World Menopause Day: October 18th

page 14

October 2010

Floods affect 21 million in Pakistan

page 12

ALARM in Haiti: report and photos

page 13

The SOGC’s clinical practice guidelines page 3

2 October•2010

Below is a tentative schedule for upcoming guidelines that will be published by the SOGC. Please note that the publication dates listed are subject to change. All guidelines are published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada (JOGC) and are available on the SOGC website, www.sogc.org.

October• AsymptomaticEndometrialThickening(English)

November• RecurrentUrinaryTractInfection(Englishand

French) • AsymptomaticEndometrialThickening

(French)

Upcoming clinical practice guidelines

Conference on Best Practices in Perinatal Care. An interdisciplinary reflection on the early stages of life.

Two days of exchanges geared to strengthening our confidence in our natural ability to carry and bear children, and to nurture them physically, mentally and spiritually.

www.birthingtheworld.com

CMA honours Dr. W. A. Ralph Cooke

SOGCmemberDr.W.A.RalphCookewasrecently recognized by the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) for his contributions to the medical field.Dr.Cookewasawardedanhonorary membership at the CMA’s2010GeneralCouncil,held in Niagara at the end of August.Theassociationbestowsthis honour on those who have distinguished themselves by their attainments in medicine, science or the humanities, or who have rendered significant services to the association. Honorary members enjoy all the rights and privileges of the association, but are not required to pay any fees.

Dr.Cooke,originallyfromGaspé,studiedmedicineatMcGillUniversity.Followinghisspecialization in obstetrics and gynaecology in 1962,hebeganhislong-standingaffiliationwithMontréal’sQueenElizabethHospital,whichincluded15yearsaschiefoftheobstetrics

andgynaecologydepartment.Dr.CookealsopracticedattheRoyalVictoriaHospital

andtheMontrealGeneralHospital.In1999hewasnamedObstetricianandGynecologistEmeritusoftheMcGillUniversityHealthCentre.Dr.Cookewasaprofessorattheuniversity for many years.

Dr.Cooke’spost-retirementactivities are as impressive as

his accomplishments during his exemplarycareerinMontréal.Hehas

beenamedicalvolunteerinUganda,Yemenand Sudan, and for many years he provided locum support in northern Newfoundland and Labrador.In2003hewasawardedtheQueen’sGoldenJubileeMedalforworkdoneinUgandaandwiththeInuit.

He has also received several volunteer recognitionawardsfromtheSOGC’sInternationalWomen’sHealthProgramforhisdedicatedworkoverseas.

QuébecCity,Quebec

3October•2010

indexing the guidelines several years ago, we have standardized the production process to ensure bothefficiencyandquality.And,asaresult,ourguidelinesarerespectedworld-wide,andreferredto by the World Health Organization and other professional ob/gyn societies.

Of course, our primary goal is to provide a valuableserviceforourmembership.Ifwecanidentify a need, research and analyse data, and come out with a guideline that is relevant totheCanadianhealth-caresystemandhasclear recommendations and helpful clinical tips, we have done our job well. By frequently collaborating with other Canadian professional associations to produce joint guidelines, we are able to build consensus and produce comprehensive guidelines that are respected throughoutthehealth-caresector.

Theneedforneworupdatedguidelinesisdriven by new developments in the industry orconcernamongthepublic,andIbelievewe do a great job of responding to these changes and needs. For example, recent concerns from the public about a grey area in our position on pelvic exams performed by medical trainees prompted us to respond with an updated version of this guideline that more explicitlystatesourposition.Thisyear,weproduceda32-pagealcoholuseandpregnancysupplement, endorsed by eight Canadian organizations, which we hope will be a useful tool for screening and counselling women.

Coming up in the next few months will be guidelines on abnormal uterine bleeding and cervicalcancerscreening.Iknowmanyofyouwill find these of great help on a regular basis; and there will, of course, be many others to come.Asalways,wevaluefeedbackfromourmembers – please don’t hesitate to contact us.

What’sthemostpopularlinkontheSOGC’shome page? Our clinical practice guidelines. Everymonth,nearly10,000peopleaccesstheseonlinedocuments.There’snodoubtthatprintcopies, published and distributed through the JOGC, are put to good use on a regular basis, too.TheSociety’sguidelinesareinvaluabletoolsforhealth-careprofessionals,administrators,policymakers,researchers,mediaandthepublic,including women who are concerned about their own health.

We should all be very proud of our committees, whicharemadeupofhard-workingvolunteers;throughout the year, they are constantly reviewing and updating past guidelines or developing new ones.Theentireprocess—fromidentifyinganeed to reviewing the literature, from participating inteleconferencesorface-to-facemeetingstowritingorrewritingaguideline—isdoneasworkinkind.Theproductofthisdedicationisupto20publishedguidelines,policystatements,and committee opinions each year, and reflects emerging clinical and scientific advances in obstetrics, gynaecology and related specialties. IntegraltothisprocessistheSOGC’smedicalresearchanalystBeckySkidmore,whoprovidessupport for all guidelines in development. And after a committee has come out with a guideline, the document is passed to the SOGC staff: it is formatted and edited for consistency with other guidelines,andinformationisverifiedandcopy-edited.WepublisheachguidelineinEnglishandFrench; the SOGC’s Martin Pothier does an excellent job of translating.

When it comes to the quality of documents that weproduce,Ibelieveweholdourselvestothehighest-possiblestandard;ourguidelinesusethelevels of evidence and grading as set out by the recently-reconstitutedCanadianTaskForceonPreventative Health. Since we began medically

The SOGC’S CliniCal praCTiCe GuidelineSBy Dr. Vyta Senikas, SOGC associate executive vice-president

Executive Committee• President: AhmedEzzat,MD,Saskatoon

• Past president: MichelFortier,MD,Québec

• President-elect: MarkHeywood,MD,Vancouver

• Executive vice-president: AndréLalonde,MD,Ottawa

• Treasurer: IanR.Lange,MD,Calgary

• Vice-presidents: WardMurdock,MD,Fredericton DouglasBlack,MD,Ottawa

Regional chairs, alternate chairs and other representatives • Western region: StephenKaye,MD,NorthVancouver RadhaChari,MD,Edmonton

• Central region: Margaret Burnett, MD, Winnipeg GeorgeCarson,MD,Regina

• Ontario region: WendyLynnWolfman,MD,Toronto William Mundle, MD, Windsor

• Quebec region: RobertSabbah,MD,Montréal CorinneLeclercq,MD,Ste-Foy

• Atlantic region: JoanCrane,MD,St-John’s Krista Cassell, MD, Charlottetown

• Junior member: ChristiePylypjuk,MD,Saskatoon

• Associate member (FP): WilliamJ.Ehman,MD,Nanaimo

• Associate member (RN-NP): JanetWalker,RN,Vancouver

• Associate member (RM): KimberleyCampbell,RM,Abbotsford

• APOG representative: AlanBocking,MD,Toronto

• Public representative: Ms.MaureenMcTeer,Ottawa

• Corresponding member: SenatorLuciePépin,Ottawa

Council 2010–2011

FloodinginPakistanhasaffectedanestimated21millionpeople–morethanthe2004IndianOceantsunami,the2005Kashmirearthquakeandthe2010Haitiearthquakecombined.See page 12 for information on how the SOGC is helping.

4 October•2010

An accredited Continuing Medical Education (CME) program by the SOGC

This CME program is offered in English.

the society of obstetricians and gynaecologists of canada780 Echo Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1S 5R7

Tel: 1-800-561-2416 or (613) 730-4192 Fax: (613) 730-4314 events@sogc.com www.sogc.org

In association with Ontario Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (OSOG)

Ontario CME Program Update in Obstetrics and Gynaecology

December 2–4, 2010 Toronto, Ontario, Marriott Downtown Eaton Centre

Scientific ProgramVisit our website for complete details – www.sogc.org

Hotel ReservationsToronto Marriott Downtown Eaton CentreStandard room: $169 per night single/double occupancyReserve before Friday, October 22, 2010Tel.: 1 (800) 905-0667, Group code: SOGCOnline reservation: www.sogc.org

Register online @ www.sogc.org

Upcoming meetings

SOGC meetings

Quebec CME Program in Obstetrics October21-22,2010 Montréal,QC

Ontario CME Program: Update in Obstetrics and Gynaecology December2-4,2010 Toronto,ON

International CME Program: Update in Obstetrics and Gynaecology February28–March4,2011 Ixtapa,Mexico

West/Central CME Program: Update in Obstetrics and Gynaecology March24–26,2011 LakeLouise,AB

Ontario CME Program: Update in Gynaecology and Mature Women’s Health April14–15,2011 Toronto,ON

67th Annual Clinical Meeting June21–25,2011 Vancouver,BC

Program schedule

Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Date

Montréal,QC . . . . . . . . . . . . .October23-24,2010 (offered in French - in conjunction with the

Quebec CME)

Toronto,ON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . December5-6,2010 (in conjunction with the Ontario CME)

Other meetings

Birthing the World November25to26,Québec,QC www.birthingtheworld.com

5October•2010

Call for abstraCtsDeaDline: Monday, January 24, 2011

For full details on the 2011 abstract Program, visit our website at www.sogc.org.

67th annual CliniCal meetingJune 21–25, 2011 The Westin Bayshore

vanCouver780 promenade Echo Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1S 5R7

Tel/Tél. : 1 800 561-2416 or/ou (613) 730-4192 Fax/Téléc. : (613) 730-4314 events@sogc.com www.sogc.org

the society of obstetricians and gynaecologists of canada

la société des obstétriciens et gynécologues du canada

Make learning a breezeVisit our website @ www.sogc.org

This CME Program is offered in English.

An accredited Continuing Medical Education (CME) program by the SOGC

the society of obstetricians and gynaecologists of canada780 Echo Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1S 5R7

Tel: 1-800-561-2416 or (613) 730-4192 Fax: (613) 730-4314 events@sogc.com www.sogc.org

Ixtapa, Mexico, Las Brisas ResortFebruary 28 – March 4, 2011

International CME Program Update in Obstetrics and Gynaecology

6 October•2010

WelCOme, new members

The SOGC is pleased to welcome some of the newest members to our society:International member: Dr. Amani Mohammed Alshaya; Dr. Ahmad Abdulelah Aljubali; Dr. Guillermo Castellanos Barroso; Dr.SalvadorEspinoySosa;Dr.JorgeGarciaVargas

Junior member: Dr. Fatmeh Al Dajani; Dr. Majed Shamsalden Faden;Dr.EmelineMaisonneuve;Dr.MitraRafati;Dr.MuhseenMohamedYusuf;Dr.AudreyBinette;Dr.JoannJames;Dr.LeihlaMichaelsen

Junior member (FP):Dr.NancyCote;Dr.VirginieDeslauriers;Dr. VeroniqueFournier;Dr.Marie-EstherLabelle;Dr.EmilieLeblanc;Dr.AnnieThibault;Dr.KatieYu;Dr.ShajanAhmed;Dr. JessicaChiles;Dr.MonaEffendi;Dr.GinaGariHiggins;Dr. ClaudineRancourt

Life member: Dr. Bernard Greisman

Associate member (FP):Dr.JuneC.Carroll;Dr.RaghadJalealHasan,Jr.;Dr.MartineRobichaud;Dr.DanelUngerer;Dr.LouwDeLangeGreyling;Dr.OluyeleAdenikeMakinde;Dr.GenevieveRivest;Dr.KatherineSorenson;Dr.MariusVerdoorn

Ob/Gyn member:Dr.KristinFinkenzeller;Dr.OlusegunAbayomiOyewole

Associate member (RN-NP):Mrs.KellyBergson,CRN;Mrs.JulieElizabethGoldstein,RN;Ms.MartineLavoie,RN;Mrs.ColleenA.Mackulin;Ms.JenniferWest;Mrs.HeatherElands,RN;Ms.MelanieL’Archer;Ms.GenevieveMichaud;Mrs.DianneParsons;MissTracyAnnRobitaille

Associate member (RM):Ms.LisaDawnHarcus,RM;Ms.EliseSimone Williamson

Associate member (Students in health-care training): Ms. LinaAl-Imari;Mr.HarrisonMatthewBanner;Ms.Samia-Maude Chouinard; Ms. Cindi Cohen; Ms. Sarah Dello Sbarba; Miss ReneeMarieFarrell;Ms.KatieHoenselaar;MissAbbeirHussein;Ms.CarolKing;Ms.SiminaR.Luca;Ms.JanetMcMullen;Ms.MaikeMilkereit;Ms.LyannePinto;MissElizabethAnneRandle;Ms.EmilySiu;Mrs.WendyThomson;Ms.SabrinaYao;Ms. DinaRyanDavidson;Ms.AshleyDyson;MissChantalFerre;Mrs.LynnMarieHendrick;MissAlexandraHodgson;Ms.ChristineLau;Mr.EmanRamadan;Ms.KaylaM.Sheppard;Ms.MinaTohidi;MissKathyTruong

TribuTe TO Dr. Seang Lin Tan

Dr.SeangLinTan,chairofthedepartment of obstetrics and gynaecologyatMcGillUniversity,is leaving the position following a decade-longtenurethatsawgreattransformation in the field.

Inhisroleaschair,andasgynaecologist-in-chiefattheMcGillUniversityHealthCentre(MUHC),Dr.Tanhasbroughtgenerational change to the challenges of human infertility, assisting countless families and positioning the university attheforefrontinthisfield.In1996,hefoundedtheMcGillReproductiveCentreand steadily expanded its capabilities through exceptional research and commitment.Dr.Tanandhisteamofspecialistshaveachievedin-vitrofertilization(IVF)pregnancy rates that are among the highest in the world.

Aninternationallyregardedinfertilityexpert,Dr.TanisalsoviewedasapioneerinthesimplificationoftheIVFprocess.HeledtheMcGillteamthatproducedtheworld’sfirstairtransportIVFandintra-cytoplasmicsperminjectionpregnancies.HeandhisteamwerethefirstinCanadatousein-vitromaturationofhumanoocytesforthetreatmentofinfertility,aswellasin-vitromaturationandvitrificationofoocytestopreservefertilityinyoungwomenundergoingcancertreatment.UnderDr.Tan’sinnovativeleadership,histeamcreatedtheMcGillCryoleaf,whichprotectstheeggasitundergoessuper-rapidcooling,increasingitssurvivalratetoapproximately90percent.Asaresultofthisgroundbreakingwork,theteamwasthefirstintheworldtoachievealivebirthfromaneggthatwasmaturedthroughIVF,vitrifiedandthenthawed.

Duringhistermaschair,Dr.Tanwasastrongadvocateofscholarshipandresearchwithin the department. He was responsible for the creation of eight fellowship awards: theBrianLittleFellowshipinReproductiveMedicine,theRobertKinchFellowshipinObstetricsandGynecology,theRobertUsherFellowshipinPerinatology,theFrederickNaftolinFellowshipinReproductiveMedicine,theCharlesW.McDougallFellowshipinReproductiveMedicine,twoWomen’sHealthFellowshipsinReproductiveMedicineandafellowship in advanced gynecologic endoscopic surgery.

Dr.Tanwasalsothedrivingforcebehindthecreationoftwoendowedchairs:theMiltonLeongChairinReproductiveMedicineandtheRichardCruessChairinReproductiveBiology.

WhileDr.TanhassteppeddownaschairoftheMcGilldepartment,andasobstetricianandgynaecologist-in-chiefattheMUHC,heremainswiththeMcGillcommunitytoinspirethenext generation in the field and continue on his exceptional path of discovery and care.

TheSOGCcongratulatesDr.Tanonhisbrilliantcareerandwisheshimwellforthefuture.

Members’ corner

Dr. Tan

7October•2010

updaTe On The Aboriginal Health Initiatives Committee

TheAboriginalHealthInitiativesCommittee(AHIC)metinJuneattheSociety’sAnnualClinical Meeting to discuss projects and partnerships, as it gears up for a busy year ahead.Thecommitteewillbeinstrumentalinmoving ongoing core activities forward, as well as developing some exciting new projects:

· The International Indigenous Women’s Health Symposium at the 2011 ACM

· The Wabano Mamawi Centre expansion project

· The Aboriginal Community Birthing Strategy

· The Aboriginal Sexual Health Rights and Access Campaign

· Aboriginal Education Sessions for CME events

Notable member changesOn behalf of the SOGC and its membership, theAHICthanksDr.PierreLessard,whowasa founding member of the committee and whohasworkedtirelesslyindeveloping

Members’ corner

TheAHICisalsocreatinganewwebsitetokeepourmembers and partners informed about the SOGC’s importantworkinAboriginalwomen’shealth.

Stay tuned for news about the upcoming launch.

policies, guidelines and partnerships, as well as advocating. Dr. Lessard has announced this year that he is resigning as a core member of the committee,butwillcontinueworkingwiththegroup as a corresponding member.

Inpreparationforthebusyyearahead,thecommitteewelcomedDr.SandradelaRondeasco-chair.Dr.Wilson,theseasonedchair,didsomereliefworkinHaitithissummerandwelcomestheadditionalsupport.Dr.delaRondehasmanyyearsofexperienceworkingwiththeExecutiveCommittee and Council of the SOGC; her expertise and familiarity with the functions and processes of the Society will be a definite asset to theworkoftheAHIC.

A new core member of the committee, Dr. Ojistah Horn, has also joined the group as the newrepresentativefortheQuebecRegion.

Contact info

FormoreinformationabouttheAHIC,pleasecontact Jennifer Ferrante, Aboriginal Health InitiativesCoordinator,atjferrante@sogc.comor1-800-561-2416,extension260.

Dr. Wilson and Dr. de la Ronde at the Annual Clincal Meeting, with Dr. Lessard,

who displays a rare medical textbook which he generously donated to the SOGC archive.

Back row from left: Dr. Pierrre Lessard, Dr. Ralph Hale, Dr. Don Wilson, Dr. Sandra de la Ronde, Ms. Elizabeth Harrold, Dr. Robin Johnson, Dr. Darrien Rattray, and Ms. Sylvie Cadrin. Front row from left: Dr. Bing Guthrie, Ms. Natsiq Kango, Ms. Lucy Barney, Ms. Jennifer Ferrante, and Dr. Ojistah Horn.

8 October•2010

Junior member news

Exciting events at the University of CalgaryBy Caroline Le Jour, PGY-4 Obs/Gyn at the University of Calgary and representative for Western Canada on the Junior Member Committee

Calgaryisaveryactivecity;IthinkwehaveNorthAmerica’s greatest cycling paths, and the city is always floodedwithcyclistsandrunners.TheproximityoftheRockyMountainsalsomakesforincredibleweekendsofhikingorskiing.However,residencyisastressfuland demanding time when sacrifices have to be made, oftenattheexpenseofourpersonalwell-being.Stressatworkcanaffectourleisuretimeandinterpersonalrelationships, and prevent us from getting involved in our colleagues’ lives outside of the hospital. With this inmind,theresidentsattheUniversityofCalgaryhavetakenstepstoencouragestaff-residentinteractionsoutsideoftheworkplace,whilepromotinganactiveand healthy lifestyle.

Traditionally,residentshaveenjoyedafulldayofffromdutiestojoinavailablestaffforadayofskiinginBanff,rewardingusforourhardwork.Giventhesuccessofthis day, we have added even more activities in recent years.Thispastyearwasoursecondannual‘PelvicCup’icehockeygame,andweareproudtoannouncethat the residents were victorious! We also held our inaugural curling challenge, which was quite amusing as most of us had never before set foot on a curling rink.Morerecently,weheldahikeandBBQdayinCanmorethatwasagreatsuccess.WearealllookingforwardtoourupcomingTexasscramblegolfday.

Ithasbeenveryrefreshingtogatheroutsideofourworkenvironmentandenjoyeachother’scompany(and competitive nature). While it is not always possibleforallresidentstobeoff-dutytoparticipate,we hope that having multiple activities throughout the year will allow for most of us to attend at least afewevents.Wearestillworkingtoimprovestaffparticipationbyschedulingeventsoutsideofworkhours but, of course, taunting them with a friendly staff-versus-residentcompetitionalwaysworks!

University of Calgary residents recently enjoyed a day of hiking and barbequing together in Canmore.

Residents at the inaugural curling challenge.

9October•2010

Junior member news

repOrT frOm JapanBy Dr. Kristina Arendas

InAprilofthisyear,Ihadthe privilege of representing the SOGC’s Junior Member Committee at the 6th InternationalSeminarforJuniorFellows,heldinTokyo.Thisseminarwaspartofthe62nd Annual Congress of the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Everyyear,tworesidentsand one fellow from Canada are part of an exchange withJapan.Thisyear,Dr.Ashley Waddington (Halifax), Dr. TannisVause(REIfellowfrom Ottawa) and myself were selected to attend. We went to the conference in Japan, and Japanese “young doctors” (as they called us in Japan!) attended theSOGC’sAnnualClinicalMeetinginMontréal.

TheJuniorFellowsseminarwasadiscussionsession attended by residents and young ob/gyns from many countries including Canada, theU.S.,Korea,ChinaandJapan.Weweredividedintogroupsofeightto10andchosea topic for discussion prior to the conference. We prepared a short presentation on this topic asitpertainstoourcountryoforigin—mygroupdecidedtodiscussHPVvaccination.Othergroupstalkedaboutsubjectssuchasmedicalandob/gyntraining,workhoursandhomeversushospitalbirths.Eachgroupshareda summary of their discussion with everyone at theendofthesession.Itwasaveryinterestingandeye-openingconference.Ilearnedaboutthe medical systems in developed Asian

countries such as Japan and Korea, and some of the issues their trainees and young ob/gyn’s face —whicharenotallthatdifferentfromwhatwehavehere!Though,toworkinauniversitycentre, many of the Japanese “residents” havetocompleteanMD-PhDandbeheavilyinvolvedinresearch.InadditiontotheJuniorFellowsseminars,IattendedtheoralandposterpresentationsessionsaspartoftheEnglishportion of the Annual Congress, where ob/gyns from several different Asian countries presented their research.

Wealsogottoknowsomeoftheotherattendeeson a more personal level, as we were invited to severaldinnersandthe“YoungDoctors’Party.”TheJapanesepeopleareverywelcomingandgenerous.Itwasgreatgettingtoknowsomeofthem.

BecauseJapanisnotaroundthecorner,Itookoneofmyweeksofvacationtogototheconference.Luckily,myhusbandwasabletotake

time off and join me! We both love travelling, so we cherished this opportunity to explore a new country and culture. Prior to the conference, we visited Kyoto, the old imperial city, which is the hubofJapanesetraditionalculture.Itisfilledwith heritage sites, shrines and ancient temples to explore. Oh, and let’s not forget delicious food!! After spending some time discovering Kyoto,wemadeourwaytofashion-forwardandtech-savvyTokyo.Withitsshoppingdistricts, architectural achievements and sushi shops,Tokyodefinitelydoesnotlackintheentertainmentandthings-to-dodepartments!

WehadagreattimeinJapan.Ihighlyrecommendavisittothislovelycountry,andIencourage all the residents to participate with theSOGCJuniorMemberCommittee.It’sagreat way to get involved in resident issues at a national level, a great learning experience, and may also be an opportunity to travel and explore the field of ob/gyn internationally, too!

10 October•2010

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11October•2010

inTrOduCinG the Canadian Association for Perinatal and Women’s Health Nurses

Thenewly-createdCanadianAssociationofPerinatal and Women’s Health Nurses (CAPWHN, pronounced “capwin”) aims to promote excellence in nursing practice, leadership, education and research in the areas of perinatal andwomen’shealthcare.Itsgoalistoimprovethe health and health care of women, newborns and families through the following objectives:

1.Facilitatingnetworking,sharingandlearningamong nurses in the perinatal and women’s health specialties.

2.Promotingevidence-basedpracticethroughnurses’ participation in the development of standards, policies, guidelines, policy statements and programs related to perinatal and women’s health care.

3.Supportinglifelonglearningforperinataland women’s health nurses by promoting andprovidingcontinuingnursingandinter-professional learning opportunities.

4.Providingmentorshipopportunitiesinnursing practice, leadership, education and researchtonursesworkingwithwomen,newborns and families.

APOG announces new name, contact information

Effectiveimmediately,theAPOGisnowtheAssociation of Academic Professionals in Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

TheAPOGbeganasa‘professors’groupbackinthelate60s,andalthoughitisinclusiveof all educators in departments of obstetrics and gynaecology, it has been a challenge over the years to communicate this message to potentialmembers.Theassociation’snewnamemoreaccuratelydescribesitscomposition.TheAPOG hopes to broaden its membership base to include more family physicians, registered nurses, nurse practitioners, midwives, and physicianassistants,tonameafew—anyoneactively involved in teaching women’s health. Administrativepersonnelwhoaretaskedwiththe coordination and organization of scholarly activities at educational institutions are also active participants in the APOG.

Themissionoftheassociationwillnotchange.Thisnewnamesimplyreflectscurrentrealityandremoves potential limitations imposed by the old name.

Intandemwiththisnamechange,the APOG has also announced new telephone numbers.

Contact infoTelephone:613-321-0079Fax:613-321-0084Tollfree:1-877-414-APOG(2764)

5.Advocatingforinformedchoiceandfamily-centred care for Canadian women, newborns and families.

6.Collaboratingwithotherprofessionalgroups,aswellashealth-careandhealth-relatedorganizations.

7.Interactingandcollaboratingwithconsumers/consumer groups to promote perinatal and women’s health.

CreatingaCanadian-specificorganizationfornurses is an excellent way to meet the needs of Canadian women and childbearing families. For more information on this new organization and on how you can get involved, please contact Ms. Sylvie Paquette, executive director oftheCAPWHN,atadmin@capwhn.caor1-800-561-2416,extension266.

Youcanalsovisittheassociation’swebsite,www.CAPWHN.ca.

Theassociation’sFrenchnameistheAssociation canadienne des infirmières et infirmiers en périnatalité et en santé des femmes.

CerviCal CanCer aWareneSS Week: OCTOber 24-30, 2010Have you registered for the National Pap Test Campaign?

EveryyearinCanada,1,300to1,500womenarediagnosedwithcervicalcancerandalmost400womendieofthisdisease.Increasedscreeningfor cervical cancer has led to a tremendous reduction in the number of cases and deaths from the disease each year. Still, far too many women do not receive their regular Pap test and are dying needlessly from this largely preventable cancer.

Physicians and health-care professionals are invited to take a stand against cervical cancer DuringCervicalCancerAwarenessWeek,youare

invited to open your doors to provide Pap tests for women who do not have a family doctor or gynaecologist. Participating physicians and health-careprofessionalswillallowanywomantobookanappointmentordrop-inforaPaptestthroughouttheweekorforashorterperiodduringthatweek.Allparticipatingclinicswillbeprovidedwithapackageofcolourpostersandsupporting materials by mail.

Lookforthecampaignpostermailedwithprintcopies of this newsletter, or visit www.fmwc.ca for more information.

12 October•2010

The SOGC SuppOrTS relief effOrTS in pakiSTan

reestablish and strengthen access to maternal andnewbornhealth-careservicesthroughoutthecountry.HavingworkedcloselywiththeSOGPthroughmanagingtheFIGOSavingMothersandNewbornsprojectsinPakistan,theSOGCispleasedtomakeadonationintheamountof$10,000,tobeusedforreliefeffortswithinthethreehealth-carefacilitiesofthe Thattaregion.

TheSOGCencouragesallmemberstosupportthe SOGP’s efforts during this time of incredible need,bymakingadonationtotheCanadianFoundationforWomen’sHealth’sPakistanReliefFund. All donations received will be transferred directlytotheSOGPforuseintheThattaregionhealth-carefacilities,whicharealreadyinplaceandwhichwehaveworkedcloselywithsince 2006.

Let us show not only our generosity, but also our utmost dedication to ensuring safe motherhood for the most vulnerable populations.

SOGC members demonstrated outstanding generosity by donating funds for maternal and newborn health services in Haiti following adevastatingearthquakelastwinter.Inanynaturaldisaster,thelackofcleandrinkingwater,food,shelter,health-carefacilitiesandresources puts pregnant women in dire straits.

Pakistanisnowexperiencinghardshipssimilarto Haiti and, once again, our help is needed.

FloodinginPakistanhasaffectedanestimated21millionpeople–morethanthe2004IndianOceantsunami,the2005Kashmirearthquakeandthe2010Haitiearthquakecombined.Sadly, even though the floods have had such a devastating impact, there has been far less relief funding received from donors and the international community. Whether the shortfall of donations is due to a weariness of the stabilityofthePakistangovernmentorafatiguefrom continuous demands for donation, it does not change the situation: there is a great need in Pakistan,onethatwecannotignore.

The reality in PakistanMorethan200health-carefacilitiesthroughoutPakistanhavebeenwashedaway,leavingtheremaining clinics overcrowded and unable torespondtotheneedsofallpatients.Thereareapproximately500,000pregnantwomeninPakistanwhohavebeenaffectedbythefloodsandanestimated1.5millionwomenofreproductive age who will need services such as emergency obstetric care, family planning support and clinical response to sexual violence. Toexacerbatethesituationevenfurther,culturalfactors—suchasthePakistancustomoffemalepatients being treated only by female doctors —havecreatedanevengreaterdemandforhealth-careworkers.

ToaddressPakistan’shighmaternalmortalityrate(320ofevery100,000livebirths)beforetheflooding occurred, the Society of Obstetricians andGynaecologistsofPakistan(SOGP)hasbeenworkingtoimprovewomen’saccesstohealth-careservicesbyupgradingthreefacilitiesintheThattaregion.ThisispartoftheFIGOSavingMothersandNewbornsproject.Workinginpartnershipwiththe Swedish Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the SOGP has made great efforts to increase accessibility and improve the quality of care offered in the region.

Thisproject,whichwillcometoanendonOctober31,hashadmanysuccesses.Theseinclude ensuring the availability of essential equipment,suppliesanddrugs,providingin-servicetraining,ensuringthepresenceofskilledattendants, improving referral mechanisms, and increasing awareness of and demand for maternalhealth-careservicesatthecommunitylevel.Sincetheprojectstartedin2006,therehasbeen an increase in the number of antenatal clinic visits, the number of referrals and the number of women delivering within health facilities, as well as a decrease in the number of stillbirths.

How we can helpAftersomuchhardworkwasputintotheFIGOSaving Mothers and Newborns project, and so manysuccessescelebrated,itisverydifficulttoseethesetbackscausedbytheflooding.Incrediblechallengeslieahead.TheSOGPhasmobilized its members in all provinces to respond to the needs of flood victims, to provide mother and child services, to introduce health and hygiene education and motivation, and to train localmidwivesandfemalehealth-careworkers.Inparticular,theThattaareaofPakistan,wheretheFIGOprojectsareinplace,wasseverelyaffected and maternal needs are acute.

TheSOGPhassolicitedassistancefromFIGOmember associations to help its efforts to

Above: Maternal health-care organized by the SOGP at a flood-relief camp.

Left: A mother and her newly delivered baby at a flood-relief camp.

Visit www.cfwh.org to donate to the Canadian Foundation for Women’s Health Pakistan Relief Fund.

13October•2010

fOllOWup: alarm in haiTi

In the summer issue of the SOGC News was an article about the delivery of a modified ALARM course to Haiti’s upper-year medical students. In the earthquake-ravaged country, with their training facilities in ruins and programs halted, residents-to-be were in need of help to keep their education on track. The Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada organized a meeting last spring to explore ways in which concerned organizations could support the rebuilding and revitalizing process of the four main medical schools in Haiti. In August, the SOGC, in conjunction with the Société haïtienne d’obstétrique et de gynécologie (SHOG), ran a series of ALARM courses, offering an update in obstetrical practices. Over 150 medical students took part in these courses before they began their residencies this fall.

“ArrivinginPortauPrinceisashock,”saystheSOGC’sHélèneLanglois,whowasinHaitifacilitatingthisinitiative.“Eventhoughthemain roads are cleared and urban activity has resumed,theaftermathoftheearthquakeisvisibleeverywhere.Itisimpossibletobeunmoved as you pass camps that are home to so many people who have not only lost their homes, but also families and jobs.”

TheCanadianteamincludedMs.Langlois,Ms.LiseGagnon,Dr.FrancoisBeaudoin,Dr.RenéLalibertéandDr.Jean-CharlesPasquier.

“ALARMJunior,aswecalledit,wasverymuchneeded to prepare these students for their public service,” says Ms. Langlois. Pretest results of the medical students at the start of each

Students from the Université Notre-Dame with Haiti’s minister of health, Dr. Alex Larsen (centre, in suit); Ms. Hélène Langlois (far right); and Dr. Jean-Charles Pasquier (second from right).

A week before the Canadian team’s arrival, a group from the University of Sherbrooke had visited Port-au-Prince to provide surgical training to students at the University of Quisqueya. However, before this team could complete their mission, they had to return to Canada because of severe dehydration, fever and illness. Members of the Canadian SOGC delegation stepped in to give instruction in sterile scrubbing and use of surgical gloves, suturing and maintenance of airway.

course clearly demonstrated large gaps in their knowledge.

Fortunately,thefourthree-daycourseswerewell-receivedbyparticipants;post-coursefeedbackfromthestudentsandobservationsby the faculty demonstrated how valuable this extra training had been.

“We enabled them to not only acquire knowledge,butalsotoputthatknowledgeintopractice,” says Ms. Langlois. “And we were very pleased with how well the students progressed —thepositiveresultsintheirfinalevaluationsshowed how far they had come.”

TheCanadianteamalsolearnedfromtheirstudentsabouttherealityofhealth-care—andlife—inHaitirightnow.Manyofthemedicalstudentsworkedjobsatnight,withsomestillliving in the temporary camps.

“Itwasachallengetoremainprofessionalandnot become too emotional,” says Ms. Langlois. “We had to ensure that we gave the students the best training that we can offer.”

TheSOGCiscurrentlyexploringfundingtoreturntoHaititooffercontinuingALARMcoursetrainingforhealth-careprofessionals.

14 October•2010

Foundation, the Menopause Coalition was able to provide terrific information about how to achieve and maintain heart health, and what women can do to control cholesterol. Dr. Famida Jiwa, acting president of Osteoporosis Canada, encouragedwomentoincreasetheirdailyintakeofVitaminDinanarticleentitled,“Areyougetting enough of the sunshine vitamin?”

Eacharticleinthesupplementcreditedtheindividual organization that provided the article, as well as noting their membership in the Canadian Menopause Coalition, providing the Coalition with welcome exposure to their commitmenttoworktogetheronbehalfofwomen’s health.

TheCanadianMenopauseCoalitionmeetsagain on November 2 in Ottawa. For more information about the Coalition, and for a complete list of its members, please visit canadianmenopausecoalition.ca.

Canadian menOpauSe COaliTiOn leads National Post supplement

A women’s menopause health supplement, distributed by the National Post newspaper in late August, featured editorial content produced by members of the Canadian Menopause Coalition.

TheCanadianMenopauseCoalitionwasapproachedbythepublisherinlateJune,seekinginputonwhatkindsofissueswouldbestbecovered in such a supplement. Although it was short notice, Coalition Members jumped at the chance to influence and direct messaging about menopause and midlife aging that would be reachingtensofthousandsofCanadianwomen.Itwas an opportunity not to be passed up!

Staff at the SOGC collaborated closely with the contributing members of the Coalition and the supplement publishers, resulting in excellent coverageofkeywomen’shealthissuesatmidlife.Dr.VytaSenikas,associateexecutivevice-presidentoftheSOGC,setthestagefortheentire supplement by emphasizing the significant positive impact that lifestyle, nutrition and

exercise can have on preventing disease for everyone, but especially for women at midlife.

Dr. Margery Gass of the North American MenopauseSocietyprovidedkeymessagesaboutmakingthehormonetherapydecision.Ovarian Cancer Canada shared an inspirational story of a cancer survivor and the importance of early detection. A spotlight was put on incontinence and vaginal atrophy, two issues thatareoftenoverlookedorignoredbecausesometimes patients are too embarrassed tobroachthetopicwiththeirhealth-careprofessionals.WorkingwiththeCanadianCardiovascularSocietyandtheHeartandStroke

October 18th is World Menopause Day

World Menopause Day – a day to remember that more women than ever are entering the menopause transition and they are counting on us to provide them with the support they need to age gracefully – and healthfully!

WorldMenopauseDaywasinitiatedin1984bytheInternationalMenopauseSocietyandtheWorld Health Organization, to bring increased awarenesstomenopause.Everywomanexperiencesmenopause;yet,evenin2010,manydonotfeelcomfortabletalkingaboutthechangesin their bodies, minds and spirits as they approach midlife and menopause.

As leaders in women’s health, SOGC members are uniquely positioned to support Canadian

women during this pivotal time in their lives. Researchshowsthatwomenatmidlifeareready to refocus on their own needs: putting themselves“onthelist”,takingtimefornutritious food, regular exercise and stress reduction.Whenwomenaged40+visitusfortheirhealth-careneeds,let’staketheinitiative to open the conversation about menopause wellness, to provide them with theinformationtheyneedtomakeinformedchoices.Evidenceisgrowingthatimprovednutrition, lifestyle habits and regular exercise canhelptoreducetheriskforseriousdiseases,such as breast cancer and cardiovascular disease. Let’s pass this information along!

15October•2010

New resources

POWER Study: Diabetes chapter releasedThePOWERStudy(Projectforan Ontario Women’s Health Evidence-basedReport)hasreleased the Diabetes chapter of its comprehensive report on health inequities in Ontario. Thisnewchapterdetailspatterns of disparities in diabetes care in Ontario, which can be used to target interventions.Includedinthis chapter’s evaluation is information about prenatal care, obstetrical complications, and fetal outcomes.

ThePOWERstudyisproducingatwo-volumewomen’shealthreportthatwillserveasanevidence-basedtoolforpolicymakers,careprovidersandconsumers in their efforts to improve health and reduce health inequities among Ontario women.

Thischapterisavailablefordownloadatwww.powerstudy.ca.

Physician Health GuideTheRoyalCollegeofPhysiciansandSurgeonsofCanadahasdevelopedthe CanMEDS Physician Health Guide, a practical resource to help medical educators, clinical teachers, trainees and practising physicians prioritize and maintaingoodhealth.Thisfree,easy-to-accesstoolcanhelpyoudiscoverpractical and useful strategies for promoting physical, emotional and spiritualwell-being.

Containingreal-to-lifecasestudieswithresolutions,thisguidefocusesonrelevantcutting-edgetopicsandisintendedforawideaudiencethatincludesnot just residents and medical educators, but also physicians and their families. ItbuildsontheCanMEDSRolesFramework,andrelatesmostspecificallytothe professional role, a domain which addresses the ability of physicians to demonstrate a commitment to physician health and sustainable practice.

Thehandbookbreaksdownphysicianhealthconcernsinto10distinctchapters exploring topics such as life balance, collegiality, financial health andphysicianhealth-careneeds.Sinceitslaunch,theguidehasmetwithexcitementandinterestfromresidentsandeducatorsalike.

RoyalCollegememberscannowdownloadafreecopyofthehealthguide(loginrequired).AllotherscanorderaprintcopybyvisitingtheCanMEDSonline store, www.clicshop.com/stores/royal/.

Public education brochure for your office or clinicTheSOGCoffersaseriesofpubliceducationbrochuresforyourpatients;theseareexcellent resources to prepare patients for a medical appointmentortorefertoafterone.ThesebilingualbrochuresarereviewedbytheSOGC’ssubject-matterexperts and are based on the Society’s clinical practice guidelines.

Allbrochurescanbeorderedatwww.sogc.org—andallSOGCmembersreceiveadiscount.Printer-friendly digital versions can be downloaded for free.

Urinary Incontinence Thisnewpublicationistargetedatwomenwhoareexperiencing stress, urge or mixed incontinence. Itdiscussesthedifferenttypesofurinaryincontinence, and how these can be treated. Emphasisisplacedontheimportanceofgettinganaccurate diagnosis and following a treatment plan.

Menopause desk reference: Hormone Therapy Products Available in CanadaNew this month, and included with this mailing, the SOGC has published aphysiciandeskreferencethatprovidesbusyhealth-carepractitioners with an easy reference to all hormone therapy products currently available for use in Canada. All information is sourced fromproductmonographs.Iftherapeutics are required for the treatment of troublesome menopause symptoms, this handybookletwillhelpyoucounsel your patient on what might be the right choice for her.Youwillalsobeabletodownloadthebookletfromthe‘Resources’sectionofmenopauseandu.ca.

O N TA R I O W O M E N ’ S H E A LT H E Q U I T Y R E P O R T

DiabetesChapter 9

Improving Health and Promoting Health Equity in Ontario

A U T H O R SGillian L. Booth, MD, MSc, FRCPC Chapter Lead and Health Outcomes LeadLorraine L. Lipscombe, MD, MSc, FRCPC Chapter Lead and Health and Functional Status LeadOnil Bhattacharyya, MD, PhD, CFPC Access and Utilization of Care Lead and Screening, Assessment and Monitoring LeadDenice S. Feig, MD, MSc

Diabetes and Pregnancy LeadBaiju R. Shah, MD, PhD, FRCPC Pharmacological Treatment LeadAshley Johns, MScNaushaba Degani, PhD Beatrix Ko, BSc

Arlene S. Bierman, MD, MS, FRCPC

I N S I D E

Health and Functional Status•

Access and Utilization of Care•

Screening, Assessment and Monitoring •

Pharmacological Treatment•

Health Outcomes•

Diabetes and Pregnancy•

16 October•2010

Medical information: 1 888 666-0611 medicalinfo@duchesnay.com

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(1) Oláh K et al. The conservative management of patients with symptoms of stress incontinence: A randomized, prospective study comparing weighted vaginal cones and interferential therapy. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1990;162:87-92.

15 minutes, twice a day, for 3 months