I am very pleased to introduce Rhonda Chobotar as the Sal’s Star of the week.

Rhonda started her nursing career in a small rural hospital as a staff nurse.

In 2008 she continued her education and obtained her ICU certification and began work in ICCS at SBH. Further adding to her diverse skill set, Rhonda practiced as an Ophthalmic Sedation Practitioner for two years at Misericordia Health Centre. The Cath lab was fortunate to have Rhonda join our team in 2015. With her easy-going nature, ability to rapidly adapt to a dynamic environment and providing exceptional care to our patient population she quickly became a highly valued part of the Cath lab team.

NEXT week the Sal’s Star will be based on the “People’s Choice”. Please consider sending in a nomination with a picture.

Cardiac Surgery Training Program

The University of Manitoba Cardiac Surgery residency program accepts 1 resident every 1-2 years. We routinely receive applications from all across the country and are continually impressed with the high caliber of applicants that our program attracts. This is without a doubt attributable to the reputation that we have built as a program whose strengths are evident through the successes of our residents, all of whom have achieved at a high level throughout their training and have gone on to establish accomplished careers as staff surgeons.

Last year, Dr. Ivan Zelentsov and Dr. Carly Lodewyks wrote and passed their Royal College examinations. Both went on to enroll in highly competitive and sought-after fellowships in complex mitral valve repair (Dr. Zelentsov) at Bristol Heart Institute and in advanced cardiothoracic transplantation (Dr. Lodewyks) at Duke University Hospital.

Chief resident Dr. Rick Muller Moran (PGY-5) returned to clinical service this summer after completing a Masters of Science in Experimental Surgery with a focus in surgical education at McGill University. He will be writing his Royal College examination in March of 2023.

Dr. Weiang Yan (PGY-4) and Dr. Rachel Eikelboom (PGY-3) are both completing PhD programs at the University of Manitoba in Physiology and Pathophysiology and at McMaster University in Health Research Methodology, respectively. Both have received multiple awards and accolades for their work, which has been recognized at the local, national and international levels.

Dr. Charles Yin (PGY-1) joined our section this year from the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry at the University of Western Ontario. He previously obtained a PhD in Microbiology and Immunology, also at the University of Western Ontario.

Additionally, Dr. Michael Troncone has recently joined our service as an elective resident from Laval University in Quebec.

Our current Cardiac Surgery Trainees. Clockwise from top left: Dr. Rick Muller Moran, Dr. Weiang Yan, Dr. Charles Yin, Dr. Rachel Eikelboom

The interventional cardiology training program is the first program at the University of Manitoba to obtain AFC (Area of Focused Competency) accreditation from the RPCSC (Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons).

The fellowship is a two-year program for those who have completed training in general cardiology and wish to specialize in interventional cardiology. We accept 1-2 trainees per year from a pool of 10-20 applicants, including Canadian and international applicants.

The Cath lab program at St. Boniface hospital is one of the busiest in the country allowing trainees to be involved in a large number of procedures of varying complexity with ample opportunities to develop interventional competencies and skills. The program recently underwent its first external accreditation with the Royal College and achieved full accreditation with glowing reviews.

On completion of training, trainees become diplomates of the Royal College. Former trainees continue to use the skills obtained to provide excellent care to patients across the world including in UK, Pakistan and Canada.

Dr. Umar Ismail (pictured) is one of two of our IC residents.

We have 9 trainees currently in the program.  Out of many applicants, we typically accept between 2-4 residents into Adult Cardiology. 

C3 – Kirsten Marshall, Phyllis Sin, Liane Arcinas

C2 – Hilary Bews, Evan Wiens, Anas Alzahrani

C1 – Sandeep Krishnan, Chris Nolan, Laura Albak

Incoming C1s – Samuel Su, Michael McGregor, Shekoofeh (Shey) Saboktakin

Education

• Residents are actively involved in teaching, both at the undergraduate level and the post-graduate level.
• Adult Cardiology in Winnipeg is recognized as a well-organized program Nationally.  We are actively involved in the RCPSC  Specialty Committee and Exam Committee
• Dr. Clarence Khoo is the chair of the Competence Committee

Research

• Residents, in collaboration with staff, are involved in all research, both clinical and translational
• Dr. Evan Wiens was recently awarded an MMSF Operating Grant for his work looking at ticagrelor/clopidogrel post intervention.  This is a program first for a trainee to achieve
• Residents present locally at all research days, as well as Nationally (eg. Canadian Cardiovascular Congress) and Internationally (eg. American Heart Association)
• Residents get 3 dedicated months of research during their 3 years in addition to up to 5 months of electives to help tailor their research.

Clinical

• Cardiology residents rotate through all services, and are the primary contact for most clinical consultative services for ACCU and ward cardiology
• There is always a cardiology resident, as well as a junior (off service) resident on call every evening, in house

It is my pleasure to introduce Denarah Bayrak, NICT Unit Clerk as this week’s Sal’s Star!

Denarah is a recent graduate from the Red River Unit Clerk Program in January 2021 where she was initially hired just after her practicum on CR4. Denarah came to our rescue last summer when we had a vacancy for a unit clerk where she blended her hours from CR4 and our needs in CR1 to assist in both areas. She stepped up again when we were left without our 2 clerks and took over in a Full-Time position to run the NICT ship single handedly.

Denarah has brought fresh innovative ideas for implementation and streamlined processes effectively. She undertakes any task with proficiency.  When presented with implementing change Denarah jumps right in and takes it on with a positive can – do attitude. Her organizational attributes are in fine form as Denarah has taken on organizing our Holter reading structure to ensure results are processed efficiently and no balls are dropped on our end. She has updated the Stress Lab reception area and manages to run back and forth between 2 buildings to maintain services across our spectrum. As the face and voice that first greets our patients and staff we could not wish for a more pleasant personality to set first impressions. Denarah fills her time and heart with partner Sam, 2-year-old son Matteo and dogs Sawyer, Findley and Jet. She has filled our hearts with gratitude that she chose to come on board full time with our crew and be our clerical support lifesaver!

Cheers to Denarah, Sal’s Star of the Week for April 1^st!!

This week’s Sal’s Star recognizes a member of the ACCU team that puts the unit, team and patients first.  He has been a part of the core team since it’s opening in 2016. I’m proud to introduce this week’s Sal’s Star – ACCU HCA Kebreab Bokure.

Born in Ethiopia, he came to Canada in 2009 after living through war and conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea, East Africa.  After years of separation he was able to bring his wife and first child to Canada.

In Africa he was a teacher but coming to Canada he initially worked in construction. Kebreab wanted to become a nurse but trained first as an HCA while attempting to get accepted to a nursing program.  It was tough to get through courses and red tape all the while supporting his family and raising 3 children.  Nursing’s loss was our gain because Kebreab started working at St. Boniface in July of 2011 as an HCA.  He worked on E5 for 2 years, then A5 for 4 years and then ACCU since the unit opened in 2016. 

Kebreab is excellent at his job and is an integral part of the ACCU family. Patient care is always his priority.  He helps out before ever being asked.  Doctors comment on the good team especially “that guy” – if you have ever seen Kebreab in action during an emergency or code, you’d understand.  When chest compressions need to be done Kebreab is amazing – his skill and technique are exceptional – no Lucas device is needed when he’s around.  If the unit needs tidying or organization, Kebreab’s on it.  If you need advice about equipment or where equipment needs to live in our tiny space, he shares his ideas.  He contributes to problem solving often offering solutions.  He works long hours and does many double shifts but is always friendly and easy going.  He is a leader in the unit.  Thank you Kebreab for all you do.

Please join me in celebrating this week’s Sal’s Star, Kebreab Bokure.

This week the Section of Cardiac Surgery is proud to announce our pick for the Sals Star, Dr. Nitin Ghorpade. 

Dr. Ghorpade is originally from Mumbai, India. After completion of his basic surgical training in India, he had further training in Australia and then moved to Edmonton for heart-lung transplant surgery training. Dr. Ghorpade completed training in 2007 and was RCPSC certified the same year. He has been working as a cardiac/heart-lung transplant surgeon since 2007 with special interest in high risk complex cardiac surgery and transplant/heart failure surgery. He joined us in 2014 as full-time faculty in the Cardiac Sciences Program.

Dr. Ghorpade has a keen interest in resident education and training and has been actively involved in the residency program here as well as other centers where he worked before joining the faculty at the University of Manitoba. Notably he has started the a highly sought-after fellowship in Advance Cardiac Surgery and more recently took on the role of the Cardiac Surgery Program Director in 2020. Under his leadership we have seen this year a record number of applicants to our resident program! Further, he has had the Herculean task of preparing for our upcoming accreditation next week.  He has received multiple awards for his skill in pedagogy over his career to date. Additionally, Dr. Ghorpade has stayed an active participant in clinical research and as well has been mentoring cardiac surgery residents in their clinical research work.

This recognition is a small token of our acknowledgement for all the work he has undertaken and continues in support of our resident and fellowship trainees!

Kwabena joined St. Boniface Hospital in the summer of  2019 as a Respiratory Clinical Lead in the Respiratory Therapy department.  He has been a valuable team member with a passion for advancing the profession and scope of Respiratory Therapy. 

But today I want to celebrate Kwabena for his leadership as a Manager of the Respiratory Therapy and Perfusion Program.  It goes without saying, anyone who takes on their first formal leadership role during a global, long, and demanding pandemic is a person with drive.  Never afraid to reach out for resources, Kwabena has been able to take momentum and go for it.   He often starts a conversation with “I have this idea” or “what about this”– willing to put his ideas into action and carve his path forward.   Balancing clinical needs and the demands of being a leader is a tricky balance at the best of times, but he has shown great ability to quickly identify where he needs to be and when.  

We are appreciative and thankful he has taken this leap and joined this team!

The primary focus of the Cardiac Surgery Inpatient Unit (CSIU) is the care and recovery of post-operative cardiac surgery patients. The CSIU team consists of both a large allied health presence including junior and senior nurses, health care aides, unit clerks, unit attendants, and a group of physician assistants that act as the first medical contact and provide the day to day care in consult with the cardiac surgeons.

All patients are monitored with cardiac telemetry.  All CSIU nurses take the Advanced Assessment Course. receiving additional training on rhythm analysis and caring for these complex patients. Staff develop expertise in rehabilitation, temporary pacing, and caring for long-term ventricular assist device (VAD) patients. CSIU nurses administer some medications and perform skills not done on other wards, which facilitates patient flow and prevents some readmissions to the ICU. CSIU staff support the continuous improvement of the care of cardiac patients through participation in research and through t5he development of unit processes such as the Pre-op Walking Program.

CSIU has a long history of being ‘a team player’ and being flexible in adapting to meet the changing needs of the program, of the hospital and of cardiac patients throughout Manitoba. Examples include caring for pre-op patients from other facilities or from the cardiology units, which assists in the flow of cardiac patients from the emergency department to receive the care they require. This was also demonstrated during COVID with the re-location of the Patient Recovery Unit (PRU) to CSIU—resulting in staff having to learn a whole new set of patients skills. The TAVI program has evolved significantly since its inception, as there is increased experience of the TAVI team with doing the procedure. CSIU has adapted along with the TAVI team, with patients now coming directly to CSIU from Y2 after their TAVI instead of spending a night in an ICU setting.  In keeping with our culture of adaptation and supporting change, CSIU is currently reviewing and investigating other potential patient care opportunities. Stayed tuned to see what we can accomplish next!

Shout out!

A special congratulations to Clarence Khoo who was the recipient of the Med I and Med II Innovation awards presented by the Manitoba Medical Student’s Association (MMSA) on March 7 in conjunction with the Max Rady College of Medicine’s annual Teacher Recognition and Teaching Awards session. The Innovation Award recognizes an outstanding teacher for their leading improvement, creativity and development of engaging and flexible learning experiences.

This award is another  well-deserved recognition to Clarence who also received the Med II Innovation Award last year!

This week Jamie Chalmers and her husband had a beautiful baby girl.

We are very pleased to welcome Rose Penelope Paul into the CSMB family!

Natasa works in the Department of Anesthesia as an Anesthesia Attendant. 

After the Yugoslavian civil war in 1992, many young people were left without a future. Natasa and her husband decided to leave Serbia in 1999 to start a new life in Canada. She attended post-secondary school at Red River College to become a Sterile Processing Technician. Natasa graduated in 2001 and began working at St. Boniface Hospital in the Central Processing Department.

Three years later, she applied for a position in the Anesthesia Department to work as an Anesthesia Attendant. Natasa best describes her experience “It was challenging, but I absolutely fell in love with the job – that’s why I’m still here! I love being part of the anesthesia team, doing my part to help our patients. Before surgery, my job is to set up the anesthesia machine, all the drugs, art lines, and additional equipment, depending on the preference of the anesthesiologist and type of surgery. There are many different scenarios. During the case I make sure the anesthesiologist has everything they need, which can change at any minute. After the case, I have 10 minutes to clean and reset the room for the next case. Our days are busy. We also assist in “Anesthesia 25’s”. Wherever our anesthesiologists go, we are there to assist them. My job is always different and no day is like the other. There are always different patients, different cases, and different needs of the physicians. From making a fresh pot of coffee on days when our doctors don’t get a break and can’t leave the OR, to fast-paced E1s and resuscitations. This is what my day looks like as an Anesthesia Attendant.”

Natasa is excellent at her job and a pleasure to work with. As Cardiac Anesthesiologists Natasa and the Anesthesia Attendants provide critical support that allows us to provide our patients with the best care. Natasa’s son Nebojsa is a third year medical student at the Max Rady College of Medicine and hopes one day to become a Cardiac surgeon.

Thanks Natasa for all you do!

The ACS Network has just launched their Dial Don’t Drive (DDD) Campaign. This is in conjunction with Shared Health, St. Boniface Hospital Foundation and the Heart and Stroke Foundation, as our key partners. This initiative is a public awareness campaign aimed at increasing the use of  911 calls for people who are worried they might be having a heart attack. Of all Canadian provinces with a cardiac centre, Manitoba has the lowest rate for 911 use among STEMI patients.

As part of the campaign Shared Health has agreed to place DDD decals on every ambulance in the province! 

The links for the  first media piece in the Winnipeg Free Press and Facebook, Instagram and Twitter sites:

https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-life/life/health/decision-to-dial-not-drive-vital-to-heart-health-576248612.html

https://www.facebook.com/mbacsnetwork/

https://twitter.com/mbacsnetwork

https://www.instagram.com/accounts/login/?next=/mbacsnetwork/

This week’s Sals star started her career in nursing in 2002. She came to the heart Cath lab in 2012 and briefly worked in a Homecare Clinic before returning to the lab. Further rounding out her experience she has participated in research studies and also works in the Y2 pre and post recovery area. From the beginning, she dedicated herself to developing expertise in all the treatments we provide to patients to ensure the best possible care.

She is gentle and kind and puts patients and their families at ease in stressful times. She is generous with her time and knowledge; always going out of her way to support and mentor new staff. She is a team player, calm under pressure, always willing to help to find solutions when faced with a challenge. She has been an invaluable part of the Cath lab team.

Please join me in thanking Lori Fraser for all that she does.