all levels at the SOGC. The deadline for submissions of nominations is February 1, 2007. Should you wish to have this information sent to you through the mail, please contact the Corporate Division, attention Sylvie Paquette, at [email protected] or by phone at 1-800-561-2416 ext. 237.

INDUSTRY NEWS: Health Canada Issues Advisory on Black Cohosh On Aug. 18, Health Canada issued an advisory warning consumers of a potential link between the herbal remedy black cohosh and liver damage. The advisory was issued following case reports of liver damage suspected to be associated with the use of black cohosh, which is a popular remedy to relieve the symptoms of menopause. According to the advisory, the case reports include one published case of death in the United States, though most of the cases involved other medical problems and the use of other medications that may have contributed to the liver damage. The quality of the black cohosh products involved in these cases is not known. In the advisory, Health Canada recommends that people considering use of black cohosh consult their health care practitioner prior to using the herbal remedy, and that those who are taking black cohosh discontinue use and consult a physician if they experience symptoms of liver injury. The complete advisory is available on the Health Canada website, http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca. 2

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SOGC CALLS ON FEDERAL GOVERNMENT for national birthing strategy, increased development assistance On Sept. 26, the SOGC presented recommendations to the Federal Government calling for increased development funding for maternal health, as well as a national strategy to address Canada’s human resource shortages in maternal care. SOGC President Dr. Donald Davis and Executive Vice-President Dr. André Lalonde presented the recommendations before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance as part of the Government’s pre-budget consultation process. In his presentation before the committee Dr. Davis outlined the case for a pan-Canadian Birthing Strategy, pointing to the declining number of health care professionals available to provide maternal services and the declining availability of services in rural and remote communities. Currently, fewer family physicians are delivering babies, and in the next five years nearly one in three Canadian obstetricians will retire from full-time practice. “SOGC believes that part of the solution lies in identifying our strengths and weaknesses through accurate information, so that we can develop effective response plans,” said Dr. Davis.

“We know that we are not meeting the needs of mothers and babies in rural and remote communities. Women in Canada’s remote and rural communities are routinely evacuated from their homes, their families, their communities, often their culture and support systems, so that they can be assured appropriate care during childbirth,” said Dr. Davis in his presentation to the committee. “Imagine, being 35 or 36 weeks pregnant and having to leave all you know and love behind and go somewhere else for what is arguably the most important time in your life.”

SOGC’s principal recommendations: That the Government of Canada invest five to seven million dollars annually, over 10 years, in a comprehensive, pan-Canadian, maternity care strategy developed with the support of provincial governments and territories. This strategy would establish a blueprint for the provision of optimal maternal/newborn care services in urban, remote, rural and aboriginal communities. That the Government of Canada invest, through its Official Development Assistance, in a Safe Motherhood and Newborn Health strategy that is targeted at working toward the achievement of Millennium development goal (MDG) related to maternal health. Targeted where maternal mortality and morbidity remain shockingly high, especially in Africa, an investment of $30 million would significantly reduce maternal mortality, and provide much needed momentum to Canada’s partners in international development.

To address this situation, the SOGC proposed a National Birthing Strategy for Canada. The purpose of the strategy would be to address the looming shortage of obstetrical care providers in Canada by identifying more efficient and effective ways of providing maternal and newborn care. In particular, the strategy would look at ways of providing optimal care services in urban, remote, rural and aboriginal communities. In part, the Birthing Strategy would build upon the work of the recently completed Multidisciplinary Collaborative Primary Maternal Care Project (MCP2).

The SOGC also recommended Statistics from the Organisation that the Government increase its for Economic Co-operation Official Development Assistance and Development (OECD) are contributions to help reduce the already showing a decline in number of women and infants That the Government of Canada honour its previously pledged contribution of 0.7% of Canada’s international ranking worldwide who die needlessly GNI to Official Development Assistance by 2015. To achieve this, the Government must with regards to maternal and during childbirth. In particular, commit to increasing Canada’s Official Development Assistance by 15% annually to newborn health. In 1990, the recommendations point to reach this goal, an amount estimated at $2.6 billion over three years according to the Canada was one of the world’s low-resource countries, where Canadian Council for International Cooperation (CCIC) safest place to give birth, 95% of maternal deaths occur. ranking 6th for infant mortality and 2nd for maternal mortality. “I also believe that Canada Today, Canada has fallen to 21st for infant mortality and 11th for maternal has the knowledge, expertise and resources to help bring safe motherhood and newborn health to other parts of the world – and that we have a moral mortality. In particular, Dr. Davis spoke of the challenges faced by women in obligation to do so,” said Dr. Davis. rural and remote communities in need of maternity services. October • 2006

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Upcoming Meetings SOGC Meetings 2nd Quebec CME in Obstetrics November 16–17, 2006, Montreal, Quebec 25th Ontario CME Nov. 30–Dec. 2, 2006, Toronto, Ontario 20th International CME March 5–9, 2007, Varadero, Cuba 17th West/Central CME March 29–31, 2007, Banff, Alberta 3rd Ontario Gynaecology CME April 20–21, 2007, Toronto, Ontario 63rd Annual Clinical Meeting June 21–26, 2007, Ottawa, Ontario

Program Schedule 2006 Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Date Cranbrook, BC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .October 27–28 Toronto, ON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .December 3–4 (in conjunction with ON CME)

The 2nd Quebec CME Programme in Obstetrics: Preconception to Postpartum November 16-17, 2006 In association with the Association des omnipraticiens en périnatalité du Québec (AOPQ)

Are you registered to attend this exciting conference? The deadline for the early bird registration is Monday, October 16, 2006. SCIENTIFIC PROGRAMME: Many interesting topics will be presented during this conference such as: - Gestational diabetes and factors to consider for the mother and the newborn by Dr. Alain Demers and Dr. Lucie Morin - Infertility: bioethics and reproduction, investigation for the family physician by Dr. Robert Hemmings, Dr. Anne Janvier and Dr. Chantal Rivard To obtain a programme update, please consult our web site at http://www.sogc.org. TO REGISTER FOR THE CONFERENCE: Fill out the registration form you received with the preliminary programme (or call 613-730-4192 to receive a copy) and return it to our office, along with your payment, by fax at 613-730-4314 or by mail to SOGC, 780 Echo Drive, Ottawa (Ontario) K1S 5R7 or by visiting our web site at www.sogc.org. FOR HOTEL ACCOMODATION: - Hôtel Omni Mont-Royal 1050 Sherbrooke West, Montreal (Quebec) H3A 2R6 - Telephone: 514-284-1110 or 1-800-843-6664 - SOGC Special Rate: $155 per night, single/double occupancy ** (Note: to obtain the special rate, please advise hotel staff that you are attending the SOGC conference.)**

25th Ontario CME ̶ Nov. 30 to Dec. 2, 2006 in association with Ontario Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (OSOG)

Other Meetings Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society (CFAS) 52nd Annual Meeting, November 15–18, 2006, Westin Hotel, Ottawa, Ontario. For more information, visit www.cfas.ca Maternal, Infant and Reproductive Health Research Unit (MIRU) - Annual Pregnancy and Birth Conference. December 15, 2006, the Centre for Research in Women’s Health, Toronto, Ontario. www.utoronto.ca/miru. The Foundation for Medical Practice Education, McMaster University, Ontario. Accredited Small Group/Individual Learning Program, ongoing. Contact Dina D’Ermo (905) 525-9140 ext. 22381 or 1-800-661-3249. For more information visit www.fmpe.org Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) – 31st British Congress of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. July 4-6, 2007; London, UK; www.bcog2007.co.uk. 4

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Are you registered to attend SOGC s largest CME? Hurry... the deadline date for the early bird registration is Friday, October 27, 2006! SCIENTIFIC PROGRAMME: Two interesting Luncheon Symposium, among many other great topics: - Managing the Spectrum of Premenstrual Symptoms with Dr. Robert Reid - Management of Low BMD in Pre-Menopausal Women with Dr. Aliya Khan Visit our website http://www.sogc.org to see the update version of the Scientific Programme. REGISTRATION: Complete the registration form that you received in the mail with the Preliminary Programme (or call (613) 730-4192 to obtain a copy) and return it to our office along with your payment, either by fax at (613) 730-4314 or by mail to SOGC, 780 Echo Drive, Ottawa, ON K1S 5R7. Online, visit our website at www.sogc.org NOTE: There is limited space for the ALARM Course. Please check availability before registering as it is almost sold out. HOTEL RESERVATION: Toronto Marriott Downtown Eaton Centre, 525 Bay St., Toronto, ON M5G 2L2 Telephone: 1-800-905-0667 Special rate: $149 per night, single/double occupancy (Group code: SOGC) Don t miss your chance to benefit from this amazing hotel rate... call today! Rates will not be available after the deadline date and/or once the room block is sold out. QUESTIONS? E-mail us at [email protected].

varadero cuba

20th International CME, March 5-9, 2007 Paradisus Varadero Resort, Cuba (programme offert en anglais) Yes, Cuba does have its Paradisus!!! The Paradisus Varadero Resort, renowned as one of Varadero’s crown jewels, is located on Cuba’s famous Blue Beach and is only 8 km from the town of Varadero and the new Varadero Shopping & Convention Center. Come see, touch, smell, taste and hear Cuba while living the senses of the sun in the most luxurious resort on the island. Paradisus Varadero, the hotel that caters to all your senses.

This new modern 5 Star All Inclusive Resort includes… - ALL meals and drinks - All rooms have terrace/balcony with gardenview or oceanview, full bathroom, minibar, safe, etc. - Buffet-style restaurant with extensive deluxe breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet. Reservations are required at Turey, Stella di Mare and Cairi restaurants. - 2 swimming pools, one with Jacuzzi. - Children can play in the Baby Club (1-4 years) or the Mini-Club (5 – 12 years). - Wide range of sports facilities: tennis, table tennis, pool tables, darts, volleyball, aerobics, etc. - Water sports: snorkeling, sailing, windsurfing, catamarans, kayaking, paddle boats, etc. - One dive per person per week/stay for the certified scuba divers and introductory lessons in the pool for the beginners. - Golf course nearby. One free green fee per adult per week (adults only).

One week package rates are based on a Junior Suite – Gardenview and include taxes. (SMALL add-ons will apply when departing from other cities.) Toronto & Montreal Departure Adults: $2,595 CDN (per person, double occupancy) $3,120 CDN (per person, single occupancy) Children (2-12 yrs): $1,895 CDN (with 2 adults)

Calgary Departure Adults: $2,795 CDN (per person, double occupancy) $3,305 CDN (per person, single occupancy) Children (2-12 yrs): $2,160 CDN (with 2 adults)

NOTE: - Small fee will apply for upgrades to: Business class seats; Junior Suite with Oceanview. - Should overnight accommodation be required in Toronto - there is a special SOGC negotiated stopover rate at the Sheraton Gateway for $129.00/night.
In order to participate in the conference, you must stay at the Paradisus Varadero Resort. No participants from other resorts can be accepted on day passes. This is a Cuban Tourist Law.

Travel & Resort Reservations BOOK NOW… Carlson Wagonlit (Ottawa) Attention: Tanya Dugal Telephone: 1 (800) 465-4040 or (613) 238-4040 ext 236 Email: [email protected] Full payment for travel and accommodation fees must be received before Friday, December 8, 2006. Additional information will be provided in the Preliminary Programme this fall. Mark your calendars!

For registration and travel forms, visit our web site at http://www.sogc.org

780 Echo Drive, Ottawa, ON K1S 5R7 Tel: 1 800 561-2416 or (613) 730-4192 Fax: (613) 730-4314 www.sogc.org

Junior Member News The Junior Member News section of the SOGC News is funded by a grant from Wyeth Pharmaceuticals.

FIRST PLACE ENTRY: SOGC Junior Member Writing Contest By Dr. Clarissa Bambao Earlier this year, the SOGC announced its First Annual Junior Member Writing Contest, calling on Junior Members to tell us in writing what ob/gyn means to them and why they chose to enter the field. The top winners were honoured at the 2006 Annual Clinical Meeting in Vancouver. The SOGC News is pleased to publish our first prize entry, submitted by Dr. Clarissa Bambao. It is not what I imagined it would be. The flood of emotions I drown in when I realize why I cannot find that fetal heart. The pounding of my own pulse as I rush my patient down for an emergency operation, for fetal distress or post partum haemorrhage - in either case the rhythm does not change. BOOM, BOOM, BOOM. The deafening silences during the pauses I take before, during and after as I discuss the diagnosis of a particular gynecological cancer to a patient – who is herself, someone’s mother, grandmother or daughter. These scenarios have not made me second-guess my desire to pursue a career in obstetrics and gynecology – on the contrary, it has enhanced my professional satisfaction and dedication to women’s health. These above situations give birth to a physicianpatient relationship that is unique to obstetrics and gynecology. I know that from the moment

I introduce myself to a patient, I have the opportunity to become part of a significant moment in her life, be it the birth of her child or the treatment of her infertility. The interactions that evolve, not only during emotionally charged events but also during routine activities, build upon each other and serve to heighten my experience with patients. There has not been another specialty that brings with it the depth and potential possibilities surrounding the doctor-patient relationship that I have found in obstetrics and gynecology. But that is not all that motivates me to come to work and endure sleepless nights on call. Being in a profession that perpetuates and promotes knowledge of women’s health is inspiring. As a physician, I serve as one of the many vehicles to ensure that information, testing and treatment are accessible to women of all walks of life. I have the privilege of making a contribution in the advancement of health awareness and medical care for women. From short encounters dealing with contraception choices and education to the extensive counseling to couples in maternal fetal medicine – my actions and my words have an impact on health concerns and decisions affecting these women. With the end of residency, there is not just a

Now available 2006-2007 Guide to Fellowship and Postgraduate Training Opportunities The Junior Members Committee is pleased to announce that the September 2006 edition of the Junior Members Committee Guide to Fellowship and Postgraduate Training Opportunities is now available. Developed by the Junior Members Committee as a resource for Canadian residents, the guide provides descriptions of all available Canadian postgraduate training programs as well as relevant contact information. This guide is updated each year. The September 2006 edition is available for download on the SOGC website and can be found within the “Career & Training Section” of the Junior Members website. Please feel free to print a copy and display it within your resident lounge. 6

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simple fork in the road. There is a multi-level freeway leading everywhere and anywhere. The possibilities professionally are endless. Within obstetrics and gynecology I am presented with a multitude of sub-specialties that I can further tailor to my own interests. I can veer in any direction with the comfort of knowing that supportive and encouraging mentors surround me. I am creating my own map, professionally, that is, and I set the road rules and speed limit! So how, as a confused medical student, was I lucky enough to stumble upon this specialty? I was fortunate to work with staff that through their own enthusiasm for this field sparked my interest. Through their diverse medical cases and patient population, I discovered that obstetrics and gynecology would challenge me professionally, ethically and personally. In this same way, I strive to inspire those around me to explore the myriad of personal and professional possibilities this field has to offer. Yes, it is not what I imaged it would be – it has been much more. For information on the 2nd Annual SOGC Junior Member Writing Contest, please visit our website, http://www.sogc.org or email Janie Poirier at [email protected]

JM Elective Grants Application Deadline: November 15, 2006 Elective grants are provided to defray expenses incurred while participating in an elective programme. Eligibility Criteria/Obligations: 1. Applicants must be SOGC Junior Members. 2. The elective must start within six months of the award and must be completed within 12 months after the start of the elective. 3. A final report with a short summary (and list of expenses) is required within three months of completion to receive the final payment. The awards are recognized at the Annual Clinical Meeting and in the SOGC Newsletter. Application forms are available on the Junior Members pages of our web site http://www.sogc.org. For more information, contact Janie Poirier at [email protected], or by telephone at 1-800-561-2416 ext. 262.

UNIVERSITY UPDATE: University of Manitoba By Amber Dudar The department of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Manitoba has had another eventful year with many changes and welcome additions. The major administrative change has been the appointment of Dr. Margaret Morris as our new department head. We look forward to the realization of her many visions for the department. The program has also welcomed the return of Dr. Kenny Maslow and Dr. Jenna McNaught who are back to the Winnipeg after completing a urogynecology fellowship at the University of Toronto and a C.A.R.E. fellowship in Kingston, respectively. Both are exceptional teachers and Dr. Maslow has quickly filled his months with residents doing electives. The future will hopefully bring the addition of a urogynecology rotation as part of our core curriculum, and the addition of Dr. McNaught has strengthened our adolescent gynecology experience. The residency program has added a one-month rotation in early pregnancy complications. This is an innovative rotation centered around a newly implemented early pregnancy assessment

clinic. This clinic offers residents experience in first trimester ultrasound as well as counseling with regard to treatment options. Our program has also added a formal teaching curriculum in epidemiology. These sessions are led by Dr. A. Chu, a neonatologist with an interest in epidemiology, and are very helpful. Our gynecologic oncology department also continues to be a strength with excellent operative exposure and teaching at every opportunity. The department has welcomed Dr. Shaundra Popowich as staff and starting in July there will be three fellows. The residents are exposed to the educational presence of the gyneoncology department throughout their entire residency program. Residents continue to have a diverse and early surgical exposure here in Winnipeg. We have implemented the T-Res system on our PDA’s for tracking our OR exposures. Obstetrics also continues to have high volume with ample exposure to instrumental deliveries. Congratulations to the 5th year graduates who all successfully passed the Royal College exam. We

wish them all the best in their future endeavors. Taghreed Shams will be doing a minimally invasive surgery fellowship in Montreal; Fahd Al-Mulhim will be returning to Saudi Arabia to practice; Carrie Corbett will be joining the Manitoba Clinic to practice general ob/gyn; and Lisa Avery will be doing her masters degree with the WHO in Copenhagen, Denmark. We also welcome Dana Dzikowski, Corinne Hajer, Carrie Palatnick (all from U of M), Neelam Kainth (U of A), Ayman Oraif (Saudi Arabia) and Aysha Al-Dhaheri (United Arab Emirates) into our residency program. On a social note, this year has blessed four obstetric residents (three mothers and one father) with the first hand education of labour and delivery. We have enjoyed a summer retreat out at Grand Beach, baby showers to welcome the new bundles of joy, and we look forward to two upcoming weddings. Overall, the past year has had many additions welcomed to the program yet, it continues to hold onto the strengths it is known for thanks to our Program Director Dr. Denise Black. We look forward to the year ahead.

LIFE IN Sherbrooke By Jack Alexandre Long, Junior Member To begin, the ob/gyn department congratulates and gives its support to its four graduates: Catherine Anku-Bertholet, Anais BrosseauRoberge, Geneviève Beaudry and Fanny Aubin. A great career awaits them and the residents from Sherbrooke will certainly miss them. Catherine Anku-Bertholet is currently doing a fellowship training as a fetal ultrasound specialist, and plans to return to work in Sherbrooke afterwards. We would also like to welcome our five new recruits that are joining us: Marie-Ève Roy-Lacroix, Naomé Roy-Matton, Catherine Simard, Evelyne Raiche and Julie Boucher (R2). Over the past few years, the obstetric/gynecologic department in Sherbrooke has benefited from many changes. The residency program has

been enhanced, particularly for R2-R3. We have implemented an efficient and structured multidisciplinary maternal-fetal medicine unit. Our research objectives have also been reorganized, and new tools have been developed to assist us in our research projects, such as an academic course in methodology skills and research project development. Residents have found our workshops on obstetrical forceps, and hysteroscopy and anatomy very beneficial, and these workshops will remain on the agenda. A laparoscopic workshop may also be organized if we can find the appropriate academic instruments. Furthermore, the patients of the resident’s clinic

will now be managed by only one resident, so that we can maximize the patient-physician contact and improve follow-up. Senior residents will have a spot on their agenda reserved for the clinic. Several of our residents will be getting married or are expecting a child in the 2006-2007 year. We look forward to these happy events that are sure to brighten our busy year. As busy as we are, we still manage to find time for social events such as our barbeque, apple picking, and our Christmas dinner with department heads. That pretty much covers it for a brief overview of the 2006-2007 year at the ob/gyn department at Sherbrooke. There will certainly be some surprises, but what better to spice up our daily lives? October • 2006

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Members’ Corner SOGC regional awards The SOGC Regional Achievement Awards recognize the excellence of members who volunteer in women’s health at the local, regional or provincial levels. Eligibility for this award: An SOGC member of any membership category having made significant achievements and contributions to the advancement of women’s health in their community or province through education, practice or community involvement. • Is an active member of the community • Contributes to the goals and objectives of the Society • Advocates on behalf of the SOGC. The award is allocated to one recipient per region (Ontario, Québec, Western, Central and Atlantic) and is presented during the award ceremony at the subsequent Annual Clinical Meeting. Application process: Recipients are selected by their respective regional committees and approved at the March 2007 executive and council meetings. The deadline for application to the Regional Committee Chair and/or Alternate-Chair is February 15th, 2007. Please note the representatives for your region listed below:

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CONTINUED EDUCATION & Volunteering Grants Planning on acquiring further technical knowledge or skills in the areas of obstetrics, gynaecology or sexual and reproductive health? Considering volunteer ob/gyn clinical work in developing countries? Financial assistance is available for SOGC members. Available grants include: - Millenium Fellowships for Community Physicians - Junior Member’s Elective Grant in International Women’s Health - SOGC International Development Award for Volunteers. The Fall Application Deadline is November 15, 2006. For application forms and further details on all of SOGC’s fellowships, grants and awards, visit the “About SOGC” section of our website, http://www.sogc.org, or call us at (800) 561-2416.

Winning one of the SOGC’s Millennium Fellowship Awards enabled me to pursue a 3-month research fellowship in Dr. Gordon Mills laboratory at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. Dr. Mills has a very active translational research program. I gained experience using a new technology to study cell signaling proteins called protein microarray. This technology helps characterize specific changes in the proteins that regulate the growth and differentiation of cancer cells. The goal of this research is to better understand the protein signaling changes in the malignant cells of individual patients, particularly in the proteins with developed targeted drugs. In the future we hope to better plan and individualize cancer treatment for each patient. My experience in Texas has led me to pursue further research training in this area and will enable me to assist in the development of translational research programs as a clinician. The millennium fellowship program provided me with a unique opportunity and I would like to thank the SOGC for their support and the development of this worthwhile program. Dr. Mark Carey, Winner of a spring 2006 Millennium Fellowship Award (Clinical Professional Development for University/Hospital-Based Physicians)

2007 Membership Renewal

- Ontario Region: Dr. Catherine MacKinnon & Dr. Richard Johnston - Central Region: Dr. Margaret Burnett & Dr. Annette Epp - Québec Region: Dr. Diane Francoeur & Dr. Philippe-Yves Laberge - Western Region: Dr. Nicole Racette & Dr. Sandra de la Ronde - Atlantic Region: Dr. Terry O.Grady & Dr. Ward Murdock

It’s that time of year again! This year, the SOGC is pleased to report that it has reached a member base of over 2,900 members. We need your continued support so that the society can remain strong, sustain growth and continue to effectively represent you. Our strength is in our membership, and without you, none of our successes would be possible.

We encourage you to recognize a contributing member of the Society through this award program. Please visit the SOGC website at http://www.sogc.org for nomination forms and further details.

Attention all members doing research in obstetrics and gynaecology!

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Watch for your membership renewal to arrive in your mailbox in early October. You can also renew your membership quickly and conveniently through our website http://www.sogc.org. While you are renewing, you can also make any necessary changes to your membership profile to help us serve you better.

If you are a current SOGC member conducting medical research in obstetrics and gynaecology, you may be eligible for a membership category change. If this might be you, please contact [email protected] before you renew your SOGC membership for 2007.

RM Report By Michelle Kryzanauskas After a quiet and restful summer, the RM Advisory Committee sees September as a time to organize, address issues and concerns and develop a timeline for our work on the SOGC Strategic Plan for 2006–2011. The work began with a conference call in September and an opportunity to meet in person at the Canadian Association of Midwives (CAM) Annual General Meeting and “The Cascade of Normal Birth: Reclaiming Confidence in Birth Conference” in Ottawa on Oct. 18-20, 2006. CAM is asking our readers to consider sponsoring a midwife to attend this conference.

obstetricians and gynecologists, and its many associate maternity care provider members. The committee has been involved in the development of a living document called the Birthing Strategy. The Birthing Strategy is an inclusive, integrated and comprehensive pan-Canadian framework for sustainable family-centred maternity and newborn care. The document has taken on life as the sunset of the Multidisciplinary Collaborative Primary Maternity Care Project ( MCP2) is realized, and our pan-Canadian situation with respect to maternity care services has not changed. The partners in the MCP2 project have now started the work ahead, beginning with the development of the Birthing Strategy Discussion Paper to act as a catalyst for our actions to solve this looming crisis of maternity care provision in Canada.

Not all Canadian midwives are regulated or funded, so financial constraints are part of their everyday existence. Help a midwife get to her national professional association annual general meeting and conference this year—even the tiniest donation goes a long way towards supporting midwives across our vast nation. Information and details are available on the CAM website at http://www.canadianmidwives.org.

The committee is pleased to report that many midwives in Canada have now successfully accessed ergot through Health Canada, Special Access Programme, Therapeutic Products Directorate. The process is clear, straightforward and timely. The link for maternity care providers wanting to consider this mechanism for obtaining ergot is http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhpmps/acces/drugs-drogues/index_e.html. The Special Access Programme can also be reached by phone at (613) 941-2108.

Please look for any of the regional representatives on the RM Advisory committee, or the chair, as we will be attending the conference and invite you to introduce yourself. If you are keen to offer your time to volunteer on SOGC working committees, please bring along a resume and I would be happy to consider your offer. If you are a midwife who is not a member of the SOGC and is reading this report, I invite and encourage you to join and enjoy the benefits of this large and well-organized professional society of

The committee has been discussing and considering how the RM Advisory Committee represents CAM, our national association, at

the SOGC Council. The members of the RM Advisory Committee are all members of CAM but not necessarily members of the CAM Board of Directors. We currently enjoy the benefits of having the CAM President serve as the Atlantic regional representative on the committee. However, we must look to the future when these direct links are not possible. We are now inviting CAM to provide a member of their board, or a board delegate, to sit as an ex-officio member of the committee to strengthen our linkages with CAM. The new member will help provide a truly national picture of midwifery for our deliberations and discussions, and improve the effectiveness of the committee in its representation of the midwives across Canada at the SOGC Council. Western Region: Diane Rach - [email protected] Ontario Region: Maryann Leslie - [email protected] Central Region: Kris Robinson - [email protected] Quebec Region: Celine Lemay - [email protected] Atlantic Region: Kerstin Martin - [email protected] Chair: Michelle Kryzanauskas - [email protected]

SOGC’s 63rd Annual Clinical Meeting June 21-26, 2007 - Ottawa, ON Research and Innovation Program From the Bench to the Bedside and Back The following organizations invite you to participate in the 2007 ACM Research and Innovation Program: The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC), the Gynaecologic Oncologists of Canada (GOC), the Society of Investigators in Obstetrics and Gynaecology of Canada (SIOGC), the Society of Canadian Colposcopists (SCC) and the Canadian Society of Urogynaecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery (CSURPS). The primary author of an accepted abstract will be invited to present at the 63rd Annual Clinical Meeting (ACM), being held in Ottawa, Ontario, June 21-26, 2007. Research and Innovation Day at the 2007 ACM will be held on Monday, June 25, 2007. All eligible submissions will be considered for the Best Oral and Best Poster presentation. For full details visit http://www.sogc.org to download the brochure and application form.

Call for Abstracts! October • 2006

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Dr. Andre Lalonde meets with Haitian Health Minister Dr. Robert Auguste and Dr. Lauré Adrien, CEO of the Société Haitienne d’Obstétrique et de Gynécologie (SHOG).

UPDATE: International Women’s Health Program With the arrival of the fall, the SOGC’s International Women’s Health Program and its volunteers are finding themselves very busy. The coming months will see a number of our volunteers traveling to our partner countries, as well as a lot of work taking place at home.

Partnership Program Within our Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) funded partnership program, all three of our partner countries will be conducting ALARM International Program (AIP) courses and/or instructor courses. We are grateful to our volunteers, who have made themselves available to collaborate with their peers to offer these courses. • In early October, Dr René Laliberté and Dr. Francois Beaudoin will travel to Haiti to act as faculty for an AIP course. They will also be speaking at the University of Haiti, and at a conference hosted by the Société Haitienne d’Obstétrique et de Gynécologie (SHOG). • Also in early October, Dr. Rolando Cepeda and Dr. Jean Francois Rostoker will travel to Guatemala to participate in an ALARM International course. • A similar course is planned for Uganda in November or December, and volunteers are encouraged to express their interest to the program.

SOGC and SHOG contract with UNICEF/UNFPA to deliver ALARM International The SOGC, along with our Haitian partners the Société Haitienne d’Obstétrique et de Gynécologie 10

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(SHOG), will be taking part in a project to deliver the ALARM International Program as part of a safe motherhood and newborn health initiative in Haiti. For this project, the SOGC and SHOG will be working as a sub-contractor for UNICEF and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), on a CIDA-funded contract. The first component of the initiative was to conduct a needs assessment of the emergency obstetrical care services in three regions. The needs assessment involved an environmental scan to assess the enabling environment (drugs, materials, equipment, referral system, policies and protocols in emergency obstetrical care services) in nine hospitals. It measured the knowledge and competencies of select professionals in each health centre. Suzanne Plourde, the SOGC’s international health specialist, conducted the assessment in early September. Following this assessment and the establishment of baseline data, the ALARM International Program will be offered on two occasions, specifically to those professionals involved in the initial assessment. Suzanne Plourde and volunteer Charlotte Landry will return to Haiti for the first course. The second course is planned for the end of November.

FIGO: Saving Mothers and Newborns SOGC and its members will be actively involved in FIGO’s new Saving Mothers and Newborns projects to be launched this fall. The objectives of these initiatives are to improve maternal and newborn health, and to strengthen project management capacity of national societies.

SOGC is the twinning society for projects in Haiti, Uganda, Kosovo and Ukraine, and its members will act as mentors for all of these projects. • Our mentors for the project in Haiti will be Dr. René Laliberté and midwife Charlotte Landry. • Our mentors for the project in Ukraine will be Dr. Vyta Senikas, and midwife Eileen Hutton. • Our mentors for the project in Kosovo will be Dr. Ferdinand Pauls and midwife Cathryn Ellis. • Our mentors for the project in Uganda will be Dr. Jean Chamberlain and midwife Ann Lovold.

FIGO World Congress SOGC and its members will be well represented at the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) World Congress in Kuala Lampur. A strong contingent of SOGC members will be in attendance to participate in conference activities and to help welcome Dr. Dorothy Shaw, an SOGC Past-President, in her new role as FIGO President. We also look forward to seeing representatives from our partner countries at the FIGO Congress, who will be participating in the conference as part of our CIDA-funded partnership program. In addition, the activities of SOGC’s International Women’s Health Program will be profiled in a number of oral presentations. These will include: a joint presentation by our Partnership Program partners on the role of professional associations in addressing safe motherhood and newborn health, and a presentation by ALARM International Committee members on (Continued on the next page)

Council 2006-2007 THANK YOU Committee Members The SOGC would like to take this opportunity to recognize the hard work of all of our committee members and chairs for their continuing support of women’s health and the Society’s work. So much of the success of the SOGC is founded on the hard work and selfless commitments of our members. If you are interested in participating on an SOGC committee or if you would like more information, please visit our website, http://www.sogc.org, or contact us at [email protected]. In particular, the SOGC would like to thank our new and returning committee chairs: • • • • •

Aboriginal Health Issues: Mrs. Carol Couchie Ethics: Dr. Jeffrey A. Nisker Archives & History: Dr. Yves Lefebvre Informatics: Dr. Marc-Yvon Arsenault International Women’s Health: Dr. W. A. Ralph Cooke; Dr. Eileen Hutton • Public Affairs: Dr. Jennifer Mary Blake; Dr. Michael Elias Helewa

Executive Committee:

• Women’s Health Policy: Dr. Charmaine Antoinette Roye Clinical Practice Committees: • Breast Disease: Ms. Vera Rosolowich • Canadian Paediatric & Adolescent Gynaecology and Obstetricians (CANPAGO): Dr. Nathalie Fleming; Dr. Mary Anne Jamieson • Clinical Practice – Gynaecology: Dr. Nicholas Leyland • Clinical Practice-Obstetrics: Dr. Dean C. Leduc • Diagnostic Imaging: Dr. Lucie Morin • Genetics: Dr. R. Douglas Wilson • Infectious Disease: Dr. Deborah M. Money • Maternal Fetal Medicine: Dr. Dan Farine • Medico-Legal: Dr. Paul Lindsay Martyn • Reproductive Endocrinology Infertility: Dr. Margo Fluker; Dr. Paul Claman • Social & Sexual Issues: Dr. Margaret Burnett • Society of Investigators of Ob/Gyn of Canada: Dr. Mark Walker • Sub-Committee on Urogynaecology/CSURPS: Dr. Scott Alexander Farrell

Update: International Women’s Health (continued from previous page) the ALARM International Program Global Survey conducted in nine countries who have participated in the program. Dr. André Lalonde will also make a presentation on the work of FIGO and the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM), with respect to the Joint Initiative to Prevent Postpartum Haemorrhage. The SOGC has been heavily involved in this initiative. Finally, an AIP Global Network Meeting will bring together the nine countries that participated in our Global Survey to explore ways that the associations can continue to be mutually supportive.

SOGC collaboration to prepare doctors returning to Sudan In September, the SOGC had the opportunity to collaborate with the University of Calgary in a unique initiative to offer retraining to a group of Canadian-based Sudanese physicians who are planning to return to Sudan to provide care. After receiving training in Cuba, these physicians have been away from the Sudan for between 15 and 20 years. Now, through an initiative of the University of Calgary and Samaritan’s Purse Canada, these physicians are retraining prior to their return to the Sudan, a country of 10 million people which currently has only about 50 medical doctors. SOGC members at the University of Calgary approached SOGC to use the ALARM International Program as part of the physicians’ six-month refresher training in Calgary. In September, three SOGC volunteers, Dr. Jaelene Mannerfeldt, Dr. Ahmed Ezzat and Dr. Suzanne Morris, conducted the course.

• President: Dr. Donald B. Davis; Medicine Hat, AB • Past-President: Dr. Michael Elias Helewa; Winnipeg, MB • President-Elect: Dr. Guylaine Gisele Lefebvre; Toronto, ON • Executive Vice-President: Dr. André B. Lalonde; Ottawa, ON • Treasurer: Dr. Mark Heywood; Vancouver, BC • Vice-President, Atlantic: Dr. Scott Alexander Farrell; Halifax, NS • Vice-President, Québec: Dr. Michel Fortier; Québec, QC

Regional Chairs, Alternate Chairs and Other Representatives: • Chair, Western Region: Dr. Nicole Racette; New Westminster, BC • Alternate Chair, Western Region: Dr. Sandra de la Ronde; Calgary, AB • Chair, Central Region: Dr. Margaret Burnett; Winnipeg, MB • Alternate Chair, Central Region: Dr. Annette Epp; Saskatoon, SK • Chair, Ontario Region: Dr. Catherine Jane MacKinnon; Brantford, ON • Alternate Chair, Ontario Region: Dr. Richard Johnston, OSOG representative, Orillia, ON • Présidente, région du Québec: Dr. Diane Francoeur; Montreal, QC • Président suppléant région du Québec: Dr. Philippe-Yves Laberge; Ste-Foy, QC • Chair, Atlantic Region: Dr. Terry O’Grady; St. John’s, NL • Alternate Chair, Atlantic Region: Dr. Ward Murdock; Fredericton, NB • Public Representative: Ms. Jane E. Caskey; Toronto, ON • Junior Member Representative: Dr. Kimberly Butler; Hatchet Lake, NS • Associate Members (MD) Representative: Dr. Owen Hughes; Ottawa, ON • Associate Members (RN) Representative: Ms. Sandra Gwen Christie, RN; Halifax, NS • Associate Members (RM) Representative: Ms. Michelle Kryzanauskas, RM; Collingwood, ON • APOG Representative: Dr. Wylam Faught; Edmonton, AB • Corresponding Member: The Hon. Lucie Pépin, Senator; Ottawa, ON October • 2006

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News from the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists of Canada

GOC PARTNERS WITH NOCA to Address Urgent Need for Gyn Oncologists By Elisabeth Ross, Executive Director, NOCA With the percentage of Canadians over 65 increasing over the next 10 years, the incidence of gynecological cancers is expected to rise by 47% between 2001 and 2014. Research has demonstrated that outcomes following surgery are best when the surgery is done by a gynecological oncologist (Gynecol Oncol. 2005 Nov; 99:447-61). In response to this issue, Dr. Barry Rosen has constructed projections of the number of gynecologic oncologists needed in the next 10 years in Canada to ensure the best care with minimal wait times. Currently, there are approximately 47 gynecological oncologists in Canada. Based on the projected increased prevalence, a total of 84 doctors will be required by 2014. If the current rate of ob-gyns choosing gynecologic oncology specialization continues, it will be simply impossible to keep up with this demand. The result? Suboptimal treatment for women diagnosed with these cancers. In response to this issue, the National Ovarian Cancer Association (NOCA) has partnered with The Society of Gynecologic Oncologists of Canada (GOC)

DR. SWENERTON Receives the GOC Presidential Medal

GOC Presidential Medal winner Dr. Ken Swenerton (middle left) poses for a photo with Dr. Diane Provencher (left), Mrs. Mary Frey (middle right), and Dr. Michael Fung-Kee-Fung (right).

The GOC was very pleased to recognize and celebrate the inspiring achievements of our Presidential Medal recipient, Dr. Ken Swenerton.

During Dr. Swenerton’s career, he has established himself as a team member and as a true leader. Recognizing these contributions, Dr. Provencher described him succinctly and impeccably as “GOC ambassador, solid as a rock”. Throughout his highly successful academic career, Dr. Swenerton has been actively involved in numerous multi-center studies and committees. He is highly respected by his peers, who know him as a compassionate man who provides superb care to his patients. In addition, he is an active contributor to the work of our society, a passionate advocate of the GOC, and a superb mentor to our junior members. Congratulations Ken - a truly well-earned recognition!

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to provide grants to obstetrics and gynaecology residents who choose gynecologic oncology as an elective. A monetary award of $1,500 would cover housing and travel to a cancer centre to work with a gynecologic oncology team during a one month elective. In the first year, beginning fall 2006, $18,000 will be provided for 12 awards. This funding will be re-assessed after year one, based on response to the program. Local cancer teams will assist in finding affordable housing. Guidelines and a selection process are being developed by GOC; however, in year one the process will be kept very simple to expedite recruitment. The desired outcome is an increase in the number of ob/gyn residents who choose this specialty and stay in Canada to practice. For more information or to apply for an award, please contact Mrs. Hélène Soublière at the GOC National Office by email at [email protected], or by phone at 613.730-4192 ext. 250 or 800.561.2416 ext. 250.

GOC WELCOMES ITS 14th President Dr. Rosen The Society of Gynecologic Oncologists of Canada (GOC) is very proud to introduce to you its 14th President, Dr. Barry Rosen. Dr. Rosen is currently head of the division of gynaecologic oncology, department of obstetrics and gynaecology, at the University of Toronto and is director of the Familial Ovarian Cancer Clinic at Princess Margaret Hospital/University Health Network. Dr. Rosen’s research activity is focused on ovarian cancer including familial ovarian cancer, ovarian cancer prevention, and treatment through integration with basic scientists at the UHN Genomic Research Centre. He is on the executive of the Gynaecologic Disease Site Group of NCIC, is a member of the Cancer Care Ontario guidelines committee, and is also involved in cancer prevention studies involving cervical cancer and HPV. Dr. Rosen obtained his MD at the University of Western Ontario, completed a residency in obstetrics/gynaecology, and sub-specialty training in gynaecologic oncology at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario.

CAPITAL IDEA: SOGC and Capital Health develop “Healthy Beginnings” for Edmontonians central and northern Alberta, approached the SOGC to produce a “Capital Health” edition of the popular pregnancy resource. The Capital Health edition was published in September.

A new collaboration between the SOGC and Edmonton’s Capital Health has developed a special edition of SOGC’s popular book “Healthy Beginnings: Your handbook for pregnancy and birth”. Capital Health, an Edmonton-based regional health authority offering services throughout

2007 2007 2007 2007 2007 2007 2007 2007 2007 2007

Designed specifically for an Edmonton audience, the new edition includes an extended resources section describing pregnancy resources available throughout the region. The new edition can be identified by the Capital Health logo printed on the book’s cover. Ten thousand copies of the new edition have been printed, and are being distributed by Capital Health. While Healthy Beginnings lists many national resources and services available to Canadian women, the new Capital Health Edition takes this one step further to ensure that women are aware of everything available in their community.

“I think this really speaks to the quality of Healthy Beginnings as a pregnancy guide, and it’s a great example of how collaboration can take a good resource and make it that much better,” said Dr. André Lalonde, who co-authored the book with Edmonton ob/gyn Dr. Nan Schuurmans. “I’d like to thank Capital Health for taking this initiative to improve the resource for women in their region and to promote the book’s important message to a wider audience” The third edition of Healthy Beginnings, released by the SOGC early this year, is available through Chapters/Indigo stores, or can be ordered online at http://www.chapters.ca. A discounted rate on bulk orders of 10 books or more is also available directly through the SOGC. Bulk orders can be placed by calling our National Office at 1-800561-2416 ext. 257.

Continuing Medical Education

Programmes

de formation médical continue

20th International CME, March 5-9, 2007 Paradisus Varadero Resort, Cuba (Programme offert en anglais) 17th West/Central CME, March 29-31, 2007 The Rimrock Resort Hotel, Banff, Alberta (Programme offert en anglais) 3rd Ontario Gynaecology CME, April 20-21, 2007 Marriott Downtown Eaton Centre, Toronto, Ontario (Programme offert en anglais) 19e FMC du Québec, du 20 au 22 septembre 2007 Le château bonne entente, Québec (Québec) (Programme offered in French)

Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada Société des obstétriciens et gynécologues du Canada 780 prom. Echo Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1S 5R7 Tel/Tél. : 1 800 561-2416 or/ou (613) 730-4192 Fax/Téléc. : (613) 730-4314

3e FMC du Québec en obstétrique, les 15 et 16 Novembre 2007 L’hôtel à confirmer, Montréal (Québec) (Programme offered in French) 26th Ontario CME, November 29 – December 1, 2007 Marriott Downtown Eaton Centre, Toronto, Ontario (Programme offert en anglais)

www.sogc.org October • 2006

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FMWC’S AGM: Many thanks to all at the SOGC By Andrée Poirier, Executive Coordinator, FMWC

New from the SCC From Aug. 18-20, 2006, the Federation of Medical Women of Canada (FMWC) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Scientific Sessions at the Crowne Plaza Moncton in New Brunswick. Drs. Vyta Senikas, Bob Lea and Rodolphe Maheux, attended our meeting and presented workshops on Prevention of HPV and cervical cancer, contraception counseling, and low-dose oral contraceptives, respectively. Your sessions were greatly appreciated and enjoyed by all delegates. Looking ahead to 2007, the FMWC has decided to hold its meeting conjointly with SOGC. This decision was based on several factors including the time of year, which better suits our members, and the excellent programme offered by the SOGC. Thank you to SOGC Executive Vice-President Dr. André

Lalonde for his kindness in offering us this opportunity. We certainly hope that this will translate into a long-term relationship that benefits both our organizations. Being a staff of one, with the responsibility of doing everything, I have to say that it seemed overwhelming at times. Many thanks to the kind-hearted people working at the SOGC, with whom I was able to consult for advice on meeting planning, accreditation, visual aids, graphic design, signage, and many other aspects of the process. They were always willing to share their knowledge and experience on what has worked best for the SOGC. Thank you all for helping the FMWC deliver a very good meeting that was greatly enjoyed and appreciated by all who attended. We look forward to working closely with the SOGC next year!

A new colposcopy CD-ROM, accredited by SOGC, is available through the Society of Canadian Colposcopists (SCC) Essentials of Colposcopic Interpretation: Cervix, Vagina and Vulva – including 723 high quality descriptive images (642 true colpophotographs, 14 photos, 17 cytology, 30 histology, 20 schematics) in Powerpoint® presentation. One credit rating per hour to a maximum of four hours To order, please visit the SCC website at http:// www.sogc.org/scc/english/education/index.asp, or call the secretariat office at (613) 730-4192 ext. 320, or 1-800-561-2416 ext. 320.

MyObClinic.ca

Free to SO Mem GC bers

MyObClinic.ca is a web-based tool designed by the SOGC to help busy health professionals create their own web sites. MyObClinic shows you how to: · Keep your patients in the know via an e-newsletter · Post maps to your clinic · Share important health information and updates From the web to the waiting room, visit http://www.myobclinic.ca today to help you stay connected with your patients. October • 2006

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October • 2006