Congratulations!

Congratulations to Canada's PAs on the successful completion of the first annual general meeting as a Section of the Canadian Association of Pathologists! What an exciting time this is for us! Despite not attending, I could feel the excitement from all the way out here in BC. Elections were held for the inaugural Executive Committee (thank-you for electing me Secretary-Treasurer -- barely beating out a fellow Okanagan PA, Danielle Lee), the list of key competencies was discussed, and grandmother/fathering was touched upon briefly but, most importantly, Canada's PAs took a giant step forward in the recognition that the PA, and the product that s/he provides, is valued and that all of that day-to-day slugging is worth it after all. In my new role, I expect that I'll provide a more thorough summation of the meeting on the PAs' web site, so please check it out in the next week or so.

I am told that there were a number of those in attendance who had voiced an interest in the PA position in Kelowna (full-time, permanent). IMPORTANT: if you wish to apply, please send me your resume within the next 2 -3 days (william.stinson@interiorhealth.ca ) and please call me ((250) 862-4300 (ext. 7273)).

I also understand that there had been some interest in the vacant Penticton PA position. Although it appears that I am bound to train an individual from within for this position, I would still be very interested to learn the names of those who are genuinely interested in applying, if this job is posted at some future date. Penticton is a smaller centre in which the PA position would, like that in Vernon, be a combination of grossing and assisting in the Histology lab. So, I'd be interested in a PA/Histotechnologist who is, or is able to be, registered with the CSMLS and who's Histo skills are not too rusty. Please feel free to contact me. Unlike the Kelowna position, there's no great rush for this position; I expect that training may begin in the fall.

I'll likely have more to say later but, right now, I'm on my way to work. It's a fabulous Okanagan day. I think I'll take my bike.

CIHI resurfaces!

Those of you whose employers monitor performance, in part, by following workload will be pleased to hear that the application which I submitted in 2003 (!) has finally made it to the point where it, along with many others, is being discussed. As you know, virtually nothing that PAs do is accurately reflected in the the workload units. For example, each surgical case described, regardless of its complexity and regardless of how many specimens make up that case, earns 4 units. Fashioned somewhat after the model provided by the pathologists -- wherein they charge a larger and larger fee depending upon the complexity of the specimen -- the PAs will soon be able to claim workload units more commensurate with their efforts. For those PAs who do autopsies (ie. the history, the dissection, the interpretation and recording), units will soon be allocated for that too.

In many instances, the units generated will more accurately reflect how busy the PAs really are and may justify additional resources and personnel. Comparison form PA to PA and from PA to other staff will be enabled. This is the wish of the CIHI: that the units more accurately reflect the real-life situation in labs across the country. If the time studies are performed honestly and accurately, the resultant workload units will be accurate. Then, if the wording of the units is succinct and understandable such that there is no chance to claim duplicate, or additional units for the same task; and if those claiming the units use them in the manner intended, the resultant number will be a true reflection of per staff workload and the per unit workload.

It is encouraging to know that this issue is proceeding.

For those of you who will be attending the CAP AGM next weekend, I'd appreciate your consideration (and vote please!) as I shall be offering my services for several executive positions from Chair, to Vice Chair, to Secretary and several sub-committee chairs. Please make sure that you vote (whether you attend the meeting or not). I am told that a method for voting by proxy will be communicated to the CAP members very soon. Also, if you are unable to attend but would like to offer your services on a committee, please make sure that you let Lloyd Kennedy (interim Chair) know via the CAP Secretariat.

A permanent, full-time PA position at Kelowna General Hospital has been posted. I would welcome all applicants' resumes. Please apply within the coming week. The salary is at the Tech III level. You will be given advanced standing on the pay scale depending upon your past experience and a Qualification Differential is added to your salary for degrees which you have earned (eg. MSc = ~$100/month). Depending upon when the successful applicant can start, I may be able to hire a locum or two within the next month or so also (same salary, plus travel and accommodation). The bonus (of course) is the fantastic summer weather in the Okanagan combined with the resort atmosphere, the lake and all of the activities that take place on it and near it.

I will post a new picture within the next week. I am still working on adding the feature whereby the reader can click on the microscopic image and it will open Spectrum Webviewer. Your patience is appreciated.

At the CAP, one of the discussions will concern the listing of Key Competencies (of PAs). This is basically a job description; describing that which constitutes a PA. I am sure that the discussion will involve a large number of people who have differing ideas of what should be, and what need not be, included. The document was distributed by the CAP Secretariat earlier this week. Don't hold back. Make your feelings known. If you want to expand upon, or reduce, the scope of the list, make sure you say so.