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CAGPO Clinical Training Scholarship I had the privilege of receiving a CAGPO Clinical Training Scholarship for 2023-2024 After 17 years as a family physician providing comprehensive longitudinal care, I made the difficult decision to close my practice and transition into the role of a GP Oncologist. I started my new role as GPO at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre cancer centre, part of the Central East Regional Cancer Program in Ontario, in October 2023, a week after closing my family practice. My primary role at the cancer centre is to work in partnership with the medical oncologists to oversee systemic treatment for patients with a variety of cancer diagnoses, including breast, GI, Gu, gyne, lung and skin cancers. I am the only GPO working in my region’s cancer program. No formal training was provided, though I did have the opportunity to shadow the medical oncology lead at the cancer centre for several days prior to beginning to practice independently. I applied for the CAGPO training scholarship to support my self-directed study of oncology. The scholarship has provided me with the opportunity to gain the foundational knowledge, skills, and confidence to administer systemic therapy, and to provide supportive care to cancer patients and their families. My learning objectives were as follows: I utilized the following resources: The learning curve was steep during my first six months practicing independently as a GPO, having limited knowledge of oncology prior to starting in my new role. I have worked independently since I started my role as GPO, with back up from my medical oncology colleagues as needed. I use a case-based self-directed learning approach to meet my learning objectives. I have spent much time outside of clinic preparing for my clinics and studying the field of oncology. I feel comfortable and confident with my present level of training. In addition to my primary role overseeing systemic therapy, I am involved in quality improvement initiatives within the cancer program. Given my experience as family physician, I developed a template for medical record keeping to more effectively communicate treatment goals with primary care providers. With my experience working in mental health, I am also helping to support and develop a Well Follow-Up program for cancer survivors. I am greatly appreciative to the CAGPO Scholarship Committee for the opportunity and funding to support my training. Dr. Natalie Leahy, CCFP, FCFP |
| CAGPO Clinical Training Scholarship 2021-2022 I completed my 8-week BCCA Community GP Oncology training program, which began in September 2021. This program provided me with the opportunity to gain the foundational knowledge, skills, and confidence to administer systemic therapy, and to provide supportive care to cancer patients and their families in my home community in the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island. I was introduced to foundational concepts in oncology through lectures delivered via Zoom over four weeks of half days in September and October. Armed with this new knowledge, I relocated to Victoria and spent five weeks at the BCCA-Victoria working alongside both GP oncologists and medical oncologists to apply this information and to learn the ropes of the day-to-day care of cancer patients. I returned to my home community and completed my final week of training at our local Community Oncology Network site. I was humbled by the caring approach exemplified by the health care providers at all sites. I aspire to adopt these same characteristics when caring for my own patients. I worked with patients at all stages of their illness, from initial consultation through to the final treatment, and even their last medical encounter at the end of life. Patients were treated with dignity and respect, taking into consideration their context, hopes and treatment preferences. I was frequently reminded of the valuable perspective that GPs bring to this work: We understand the comorbidities and family/social context in a way that allows us to work with patients to meet their goals. It was a reminder that this does not always align with treating cancer at all costs up until the end of life. I feel a mix of excitement and trepidation as I embark on independent clinical GPO work in my local Cancer Care Unit. Fortunately, I have supportive colleagues here in Comox as well as in Victoria to answer my questions. I am grateful to the CAGPO for the financial assistance that enabled me to complete this training, and I look forward to ongoing opportunities for networking and education with the CAGPO. With warm regards, Kristin Erickson |
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| CAGPO Clinical Training Scholarship 2021-2022 Please find below a list of the activities that I have completed between September 2021 and March 2022, which have allowed me to meet the original objectives set out in my Scholarship Plan:
Lastly, I want to express my thanks to the CAGPO scholarship committee for supporting my learning and making it possible for me to lead my clinic with confidence. Sincerely, Dr. Jennifer Zelovitzky, MD, CCFP |
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| CAGPO Clinical Training Scholarship 2020-2021 I had the privilege of receiving a scholarship in 2020-2021 to help attain the skills required of me to work as a GPO in a small rural setting. My goal was to gain familiarity with common cancers – breast, lung, prostate, colon, and their diagnosis, work up, chemotherapy and targeted therapy regimens as well as survivorship screening. The goal was to be able to offer some of the services that patients are required to the travel to the regional cancer clinic for in our own small community hospital in Collingwood, Ontario. Prior to COVID shut down, I was able to work at Royal Victoria Regional Cancer Center shadowing some of the oncologists as well as the radiation oncologists. My days there exposed me to the following:
After COVID shut us down I joined a study group with two other local physicians who were also CAGPO scholarship recipients with the same end goals as I had. Together we worked through the cases on your website. This self-directed study had us reading around a different type of cancer weekly and then each completing one module, emailing the answers, and then reviewing each others work and going over/clarifying details. We each put in the equivalent of ½-1 full day of work each week for about eight weeks. This independent learning component turned out to be an instrumental part of consolidating the knowledge I had already acquired at RVH. In the Spring of 2021, the three of us were approached by Owen Sound Hospital (Grey Bruce Health Sciences) asking for us to work as GP Oncologists as they were desperately short of oncologists. We worked under the mentorship of their two existing oncologists, Dr. Aboo and Dr. Sandhu. Although we worked independently, we reviewed all new and follow up patients with the oncologists. This final step in the training allowed us to replicate the work we hope to bring to our own towns. We saw pre-chemo assessments, new diagnoses and the work up required as well as follow up post chemotherapy. For the most part we mainly saw breast, lung, prostate, and colon cancer patients. Although our training was derailed and prolonged because of COVID, the mixture of observership in a big center, self directed case-based learning and then the opportunity to work “independently” in a center that is not a large cancer center provided me with the exact combination of opportunities I needed to feel confident bringing this work back home. I plan to continue to offer my GPO services to our regional cancer center while we work on finding the space, infrastructure, and support locally to bring these services to our local community. Thank you for providing us with this opportunity to acquire the skills necessary to do so. Our community thanks you! Sincerely, Alyssa Boyd |
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| CAGPO Clinical Training Scholarship 2019-2020 In 2019, I was generously awarded a scholarship to pursue further training in General Practice Oncology. My training was due to begin in the spring of 2020 but was deferred due to the pandemic. I was able to start training in September 2020 but my training was deferred a second time given the second and third waves of the pandemic. I was able to finally complete my training in person and with self-directed study in the summer of 2021. Below is a summary of my initial training goals, actual training completed, and future objectives. Learning Objectives
Summary of Goals:
My training started at the North Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Program in Barrie. I spent a total of nine days working with the oncology team in a variety of programs. During that time, I was able to work directly with patients under the supervision of an oncologist. My training schedule at the NSMRCP included the following:
In the summer of 2021, I completed eight full days working as a GPO in Owen Sound. I worked independently but every case was reviewed with the clinical oncologists. I was able to treat a variety of solid tumours and hematological malignancies. I provided supervised care in new patient assessments, well follow-ups, urgent toxicity assessments and chemotherapy assessments. Self-Directed Training During the pandemic shutdown, I joined a study group with two other CAGPO scholarship recipients. Over the course of eight weeks, we worked through the online CAGPO cases. We each prepared a case weekly to present to the group. We then spent time reviewing and clarifying each case as a group. Each case required four to eight hours of work in total between research and review. Although we were initially disappointed that our in-person training had been postponed, these cases were surprisingly helpful and were very important in consolidating our clinical work. In the end, we were grateful to have had the opportunity to use this self-directed group learning to further our oncology knowledge and the timing (between clinical blocks) was fortuitous. Discussion Included in the above are my initial learning goals. Despite multiple derailments in my training, I have been fortunate enough to have well rounded education in two different cancer programs as well as the benefit of self-directed study. Although there will always be much more to learn, I feel confident that I have developed adequate understanding and skills in the following areas:
Future Goals The NSMRCP is currently developing a formal GPO program and I plan on working regularly in that clinic while concurrently developing a satellite GPO program in our local hospital. In the future we hope to provide follow-up care for cancer patients, toxicity assessment and low risk treatments with collaborative support from the oncologists at NSMRCP. We now face the daunting task of securing funding and space for a local clinic but with the support of our regional program and the endorsement of my CAGPO training, there is hope we can provide cancer care locally to our patients. Summary Many thanks to the CAGPO Scholarship Committee for the opportunity and funding to complete this training. Although my training was prolonged and derailed multiple times with the pandemic, I feel prepared to deliver specialized care both in our regional cancer centre and in my community hospital. With gratitude, Lauren Kathleen (Kate) McLachlin, MD |
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| CAGPO Clinical Training Scholarship 2019-2020 I had the privilege of receiving a scholarship in 2019-2020 to help attain the skills required of me to work as a GPO in a small rural setting. I was lucky enough to go through this adventure with two of my colleagues, Drs. Boyd and McLachlin. Our goal was to gain familiarity with common cancers – breast, lung, prostate, colon and their diagnosis, workup, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy regimens as well as survivorship screening. We wanted to educate ourselves so we could offer some of the services in our small community hospital in Collingwood, Ontario that presently our patients have to travel to Barrie or Owen Sound to obtain. Before the COVID shutdown I was able to spend approximately 11 days (one full day per week) with the oncologists at Royal Victoria Hospital. This provided me with an exposure to general oncology, gyne oncology, urologic oncology and radiation oncology along with solidifying my relationships with our local oncologists. I also had the opportunity to work in the Toxicity Assessment Clinic to help manage some side effects of chemotherapy. After COVID shut us down, the three of us continued to work together through the cases on your website. This self-directed study had us reading around a different type of cancer weekly and then each completing one module, emailing the answers, and then reviewing each others work and going over/clarifying details. I feel this continued work was great at bringing all the different items we learned at RVH together. In the spring of 2021, the three of us were approached by Owen Sound Hospital (Grey Bruce Health Sciences) asking for us to work as GP Oncologists as they were desperately short of oncologists. We worked under the mentorship of their two existing oncologists, Dr. Aboo and Dr. Sandhu. I continue to do one day a week there as a GPO and am continuing to learn every week. I am also feeling more independent and “useful” due to my expanding knowledge and am now comfortable with most regular follow-ups and reordering basic chemotherapy regiments for breast, prostate, lung, and urological cancers. I am also assisting in new patient assessments, which I am finding very useful. I now feel confident that with my present level of training, I am ready to work independently in our home area (with the back-up of nearby oncologists) to ultimately complete our goal of bringing basic oncologic services to our area. We are now starting the difficult trek of approaching our hospital board to advocate for such a clinic. This would not be possible if the three of us had not obtained the oncology training over the past year. Thank you again to CAGPO for giving us the opportunity to complete this training and for your understanding during these difficult times. Sincerely, Amardip Singh, MD, CCFP Wasaga Beach |
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| CAGPO Clinical Training Scholarship 2019-2020 Dear CAGPO Scholarship Committee, It is with deep gratitude that I update you on my participation in Harvard Medical School’s Centre for Palliative Care’s Palliative Care Education and Practice training, which aims to arm palliative care providers, champions, and educators with special competencies in communication, teaching and clinical practice. This incredibly lifechanging experience would not have been possible without the generous financial support from CAGPO. The academic and mentorship experience consists of 2 weeks of intensive in-person training, separated by a sixmonth period of a project initiative for which online small group and faculty mentorship was provided. Final project presentation to senior faculty and colleagues occurs in the final week of training. Admission was by competitive application and the 2020 cohort consisted of about 35 global participants in each of the adult palliative care and pediatric palliative care tracks. I was selected for admission to the adult track. The training has been truly transformative and has undoubtedly been practice changing. I have deepened my knowledge of advanced palliative care pain and symptom management. Through reflective practice and small group learning, I have enhanced my approach to serious illness conversations and utilized educational tools with my residents. I have gained confidence in navigating discussions with respect to complicated grief and as have better integrated a biopsychosocial approach to patients with terminal disease in GP oncology, hospice and outpatient settings as a result – without negatively impacting patient flow and efficiencies. Most profound has been the impact on my academic and professional endeavours. During the period of this training, inspired by the mentorship offered, I completed a data analysis of lung and colorectal cancer decedents in Calgary zone, examining palliative care as a predictor of aggressive interventions at end-of-life. The results are in manuscript draft stage. I was also able to support our Calgary-based initiative, PaCES (Palliative Care Early and Systematic) and completed my thesis-based MSc in Epidemiology, with a focus on palliative care. The educational resources offered and made accessible through this training were instrumental to these rigourous academic endeavours. Lastly, nurtured by this rich network of palliative care leaders and champions, I have more recently accepted a position to support the Aga Khan University Hospital (Kenya), in the development and implementation of an oncology focused home palliative care and survivorship service line. My time with Harvard faculty mentors and peers continues to be instrumental in this special unfolding. I look forward to further personal and professional growth, many more years of service and humanitarian contributions, and will surely reflect on the ripple effect of this highly impactful training experience. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity. Note: Although Part 2 was to be completed in April 2020, due to the upswing of the COVID19 pandemic, project mentorship was continued in an online/virtual format, with plans to offer a webinars or online material to complete the didactic and small group experiences TBD near the end of 2020.
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| CAGPO Clinical Training Scholarship 2018-2019 Thank-you again for the clinical training scholarship. The opportunity was used to refresh my medical knowledge in several areas and to learn about evolving and relatively new areas of medicine so that I can improve my delivery of patient care. My four weeks were spent as follows: Radiation Oncology (2 days) I worked in the outpatient department and learned how patients are counselled on treatment and complications form treatments, and learned about preventative management of skin toxicities and approach to toxicities from short courses of steroids. Diabetic Team (2 days) I spent one day with the diabetic nursing specialists who help manage diabetics receiving steroids or having complications of diabetes related to their cancer. In fact, a large benefit of this clinical training scholarship was learning what resources are available to me, who the team members are. I learned was how to better manage diabetic patients on chemo receiving steroids, updated my knowledge of current diabetic therapy, medications, learned about certain drugs that are particularly important when our patients have having vomiting/diarrhea. Respirology (2 days) I was able to observe procedures to biopsy suspicious lesions, remove ascitic fluid using new techniques that were not in place when I did my training 20 years ago. The approach to ascites/abdominal distention/peripheral edema including diagnosis, treatment (medical therapy and paracentesis) was improved and my knowledge expanded. PICC team (1 day) Here, I observed Port and Picc insertions and removals, why they prefer not to use them for bloodwork, and importantly, what typically causes local skin reactions and how to prevent them. Again, meeting the team and knowing the resources available is wonderful and helps when I am seeing complications for the devices. Lymphedema specialist (4 days – Montreal) Wow, the passion and knowledge that the physician in Montreal had that I worked with was tremendous. I completely updated my knowledge of lymphedema. We reviewed the pathophysiology and treatment of lymphedema, the complications and the importance of early aggressive management to prevent worsening mobility and cellulitis. I observed the management of lymphedema from all sorts of causes and the team approach to treatment (doctors, physio, OT) and the different garments available. This training will allow me to better recognize and treat lymphedema for improved patient outcomes. Marijuana Clinic (2 days) We reviewed the evidence (not much), but we also discussed the real-life practicalities of when it might be prescribed, the different routes of administration, who might benefit, the side-effects, the cost, just about everything. Wellness Beyond Cancer Care Program (2 days) I followed patients and attended their discharge appointments and group activities to see how they transition at our centre to the community and to observe what information is transferred to them. Cardiology (2 days) I updated my knowledge of newer cardiac medications, side effects and uses, solidified my understanding of the indications and interpretation for certain testing, and improved my management of falling ejection fraction. MAID (3 days) I observed several assessments for MAID and learned about the process of the application, the requirements, who might be candidates, why others might not be approved. I also had the privilege to see the struggles people face in their residences, how sometimes they feel that they are a burden to society. This experience showed me how much more we could be doing to improve health delivery and improve quality of life for patients. Summary This clinical training allowed me to update my knowledge and broaden my learning and this knowledge has immediately been transferable to patient care. I have a much better idea of the deficiencies of the health care system, the resources are that are available and some of the challenges patients face. Thank-you for this opportunity! Wendy Lambert, MD, CCFP, GPO |
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| CAGPO Clinical Training Scholarship 2017-2018 I was privileged to be one of the 2017-2018 CAGPO Clinical Training Scholarship recipients in order to undertake the Complex Lymphatic Therapy (CLT) training certification. This training included an at-home study and written exam component, as well as a 15-day in person theory-driven and practical laboratory component, which was delivered at the Performing Arts Centre in Montreal in the spring of 2018. The main educational objectives of this training were to:
After successfully completing one written and three practical exams, I received my Complex Lymphatic Therapy certification. I have already integrated the knowledge and skillset gained from this specialized training in my clinical practice, and am grateful to share it has positively benefitted the patients I serve. I am also actively sharing what I have learned with other health professionals within our work team. Thank you again to CAGPO, the Lymphedema Association of Quebec, and Dr Anna Towers for giving me the opportunity to take part in this unique and relevant certification training. Genevieve Chaput Montreal, Quebec |
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| CAGPO Clinical Training Scholarship 2017-2018 With kind financial support from CAGPO, I was able to attend the 2017-2018 Palliative Care Education and Practice (PCEP) Training Course offered by Harvard Medical School Center for Palliative Care. This most valuable academic experience consisted of six days of intensive in person training followed by six months of personal project development with online discussions and ended with an additional six days of in person advanced intensive clinical training in palliative care. Admission was by competitive application. With a cancer diagnosis comes a myriad of emotional and physical needs, especially in the metastatic setting. As chemotherapy options and targeted agents have developed exponentially, patients have had great improvement in their quality and quantity of life. We have a responsibility to provide the most comprehensive and compassionate care as patients navigate through their disease trajectory. As such, knowledge of palliative medicine and end of life care are vital skills, yet it is becoming increasingly difficult to keep up with this rapidly growing field of medicine. In completing PCEP, I have deepened my knowledge of palliative medicine and end of life care including advanced skills in pain and symptom management. With intense didactic teaching and small group learning, I have also greatly enhanced my communication skills, particularly in difficult conversations and complicated grief. Furthermore, the PCEP faculty and participants have provided guidance in my development of a specialized clinic dedicated to symptom management and end of life care. With the continued support of the Oncology and Palliative Care services at the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Centre in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, this clinic is in its final stages of implementation. PCEP has truly been an enlightening and transformative experience. With strong personal and professional growth, I endeavour to continue to strive for excellence in patient care. I am truly grateful to CAGPO for this most valuable educational opportunity. Sincerely, Lori Hayward, M.D., B.Sc. (Hon), CFPC |
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CAGPO Clinical Training Scholarships in Cancer Care and Control 2015-2016 Common Interventional Radiology Procedures Used in the Care of Cancer Patients Over the past year, I had the opportunity to spend one-week observing the Interventional Radiology team at Grand River Hospital, under the supervision of Dr. Darren Knibutat, Chief and Medical Director of Imaging at Grand River Hospital. My educational objectives during this week were:
During the five days I spent at Grand River Hospital, I observed Dr. Knibutat performing insertions of percutaneous trans-hepatic biliary drainage catheters, percutaneous gastrostomy and gastrojejunostomy tubes, nephrostomy tubes, port-a-caths, and peritoneal catheters. I also observed drainage of an intra-abdominal abscess and a kidney biopsy. The cases were of varying complexity in both cancer and non-cancer in-patients and out-patients. I was able to learn more about the whole patient experience, as I followed a cancer patient receiving a port-a-cath from their arrival at the hospital, meeting with the nurse and Dr. Knibutat to explain the procedure and obtain informed consent, observed the insertion of the port-a-cath, to post-procedural care and discharge home the same day. I also learned what drugs are used during which procedures to ensure the patient is comfortable. Another benefit from this experience was reviewing computed tomography and ultrasound images with Dr. Knibutat to determine his plan of action for the various cases. For each of the procedures, I gained a better understanding of the required pre-procedural bloodwork, length of time to hold anticoagulants prior to the procedure, absolute and relative contraindications, necessary antibiotics, NPO restrictions, possible post-procedural complications, and on-going maintenance of the catheters/drains/tubes.
By completing the above-described educational program, I can bring this information back to my GPO and nurse colleagues. While in clinic or covering our in-patients, I will now have a better understanding of which patients might benefit from seeing the interventional radiologists for a procedure and refer them in a timely manner. I will also be more prepared to answer questions from family doctors and community nurses regarding ongoing care of their patients who have catheters, drains or tubes. I would like to thank CAGPO and Dr. Knibutat for providing me with this educational opportunity. Dr Sara C Hahn, Kitchener, ON |
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Report by Dr. Tatiana Golu (submitted November 3, 2013) Final report : CAGPO Clinical Training Scholarships in Cancer Care and Control 2013-14 Thank you again for granting me this scholarship for my GPO clinical training. I am proud to acknowledge that I have achieved my learning goals, as outlined below. I completed a total of just over 4 weeks of clinical training as follows: 2. Oncology Clinics at Grand River Regional Cancer Centre, Kitchener-Waterloo: Outline of achieved educational objectives and impact of training in my practice: – My GPO training included daily clinical exposure to various scenarios involving specific disease sites (mainly breast, lung, GI, GU, gynecologic, but also This training has prepared me for working in the Oncology clinic, although the learning process continues. Dr. Tatiana Golu, CCFP |
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I am writing to inform CAGPO that I have completed my scholarship in compassion fatigue and burnout in oncology physicians. Sincerely, |
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There were two parts to the CAGPO Scholarship that I was awarded in 2010. The first part consisted of familiarizing myself with the more common Hematologic Malignancies and their management including performing bone marrow aspirations and biopsies and familiarizing myself with the chemotherapy protocols and their adverse effects. The second part consisted of developing counseling and psychotherapy skills for helping cancer clinic patients cope with the emotional issues associated with their illnesses. I was awarded a scholarship for two weeks instead of the proposed four weeks. Nevertheless, I did try to meet these objectives to some degree, albeit not fully. Hematological Malignancies I spent several sessions with one of the Peterborough Cancer Clinic’s medical oncologists learning how to perform bone marrow aspiration and biopsies. I then began to perform these and received referrals from the hematological oncologists including Dr. Anthony Woods and Dr. Koushie Parasmothy. However, the need for my services was short lived when a new hematologist arrived in Peterborough to take over the practice of the retired community hematologist. He assumed responsibility for this diagnostic procedure and appears to be meeting the demand for this service. However, it may be that he might require my assistance in the future if his workload becomes too onerous. I was also able to spend a short session with one of the hospital’s pathologist looking at bone marrow slides. I would like to have a few more sessions with her or another pathologist as I think it would help me understand the malignancies better. I attended the Princess Margaret Hospital Cancer Conference last fall for one day, mostly attending sessions on the hematologic malignancies which included topics such as: New Agents and Approaches in Lymphomas, Evolving Therapy for Hematologic Malignancies including Myelodysplastic Syndrome, Myeloma and Leukemia and The Importance of Thrombosis in Cancer. I did a lot of reading on the hematologic malignancies – this included information available on the National Cancer Institute website as well a Unify General Practitioners in Oncology. Promote communication among General Practitioners in Oncology |
