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Doc-to-Doc Member Tips

Insights and Tips From Members Like You

Doc-to-Doc is a hub of curated resources and information for doctors showcasing leadership voices from within the Vancouver Family Medicine community. Divided into three subjects representing the Vancouver Division Board’s strategic initiatives, you can find resources on Physician Wellness, Palliative Care, and Environment and Sustainability.

Browse through our featured tips!

Dr. Fiona Duncan

Vancouver Division Physician Lead

“We created Doc-to-Doc to showcase the amazing leadership in our Family Medicine community, where each shares their own unique expertise and interests. An important aspect of physician wellness is the ability to be seen, heard, and supported.”

Palliative Care Tips

Dr. Andrew Jeong

Palliative Care Champion

Dr. Andrew Jeong was raised in Burnaby, BC and is a graduate of the St. Paul’s CMG family medicine program. He previously served as a resident board member for the Vancouver Division of Family Practice. Currently, he is undergoing enhanced skills palliative care training at UBC. His interests are in improving the intersection between primary care and palliative care by bridging research, policy, and advocacy. He hopes to support family physicians in delivering high-quality, pragmatic palliative care.

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Environmental and Sustainability Tips

Dr. Jay Slater

Physician Lead for Environment and Sustainability

Dr. Jay Slater explores the intersection of healthcare and environmental impact, highlighting how medical practices contribute to pollution, resource waste, and climate change. He emphasizes the need for sustainable healthcare solutions, including reducing plastic waste, minimizing pharmaceutical contamination, and lowering the sector’s carbon footprint. His work advocates for integrating eco-conscious practices into medicine to protect both human health and the planet.

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Member Wellness Tips

Dr. Daniel Dodek

Physician Champion for Physician Wellness

“My goal, as Vancouver Division Lead for Physician Health, is for family doctors in Vancouver and all communities, to feel appreciated, valued, experience joy in their work and take care of their health.”

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Top Tips

Dr. Dan’s Wellness Tip
Hugs

“I am normally not a hugger; just ask my wife. However, hugging increases a sense of connection, belonging and wellbeing. Studies have shown hugging actually stimulates our immune system and releases oxytocin. Normally I move in for a good pat on the shoulder, the half hug, back slap or new for me: fist bump. But in the appropriate situation with family and loved ones, a hug time of 3 seconds is the optimal effective dose to create that bond, feel good response according to studies.”

A Helpful Resource
Physician Health Program
1-800-663-6729
Bright Spot with Dr. Dan
Colorectal Cancer Can’t Hide From Screening

“Because I’ve known many of these patients for years, these are not anonymous statistics. They are individuals whose stories I know, whose families I’ve met, whose trust I’ve earned. That continuity of care brings deep meaning and joy to my work.” Inspired by a quality improvement initiative previously profiled by the HDC, Dr. Dodek and his team successfully encouraged 65 more patients to complete life-saving testing.

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Dr. Dan’s Wellness Tip
RESPECT

“The amazing Arethra Franklin documentary was released this summer titled “RESPECT”. This led me to think about how patients treat our staff and how patients interact and communicate with physicians. Respect is a fundamental value that is required in the health care setting that contributes to a psychological safe work space. The Vancouver Division has produced a poster that Family Doctors can use throughout the medical office reminding patients of appropriate behaviour.”

A Helpful Resource
Smartphone Recordings

Information about smartphone recording of the clinical encounter – Smartphone recordings by patients: Be prepared, it’s happening

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Dr. Dan’s Wellness Tip
What is it like to be you today?

“I have a 240 second challenge for you: deep listening. According to Dr. Marissa King in the book Social Chemistry this exercise can help you become more open, flexible and less biased. Start by asking a friend or colleague, “what is it like to be you today?” Now the hard part – listen uninterrupted for 2 minutes. No affirmations, no questions. Warning: this may be seriously uncomfortable. But in 240 seconds you might just learn a lot.”

A Helpful Resource
Legal Advice

You can contact CMPA for medical legal advice

1-800-267-6522
Dr. Dan’s Wellness Tip
Endurance

“Endurance can be defined by the power of coping with an unpleasant or difficult process or situation without giving up. I am so amazed at my colleagues in the hospitals and community who continue to endure throughout the pandemic. One of my professional challenges is that the finish line keeps getting pushed farther away. Sports psychologists stress focus on today’s match and not the end game ensures best performance.”

A Helpful Resource
Psychological First Aid

Helpful tool for staff and physicians to use after experiencing and upsetting event

ABC123 Psychological First Aid Tool