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Cannabis, marijuana, what do we know?
Public
2016-10-16 Dr Z. Essak, MD - Vancouver, BC
Cannabis is a plant that has been part of human history for thousands of years and on every continent. The uses of cannabis are far beyond just medical and recreational use.
What do we really know about cannabis?
Is cannabis more than just good for medical and health use, is it also good for the economy and the environment?
Are medical errors the third leading cause of death or disability and what can we do to protect ourselves?
Public
Dr Z. Essak, MD - Vancouver BC - March 4, 2018
The TEDx Stanley Park event at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver on Saturday March 3, 2018 was incredible with 13 (a bakers dozen) memorable and inspiring speakers and 4 brief, fun energerizer programs to keep the audience engaged. Two of the presentations addressed medical errors.
With cancer as the leading cause of death and heart disease as the second leading cause, medical errors are referred to by some as the third leading cause of death and disability.
Whether errors are third or not, it makes sense that anything that helps to reduce or prevent medical errors is worth pursuing. Every error that can be prevented has direct benefit to individuals and their families.
Requirements to be Deputy Registrar at College of Physicians and Surgeons (CPSBC) – Is something different?
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Z. Essak, MD – Vancouver, BC – 2015 Apr 23
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC is looking to hire a new Deputy Registrar with the deadline for applications of April 30, 2015 fast approaching.
Is there something different about the experience required in this job posting – “a career opportunity in medical regulation”?
The proven experience and qualifications all candidates should have begins with, "minimum 10 years of senior administrative experience in a complex health-related organization (e.g. regulator, health authority, association, etc.)"
Also the requirements, while including "medical degree preferred", are open to others with "master of business/health administration or law degree also accepted".
Is this a sign of changes or a shift underway at the College (CPSBC)?
CMAJ news: Alarm growing over limited access to BC PharmaNet data by scientists
Public
On Monday April 22, 2013 the CMAJ, Canadian Medical Association Journal, published news of the growing alarm over limited access to BC PharmaNet data by scientists hobbling drug-safety watchdogs.
Spanning eleven months, amid abrupt dismissals of staff and scientists, a cloud of wrongful dismissal claims and pending an investigation, the ministry has severely restricted access to data from its PharmaNet databases.
Dr. David Henry, chief executive officer of the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences in Toronto, Ontario, warns "The most comprehensive data in Canada has been denied to us," noting that the BC government has failed to respond to repeated inquiries from alarmed scientists across Canada. "We've not been given a way forward."
The PMA results are in but how much support is there really? - the Simi Sara Show, CKNW
Public
The results of the vote on the 2012 Physician Master Agreement (PMA) are in but how much support is there for it, really?
Listen to The Simi Sara Show July 25, 2012 broadcast on CKNW Radio and the Chorus network.
The show starts with Dr Shelley Ross, BCMA President and host Michael Smyth on the Bill Good Show including an audio clip of Dr Roland Orfaly.
Then Simi Sara speaks with Dr Dennis Karpiak and Dr Zafar Essak.
Here it is.
BCMA AGM - Unfunded liabilities?
Public
After the presentation of the Financial Reports at Saturday's AGM of the BCMA I asked Finance Committee Chair a couple of questions. As in the past, what interested me was what had been omitted rather than what had been included.
Page 2 of the 'white paper' report contains a listing of revenue and expenses, and under the latter heading was listed Consulting and Professional Fees in the amount of $998,101.00 This was further broken down on one of the projected slides as indicating that about $250K were 'legal' fees; but no further description.
Not sham, not flam, real substance
Public
2016-09-30 Dr Z. Essak, MD - Vancouver, BC
For many Canadians electing the Trudeau Liberal government in 2015 was in hope of a fresh move away from the sham of some past governments.
It was also in hope for more than just flamboyance, indeed a hope for real substance. Meaningful and effective governance of our country and in world affairs.
Almost one year into the Liberal mandate, 1 down 3 to go, and where are we?
What is the plan that will propel our economy, save our environment, ensure transparency and reduce bureaucracy?
Do you know enough about the new BC health care agreement with doctors?
Public
Are you a doctor? Are you a patient? Do you know enough about the new BC health care agreement with doctors?
Doctors don't need to rush to cast their vote, they have until December 4, 2014. This agreement will continue into 2019.
For doctors, will it make their work life better or worse? How will it affect their ability to deliver medical services and serve the public interest?
Will it make BC health care better or worse? Will it make health care more or less efficient? And more or less accessible?
Thank you, the survey is now closed. To view results click here.
Second Opinion re: BCMA Physician Master Agreement
Public
BC doctors have seen several communications from the BCMA/Doctors of BC asking its membership to vote in favour of the 5-year Physician Master Agreement (PMA) by Dec. 4, 2014.
I would like to share my 'second opinion' of this complex agreement, in the sincere hope that it will help stimulate needed discussion and more thoughtful reflection amongst my fellow colleagues.
Survey: Have you ever filed a complaint on the conduct of a Judge with the Canadian Judicial Council?
Public
Have you had concerns about the conduct of a Judge in Canada distinctly separate from the ruling of the Judge? Have you considered or filed a complaint with the Canadian Judicial Council?
Please complete this brief survey to share your experience and thoughts.
Thank you.
