PHC Med Staff

Learn more about the EQSV Pillar here.

Completed Projects:

2024-2025

PAVE: Personalized Approach to Vaso-Occlusive Crisis Experience – Dr. Hayley Merkeley
Under the umbrella of the provincial BC-Yukon Red Blood Cell Disorders program, this project was struck to develop physician-led, data-informed, personalized care plan templates to help better manage pain during vaso-occlusive crisis (an acutely painful condition) in patients with sickle-cell disease. Data was collected and analyzed in collaboration with learners from UBC Pharmacy and Medicine, to compare with leading Ontario benchmark data. Both inpatient and outpatient care plan templates have been developed and are in early implementation in Providence Health. One in-service has been delivered to St. Paul’s 10th Floor nursing staff to educate on the use of these care plans, and another in-service is scheduled to take place with Emergency Department staff in June 2025. Outreach has begun since April 2025 to regionally share these templates, starting with a Fraser Health site (Surrey). The project team also presented related findings (rationale for the templates) at the PHC Celebrating Quality Improvement event in May 2025. Next steps include development of a patient experience survey to access the ongoing impact on patient care.

2022

The Baby-Friendly Initiative – Dr. Valerie Rychel
SPH was selected as one of 25 hospitals in Canada to join the Baby Friendly Initiative (BFI) National Quality Collaborative, and has set a goal to achieve Baby Friendly designation by June 2021. This project intends to facilitate the required multidisciplinary involvement to complete this national project.

2021

Department of Medicine Working Group for Physician Proposals – Dr. Andrew Ignaszewski
The Department has struck a working group to review, evaluate and / or mentor the top priority proposals submitted by its Divisions. This mechanism will support physicians in the further business development of selected proposals, and enhancing the physician voice in submitting these proposals for SLT consideration. Highlighted proposals demonstrate opportunities for transformation and innovation, and the promotion of interdivisional and interdepartmental collaboration while remaining patient-centred and aligning with PHC’s values and strategic priorities.

Improving clinician engagement with Advance Care Planning using the Serious Illness Conversation Guide – Dr. Ruth MacRedmond
The overarching aim of the project is to continue to train all of the physicians at SPH in the use of the Serious Illness Conversation guide and to support them in adapting it to their practice, in an effort to improve our system of recording patient preferences for advanced care planning, taking into account patient preferences for care, along with their goals, fears and values. This aligns with PHC’s 2015 commitment to a culture change in advance care planning in our organization, reflecting our commitment to patient-centered care through shared decision making.

Improving ED physician confidence in hand-washing statistics – Dr. David Agulnik
One of seven COVID-19 projects funded through one-time extraordinary contingency funding. The project aims to improve hand-washing compliance by physicians in the ER, through improved communication and a parallel validation of internal audits by ER physicians.

Reduction of Diagnostic Waste in Anatomical Pathology – Dr. Nickolas Myles
A project to isolate and reduce diagnostic waste in anatomical pathology as a step towards reduction of wasteful laboratory investigations.

Nurturing Physician Leaders Through Value-Based Health Care (VBHC) at PHC – Dr. Shannon Jackson
The original intent of this project centered around the development of leadership skills amongst physicians. Early engagement surveys revealed that physicians had a strong interest in the topic of Value-Based Health Care, and the project pivoted to become two separate workshops: “Value-Based Health Care 101” in November 2020 and “Value-Based Health Care 102” in February 2021, delivered by Dr. Jackson. These workshops stimulated widespread interest across PHC, and VBHC is fast becoming a critical guiding principle of PHC strategy and clinical practice.

2020

COVID-19 Simulations – Dr. Shannon Lockhart
One of four COVID-19 simulation projects funded through one-time extraordinary contingency funding. Project leadership guided over 300 physicians, nurses, RT’s and AA’s in simulated PPE and airway management modifications for COVID suspect or diagnosed patients. Outcomes included demonstrating the importance of checklists and spotters, importance of system implications (ward, ED, ICU, OR) of changes in protocols, need for frequent communication amongst stakeholders, and identifying and mitigating challenges with doffing of PPE.

Learn more about the IPT Pillar here.

Completed Projects:

2021

Emergency Staff High Performance Team Building – Dr. Jeff Coleman & Dr. Erin Kennedy
A project to engage more closely with SPH ED physicians, nursing, administration and allied health professionals in identifying and implementing opportunities for improved communication, team dynamics, professional satisfaction and quality patient care.

Improving Access to Medical Services from Holy Family Rehab – Dr. Evan Kwong
A project leveraging Cerner and Virtual Care to improve the efficiency of care of rehab patients who, due to the complex nature of their co-morbidities and recovery from acute medical issues, may have other more urgent medical needs as well. This may both decrease the need for transporting inpatients away from Holy Family Hospital (cost-saving), and allow an opportunity to test whether virtual appointments with specialists may be enhanced by the presence of HFH nursing, allied health or site physician as needed.

(On hold due to COVID-19) MSJ Gathering: The Scrub Glub Club V. 2- Dr. Fred Rydz/Andrea Tothill/ Fern Reilly
A series of social engagement events at MSJ where groups of physicians can interact socially and better understand each others’ needs and skills.

(On hold due to COVID-19) Social Noon Rounds v. 3 – Dr. Tony Wan
A project to improve physician engagement and shared understanding between physicians about patients’ care concerns or about other topics of interest in the form of a noon social drop-in.

2020

Fostering a Culture of Communication and Collaboration through Ultrasound Peer Training Program – Dr. Su-Yin MacDonell
A collaborative project within the anesthesia department to create a culture of learning, by increasing the skill set as a group to identify and diagnose an unwell patient faster. Helping colleagues identify specific expertise within the radiology (ultrasound) department.

PPE, Airway and Resuscitation Support – Dr. Chris Schneck / Dr. Emilia Rydz
One of four COVID-19 simulation projects funded through one-time extraordinary contingency funding. The project team standardized use of PPE in resuscitation at MSJ ER and on Code Blue events on the ward for ER doctors.  This included teaching and reinforcing best practices during AGMP events and regular patient care in the ER.

Social Noon-Rounds (v2) – Dr. Tony Wan
A project to improve physician engagement and shared understanding between physicians about patients’ care concerns or about other topics of interest through a noon social drop-in. Click here for final report.

Youth Mental Health Projects Review – Dr. Daniel Lin
An event to engage staff psychiatrists in a review of outstanding issues around Youth Mental Health Programming, with the goal of reviewing: process documentation for substance use management at Renfrew House; a decision around current capacity for additional Stream of care if possible; and ethical discussion around stabilization on care.

2019

Breakfast in Res Care – Dr. Nardia Strydom
A project to facilitate physicians meeting in each others’ work environments for breakfast and a tour (starting in a residential care facility), to gain insights and share information about patients. Click here for final report.

Development of new 7-year strategic plan for Providence Health Care –  Josephine Jung / Dr. Jeff Pike
A project initiating the development of new 7-year Strategic Plan for PHC through a physician engagement strategy-led design. This project involves 4 selected physicians within 7 months. Click here for final report.

Learning from Every Death Initiative – Dr. Nardia Strydom
Training for 5 to 20 physicians to conduct mortality reviews in a structured format at a monthly team meeting that crosses departments and disciplines. Click here for final report.

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for PHC Physicians – Dr. Jani Laramée
A project for PHC physicians to gain knowledge and learn new skills in mindfulness techniques, to learn how to better manage perceived stress, to improve a sense of empathy, ultimately to improve physician wellness and decrease burnout. Click here for complete final report.

MSJ Second Wednesdays Gathering: The Scrub Glub Club – Dr. Nora Cummins
A series of social engagement events at MSJ where groups of physicians can interact socially and better understand each others’ needs and skills. Click here for complete final report.

SPH Family Practice teaching service Engagement and Redevelopment – Dr. Pierre-Paul Lizotte
A project to develop a new model of care and education in hospital for a new revamped Family Practice Teaching Service. Click here for final report.

Sprout Wellness – Dr. Darra Murphy
A project to develop a user-friendly online platform called Sprout (www.sproutnetwork.com), to provide opportunities for medical staff to join colleagues in fitness and community activities to improve physician health and connections. Click here for final report.

2018

A Day in May: Learning from Music and Coaching to Optimize Psychological Readiness in Surgical Care – Dr. Brian Westerberg and Dr. Jane Lea
A one-day symposium for surgical team members to optimize personal psychological readiness, and function at peak capacity using examples in from music. Click here for final report.

Coffee on Weekends – Dr. Chris Schneck
A project to support ER physicians and staff by bringing coffee into the ER at Mount Saint Joseph’s on weekends, so they do not need to leave the hospital to get coffee when the cafeteria is closed on weekends. Click here for final report. 

Internal Medicine Social Noon-Rounds – Dr. Tony Wan
Regular opportunities during a monthly lunch gathering for physicians to learn about their colleagues’ work outside of patient care, and share their research project progress, ideas or interests. Click here for final report. 

New Physician ‘Welcome Wagon’ – Dr. Janet Simons
A project to welcome new medical staff to PHC by having mid/late career PHC physicians meet with new staff in a social setting to provide information, and foster connections and collaboration. Dr. Simons held an event in late 2018 to welcome new staff to PHC.

Respiratory Division Retreat: A One-day Strategic Planning Session – Dr. Chris Ryerson
An avenue for all division members at SPH and VGH to renew its strategic vision and mission, and create a strategic plan for its future operations.Click here for final report.

Yoga for PHC Physicians – Dr. Jani Laramée
A project offering PHC physicians fully-funded weekly yoga group classes for 12 weeks by a certified instructor, to enhance wellness and build a sense of community. Click here for final report.

2017

A retreat to enhance Communication Amongst Emergency Physicians and Between Emergency Doctors and Consultants – Dr. Rob Stenstrom
A 2- to 3-day retreat away from the hospital for radiology, cardiology, internal medicine, general surgery, and orthopedic surgery was held in 2018. Brief final report of this retreat is here.

Learn more about the DLII Pillar here.

Completed Projects:

2024-2025

A Practical Roadmap for Innovating Physicians – Dr. Janny Ke & Dr. Alana Flexman
The project aimed to produce a visual roadmap/toolkit of the stages of implementing innovation projects in medicine. Project leads worked closely with PHC Innovarium staff and a graphic artist to document a clear methodology, beginning with an initial swimlanes flowchart, through to a detailed mapping of significant project milestones and, ultimately, a web-based visual tool (an interactive infographic) that can be shared with all medical staff interested to embark on innovation projects. Project leads also collected wisdom from leading medical innovators in targeted interviews and have developed a future state recommendations document with a vision towards sustainably linking physician-led Innovation projects to PHC support and resources. The final roadmap infographic tool (take it for a test drive!) is now available to PHC medical staff (June 2025); there is also potential for regional sharing of the tool.

Introduction of Immediate Lymphatic Reconstruction (ILR) after Axillary Lymph Node Dissection (ALND) for Breast Cancer at Providence Health Care – Dr. Melina Deban & Dr. Kathryn Isaac
This multidisciplinary project involving Plastic Surgery and Breast Surgical Oncology has brought together stakeholders to develop supporting pieces of a trial surgical program that addresses the complication of lymphedema in 20-30% of breast cancer survivors following axillary lymph node dissection. During the project, the group developed data-informed inclusion and exclusion criteria for the ILR procedure, as well as drafted and finalized a patient-facing perioperative information sheet that is in early use. Given success of the trial program (supported by data), the group has begun the work of developing a clinical pathway with a view to operationalizing the use of the ILR technique at PHC. The project leads also presented their early findings at the November 2024 BC Cancer Agency Summit.

2022

Connecting the Dots: Improving Health Service Delivery for Individuals with a Substance Use Disorder at St. Paul’s Hospital Though Interdisciplinary Collaboration– Dr. Seonaid Nolan
A project to bring together key service providers within SPH through in-person meetings, to contribute feedback regarding the current system of care for patients with a substance use disorder at SPH and identify opportunities for improvement.

2021

COVID-19 PPE Simulations Project – Dr. Jeanne Macleod
One of four COVID-19 simulation projects funded through one-time extraordinary contingency funding. This project will develop educational resources (instructional videos), and real time simulation to prepare ED physicians for the second wave of the COVID 19 pandemic, with a focus on when ED physicians need to don PPE for an intubation in the ED.

Establish a virtual/COVID-safe model for all multidisciplinary clinical rounds at PHC – Dr. Wei Xiong & Dr. Lik Hang Lee
One of seven COVID-19 projects funded through one-time extraordinary contingency funding. Involves setting up a virtual model of multidisciplinary clinical rounds (MDCs) that will function during social distancing periods, to allow for improved rounds implementation for off-site attendees or with members from multiple institutions even during non-COVID times (thus reducing travel times), and for rounds to continue uninterrupted in the event of a second or subsequent wave of COVID that is expected to occur.

Integrated Online Patient Pathway Portal for Complex Pain Patients – Dr. Jill Osborn
A project implementing an integrated online patient pathway of Pain Clinics at SPH that is accessible by physicians and allied health care professionals (AHPs).

Pathology Grossing Camera and Communication System – Dr. Lik Hang Lee
A collaborative project to spearhead the creation of a system of real-time communication with surgeons, technologists, and pathology assistants remotely (especially at MSJ) to correctly gross pathology specimens, understand the areas of clinical importance, document the gross pathology, and correctly choose tissue for research purposes, through the development of a pathology gross camera system with remote operations. The intention is to improve patient outcomes by improving the accuracy of communication, currently achieved only by description over the phone with no visual.

PHC Integrated Clinical Care Post-COVID Clinic – Dr. Nardia Strydom, Dr. Jane McKay, Dr. Adeera Levin
One of seven COVID-19 projects funded through one-time extraordinary contingency funding. The goal was to guide the set-up of a post-COVID clinic at PHC that aligned its practices and protocols with the PHSA-led initiative to establish standardized post-COVID care across BC. Jointly funded by Shared Care.

Surgical Coaching Program – Dr. Jane Lea
A project to pilot a surgical coaching program at PHC that fosters a culture of lifelong learning and self-reflection among experienced practicing surgeons, while promoting and supporting the use of personalized coaching as a tool to facilitate this. The intention is to demonstrate the first model of its kind in Canada, and encourage national adoption of such a program here.

Transforming MRI Scheduling: Optimization for Clerical Staff & Radiologist – Putting Patients First – Dr. Darra Murphy
A project to create a smart system that intercepts the requisitions coming in from central intake and triages them into broad categories.

2020

COVID-19 Resuscitation, Airway and PPE Preparation – Dr. Jeff Yoo
One of four COVID-19 simulation projects funded through one-time extraordinary contingency funding. Dr. Yoo’s team implemented changes in intubation, PPE, and equipment preparation to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 disease transmission to health care providers during intubation. Click here for final report.

How to Engage Physicians and Health Care Providers in the Treatment of Patients with Fragility Fracture- Dr. Sabrina Gill
A project to optimize the recognition of patients who present with fragility fractures presenting to physicians at St. Paul’s Hospital and to develop an effective and efficient process to optimize assessment and treatment of osteoporosis and to develop an awareness of the role of a fracture liaison service. Click here for final report. 

Innovation, Collaboration & Creating Partnership: A Proposal – Dr. Alan Rabinowitz
A project creating discrete networks of primary care providers linked with a formal network of specialists from PHC. One of the main deliverables is to implement a shared charter complete with relationship-building activities.

Multidisciplinary Team Engagement – Dr. Jeanne Macleod
A project to develop a sustainable Simulation Program, to promote team building, encourage multidisciplinary learning, improve patient care, and foster better relationships between departments.

Telling the Story of PHC’s Involvement with the Supercluster – Dr. Amin Sajan/ Mr. Justin Karasick
The project developed a series of videos, one for each of the four SuperCluster projects (one video is pending). The purpose is to build momentum and excitement around PHC’s role in the Supercluster, and demonstrate how medical staff are contributing to the development and achievement of plans and innovation initiatives that directly affect physicians. Videos will be shared widely with multiple internal and external audiences via PHC’s communications strategy.

State of the Art Teaching and Learning Through Simulation at SPH – Dr. Jeanne Macleod
A project to establish a simulation committee with representatives from different departments and governance structure, intended to enable physicians’ groups who wish to develop simulation programs to get together and collaborate and create a culture of learning and innovation at SPH.

SPH 10C Multidisciplinary Case Rounds Pilot – Dr. William Connors
A project reviewing historical and educational cases in the Urban Health Infection Unit at SPH (UHIU-SPH/10C) to obtain clarification of patient care plans and in the long run to build a framework of the ideal multidisciplinary rounds.

Utilization Dashboards Proof of Concept – Dr. Dan Holmes & Dr. Janet Simons
Rapid access to hospital testing utilization data is hampered by slow connections to SQL databases, slow queries (hours), latency in loading data onto desktop computers for analysis, and potential privacy concerns. This project successfully showed how these problems might be overcome by creating a dashboard tool that runs real-time rapid queries through a distributed computing solution with the Apache Spark platform.

2019

Data Science for Doctors – Dr. Dan Holmes and Dr. Janet Simons
A project introducing physicians to basic data handling and visualization, and providing tools to facilitate reproducible research using the R statistical programming language. Click here for final report.

Data Science for Doctors, February 1st – 2nd 2019, at Doctors of BC.

Decreasing departmental costs through price awareness – Dr. David Agulnik
A project engaging hospital administration to make the true cost of the disposable supplies/products on a per-use basis visible to hospital staff, to create less waste and/or find lower cost alternatives. Click here for final report.

Development of a high-fidelity mannequin for E-CPR (ECMO-facilitated CPR) simulations – Dr. David Agulnik
A project to modify a CPR mannequin to enable high fidelity simulations for a cutting-edge complex procedure in which ER physicians and surgeons perform ultrasound guided cannulation of both femoral vessels while CPR is being done. Click here for final report.

Enhancing the Continuum of Stroke Patient Care – PHC – Dr. Evan Kwong
A project facilitating interaction and engagement between front-line physicians who are involved in the care of stroke patients at PHC, and with PHC and VCH, around the efficiency, timeliness, and complexity of patient-centered stroke care, rehabilitation, and complex discharge needs. Click here for final report.

Enhancing Quality of Life in Long Term Care – Dr. Ken Tekano & Dr. Marcus Greatheart
A Distinguished Speaker dinner event entitled “Rethinking Autonomy, Risk and Human Rights: A Relational Approach” with speaker Dr. Al Power. This was a discussion to reflect on improving quality of life and care practices for dementia patients, who face restricted participation in decision-making when in long term care. Around 60 participants attended from Dept of Family Medicine, Div of Residential Care, Emergency Medicine, and Social Work.​

Cerner/CST – Conversations that Matter to Physicians – Dr. Victor Leung
A project engaging physicians from three Health Authorities (VCH, PHSA, and PHC) to understand how Cerner/CST will change the workplace. The main goal was to create a coordinated list of priorities shared by all physicians to improve the system. For the full report, please contact pass@providencehealth.bc.ca

Learn more about the Partnerships Pillar.

This pillar group was established after 2021, so the first round of PASS-funded projects covered under this pillar were launched in summer of 2024.

2024-2025

Improving Indigenous Health Experiences through Indigenous Guided Resident Teaching – Dr. Todd Sakakibara & Dr. Betty Calam & Dr. Cheryl Francispragasam
With the aim of reviewing and improving resident education pieces on culturally safe care, informed by Indigenous clinical experience, the project leads first established a relationship with PHC Indigenous Wellness leadership at Providence and UBC School of Medicine to align their visions for the project. An Indigenous physician, Dr. Cheryl Francispragasam, was contracted through this project to lead the work of performing a thorough curriculum review, with input from local Elders and knowledge-keepers, and create a comprehensive set of recommendations for updating the education pieces. Beginning in May 2025, these recommendations are now being widely circulated amongst curriculum development leadership at UBC. A major impact of this work has been the formation of an SPH Family Medicine Residency Site Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility Working Group, facilitated by Dr. Connor Wyell. Discussion so far includes plans to reconnect with PHC’s Director of Indigenous Wellness & Reconciliation, to explore next steps, and to share the recommendations report with PHC’s Director of Medical Education. One of the most important aspects of this project was devoting time for networking, listening, and developing deeper relationships with Elders, knowledge keepers, residents, local community leaders and faculty. The project team received feedback that the pace and respectful approach taken by Dr. Francispragasam enhanced trust and opened possibilities for ongoing creative work and co-facilitation of teaching.

ED/Anesthesia Nerve Block initiative – Dr. Rahim Manji & Dr. Trina Montemurro
This project funded three anesthesia physicians to deliver a one-day multidisciplinary education workshop in April 2024, in collaboration with Emergency Department staff, to improve pain management in hip fracture and rib fracture patients presenting to the Emergency Department through the use of nerve block as a treatment option.

Learn more about Physician Input to Governance here.

Completed Projects:

2019

Enhancing Physician Input into Development and Review of Interdisciplinary and Nursing Practice Standards – Dr. Martin Trotter
An opportunity for physician experts and stakeholders have input into the development and review of interdisciplinary and nursing practice standards.

Palliative Care: Physician Governance in Action to Support Program Change – Dr. Julia Raudzus/Dr. Gil Kimmel 
A project identifying the key elements to better support program change with physicians and Allied Health Professionals (AHP) in the Palliative Care team. Possible implementation of such learning will be shared with another team with a similar working model.

Learn more about Medical Staff and the New St. Paul’s Hospital here.

Completed Projects:

2021

Centralized Referral Intake for elbow, wrist, and hand problems   – Dr. Jeff Pike
A project to implement a centralized simpler referral process by decreasing waiting time to less than 3 months for patients with elbow, wrist and hand problems within 8 months of implementation at SPH.

Development of the multidisciplinary surgical skills laboratory – Dr. Kathryn Isaac
A project to establish a working group of surgeons for the new surgical simulation center under an overarching SPH Simulation center.

2019

Redevelopment and Modernization of Acute Internal Medicine Service at SPH – Dr. Terence Yung
Develops a proposal on the structure and operation of a new acute medicine service at the current and new SPH with strong input from the physician community. Click here for final report. 

St. Paul’s Emergency Department Redevelopment Engagement Initiative – Dr. Mattias Berg, Dr. Julian Marsden
A project to increase emergency physician (EP) awareness and engagement into the planning for the new ED. Foundational to this is a a new vision of how we provide care for patients in the future.

2018

Learning from other Palliative Care Teams – Dr. Gil Kimel
Funded by the PASS “Facility Tours – Conference Extender” program. A project to provide meaningful contributions to the design details (not overall structural layout) of the new Palliative Care Unit in the new SPH, by visiting and learning from other Palliative Care Units. Click here for final report. 

Learnings from Kaiser Permanente  – Dr. Jeff Pike
A project proposing actionable items to advance the Facility Engagement (FE) mission from a 3-day visit to a successful health care organization.

Re-engaging Family Physicians with PHC – Dr. Fraser Norrie
A series of evening consultations to re-engage community family physicians who have or once held privileges at PHC, determine their priorities, get their input into redevelopment, and support them to move into leadership and governance roles. Click here for final report. 

Learn more about Medical Staff and the New St. Paul’s Hospital here.