March 2014

An orthopedics journal recently recognized Dr. Michael Dunbar as one of the Top 22 North American Knee Surgeons. Orthopedics This Week (vol. 10, issue 6) described him as “an innovator who is helping to usher in a new way of thinking about total joint replacement.”   Michael is a professor of surgery in the Division of Orthopedics at Dalhousie University and director of research for orthopedics. 

The Bluenose Chapter of the Canadian College of Health Leaders has given the CEO Award for Leadership and Innovation to Lynn Edwards, Director of Primary Care, and Rick Gibson, Chief, District Department of Family Practice, at Capital Health. They were nominated by Barbara Hall for their transformation of Primary Health Care and the District Department of Family Practice through four areas of focus: wellness promotion, coordination, and risk factor management, access and urgent care, team approach to primary care and chronic disease and self management. This award recognizes an individual or team who has demonstrated leadership in innovation, has contributed to the quality and delivery of health services or the work life of employees through initiatives that have demonstrated measurable, sustainable outcomes. 

After a very strong completion process Safety and Injury Prevention is pleased to announce that Jennifer Bullman will be filling the vacancy of the Workers Compensation Board specialist. Jen has a strong background in Human Kinetics and experience as a claims manager for a local physiotherapy clinic prior to joining Capital Health in 2009 as a Rehabilitation Consultant.   

Dr. Evelyn Sutton, Division of Rheumatology has been recognized with the 2014 Teacher-Educator Award from the Canadian Rheumatology Association. She has authored a textbook, was program director for the adult rheumatology residency training program for 11 years and continues to be a much valued member of the rheumatology residency program committee. Her outstanding contribution to medical education has been recognized regionally and nationally and she is been a beloved teacher, mentor, and champion for medical students and residents since starting her career in Halifax. 

An electronic data management system for patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) has been recognized with a national LEADing practice award through Canada Health Infoway. The award was presented to Barbara Currie and Kelly Phalen-Kelly on Friday, Feb. 28 in Toronto. 

Brandon MacDonald, with central laundry in Dartmouth have been chosen as the recipient of a full scholarship to the American Laundry & Linen College. He has completed his Certified Laundry & Linen Management (CLLM) course last year and is now working towards his Registered Laundry & Linen Director (RLLD).

Shauna Thompson is the successful candidate for the role of Director, Laboratory & Pathology Medicine for a 2 year term beginning in April. Her 25-year career has provided her with vast knowledge and experience as an advocate for continuous quality improvement, improved patient care and the sustainability of laboratory services.  She takes over from  Fran O’Brien who has is retiring following several  years as Director of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine

Dr. Todd Howlett has been reappointed as Site Chief of Medical Staff, Dartmouth General Hospital for a second five-year term. Dr. Howlett was first appointed Site Chief of Medical Staff of Dartmouth General in 2008.  Since his initial term, he has continued to provide exceptional leadership and dedication to the hospital and District mandates.  Dr. Howlett has shown initiative and passion is his pursuit of quality patient care.

Congratulations to Joan Kearney with the Infection Prevention and Control team for passing the Certificate in Infection Control examination from the Certification Board for Infection Control and Epidemiology. This designation is internationally recognized and is quite a professional accomplishment.