ROMP Spring Workshop 2006

Like most workshops, there were the usual early morning sessions, packed days of networking and many moments of reasonable debate. This year’s 6th Annual Spring Workshop also included spectacular lakeside views, visits to local attractions and most
importantly, a fabulous line up of interesting presentations and sessions.

May 9th marked the first day of the three day workshop, which traditionally begins with the University and Education Coordinators Day. This year saw the largest group of coordinators yet, with 34 attendees coming from communities as well as administrators from Ontario’s medical schools. This day is put together so people from across the region can connect to discuss issues and share experiences with university representatives regarding medical student, clerk and resident rotations.

The Annual Faculty Development Workshop took place on day two and provided ROMP preceptors with the opportunity to network, develop new ideas and learn best practices from others. There were a number of interesting sessions including DME updates, interactive breakout sessions and a presentation on the ‘Problem Learner.’ Veteran ROMP preceptors Dr. Jeff Remington (Port Colborne) and Dr. Gary Smith (Orillia) also shared their teaching experiences, tips and tricks in their presentations entitled ‘Balancing it All’. It is no surprise that their ability to connect with and mentor learners have had positive impacts on their communities. In fact, five of Dr. Remington’s former trainees have returned to work in the Niagara region, including Dr. Kamatovic who Dr. Remington actually stood up for as best man. Wow, talk about preceptor - learner bonding! Overall, it was a packed agenda that according to Dr. Gene Dagnone rivaled that of the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada (AFMC) Conference.

The third day of the conference finished up with the Recruitment and Retention         Workshop. The morning began with a LHIN panel session that included Vic Sahai and Jill Tettmann from North Simcoe Muskoka and Sandra Hanmer from Waterloo Wellington. The session provided valuable information and a further understanding about the role of the LHIN in our communities. We were also honoured to have Dr. Joshua Tepper, (MOHLTC Assistant Deputy Minister) present an outline on the most recent health human resource strategies. Other MOHLTC representatives Linda Marsh and Sue Mills provided an update on the Underserviced Area Program (UAP).

International Medical Graduates (IMGs) were a hot topic for the day as well. Kelly Kay
(MOHLTC) discussed the IMG Ontario Program, Dr. Maureen Gottesman (UofT) shared a wealth of knowledge about community integration of IMGs and Carol Shapiro (CPSO) spoke to the Ready Practice Assessment Project. Provincial recruiter, Scarlet Hann joined us to share Newfoundland’s approach to physician recruitment which was then followed by a description of strategies used by the Ontario Provincial Police given by Tom Mungham. PAIRO representatives Susan Adair and Charlotte Kirby energized the audience with their interactive presentation on the Resident Placement Program (RPP) and the upcoming Recruitment Tour. Finally, best practices for Rural Medicine Week were shared by Frances Roesch (Brantford), while Alison Braun showcased the Economic Development Council video ‘Promoting Careers in Community Healthcare’.

With all the excellent speakers and topics, there was opportunity for a networking lunch in addition to fruitful discussion time as well as a question and answer period! Even though the storm had set in and we were left without power; a special thanks to the Fern Resort for accommodating us with a backup generator to power our speaker's audio visual presentations!

“Overall, I learned a lot and it gave me the information and ability to apply it to my daily work,” said Robyn Innis, a private recruiter from Caledon East. It was Innis’ first time attending the workshop. “But most of all, it gave me the drive to support myself and really give me the push to engage the town.”

“It’s actually my favourite workshop to go to because it applies to everything that I do…it answers all the burning questions,” said Denise Ellis, Coordinator of Medical Affairs from Ross Memorial Hospital in Lindsay .“The opportunity to hear other people’s stories to learn about their journey to get where they are is so interesting and important to my job. It helps me to understand and empathize where that person is coming from. It’s just a fabulous time to network with fellow peers, which is really the most important part.”

To get information or copies of presentations from the 2006 Spring Workshop please contact ROMP. Stay tuned for your ‘save the date’ announcement for the date and location of the 2007 ROMP Spring Workshop.