Thank you CATC Physicians!
Thank you CATC Physicians!
May 1st is National Physicians’ Day, an opportunity to celebrate the dedication and expertise of our more than 70 specialised doctors who provide compassionate, evidence-based addiction treatment across our national care network. Doctors play a crucial role on the front lines of the deadly opioid overdose crisis. Their passion and commitment to supporting our patients is truly remarkable.
Our physicians in Ontario and British Columbia are health care leaders, working with patients and communities to provide lifesaving treatment at all stages of recovery. We connected with Dr. Yermus and Dr. Gill to get their perspectives on addictions medicine, and what being a part of the CATC care team means to them.
Our conversation with Dr. Ryan Yermus:
Why did you decide to practice addictions medicine, and what keeps you motivated in your work? I started practicing in addiction medicine 15 years ago in Kitchener in order to fill a need for doctors in the community and I never really looked back. I quickly realized how rewarding it could be to help people make positive changes in order to regain stability and improve their lives. In the current era of poison Fentanyl on the streets, the work has become even more rewarding as I am confident that we help to save lives daily.
What is your philosophy in providing care to our patients? I aim to meet people where they are at, working with them to meet their goals. For some that may be simply avoiding uncomfortable withdrawals. For others it may mean staying away from all drugs and regaining stability to return to work or repair relationships with loved ones. I try to help people move forward in a stepwise fashion while also recognizing that it is rarely a straight line to get there. Working through setbacks while keeping an eye on achieving the larger goal is an important concept that I try to work with people on.
What is the role of the Section on Addictions Medicine within the OMA, and what inspired you to run for election? I decided to run for a position with the OMA because I believe that the small group of doctors who practice addiction medicine need a larger voice at the table. Our patients are often marginalized and overlooked and I feel that it is important to advocate on their behalf.
What does your appointment to the Section on Addictions Medicine mean to you? I am glad to be trusted by my peers to lend a voice to them and their patients. I often try to speak to colleagues in order to get a sense of their needs so that I can raise them at the OMA level and work to improve the care that we are able to deliver.
Why is it so important that addictions medicine physicians are strongly represented within the broader medical community? Addictions overlaps with every area of our medical system and communities. Often when it grips an individual, it also takes hold of an entire family. Traditionally, the general medical community has not necessarily had the infrastructure to help patients with addictions and so their care has suffered. Advocacy for those with addictions can help to reduce stigma and ensure that they receive the best possible care throughout the healthcare system.
What are you most looking forward to in your work with the OMA, and with CATC in the next year? I am looking forward to spending more time working to help people make positive changes in their lives while acting as a voice to help improve the system as a whole.
Our conversation with Dr. James Gill:
What is it like being an addictions medicine physician in BC? Being an addictions physician in BC is an incredibly rewarding and enjoyable experience. I have the privilege of serving patients from all walks of life, helping them achieve their goals of recovery.
Why did you decide to practice addictions medicine, and what keeps you motivated in your work? I chose this field because it allowed me to be a part of the significant change that occurs in patients’ lives as they move through their recovery journey. The resilience, strength and courage I see in my patients keeps me motivated and is truly inspiring.
What is your philosophy in providing care to our patients? I found that providing whole person care, without personal judgement, has worked best in terms of forming long term partnerships with my patients. I believe that if we work together as a team, the path ahead is more clear.
What makes what you do different from other types of medicine? Addictions medicine is unique because we need to keep in mind the trauma experiences and social situations a patient has to endure, and tailor our treatment approach with this in mind.
In your view, how is the landscape of addictions care different in British Columbia compared to other parts of the country? Are there unique challenges or opportunities in providing/receiving care for opioid use disorder? BC has unique challenges in terms of addictions care – the opioid crisis has hit our population hard and we strive to be pioneers in both addictions care and harm reduction strategies.
Join us in extending our heartfelt gratitude and support to our incredible doctors. Their resilience, empathy, and unwavering commitment inspire us all. Happy National Physicians’ Day!