A Word From Our President

It is an honour to be writing to you as the President of RDBC from the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy and the Anishinabek Nations.

It’s been a year of many new beginnings. Since the last time I wrote to you, we have successfully negotiated a new Collective Agreement with over 99% of residents voting in favour, settled several grievances cases with the Employer (HPV vaccine coverage for five residency programs and a stipend for preemployment training), and began the exploration process for several new initiatives including centralized call scheduling software, a resident health benefit trust, improved resident OH&S and a call scheduling committee. My hope is that these initiatives will bear fruit in the coming years with greater scheduling accountability, more affordable and wide-ranging health benefits, and improved safety for residents in the workplace.

As president this year, my goals were to be transparent and accountable during the process of negotiations, and to advocate for residents in all capacities and circles I have access to. A specific accomplishment I am proud of is helping to establish the first annual VCH Resident Recognition Awards in association with the Vancouver Physician Staff Association. It is one of the first such awards across the country which encourages Program Directors, VCH staff members, and Allied Health to nominate residents for their skills and contributions as clinicians in the workplace. This is a role that I feel residents, with our multiple hats as scholars, learners, and teachers, do not receive enough acknowledgment for: we are experts in our workplaces and crucial contributors to patient care. Over a dozen residents were nominated and recognized during a dedicated awards night for residents. While this model is currently VGH-centric, I am hopeful it will spread across the province as residents are appreciated more for our role in our challenged healthcare ecosystem.

Looking at the year ahead, the Board of Directors will be welcoming 9 new board members, more than half of the size of our board. The vision of these new members- of which you are welcome to be a part- will be essential in crafting our new Strategic Plan, which will guide RDBC priorities for the next 5 years. While our union’s work may not always be upfront and visible, having been involved first as an IM representative on the Council of Program Representatives, then the Director of External and Labour Relations, and finally the President of RDBC, I have come to appreciate the vital importance of our office in every aspect of resident life. From ensuring we are given a fair hearing in receiving call stipends from the employer to advocating for increased workplace safety, hosting wellness events, negotiating better terms for our Collective Agreement, and discussing a wide range of topics with the PGME, the work of our Board, staff members, and committee members is never done. If you have ever had any complaints about residency (and who hasn’t?), my encouragement to you is get involved!

As my time as president of RDBC comes to a close, I would like to express my deepest appreciation to each and every one of you for your trust, guidance, and camaraderie. Though the nights are long, the work grueling, and the moments of joy often appearing far, far away, residents always show up to return that page, see the consult and tirelessly work to improve the wellbeing of all British Columbians. You inspire me. I would like to extend my gratitude to the hard-working staff at RDBC for uncomplainingly answering our pages and learning the ins-and-outs of residency to advocate on our behalf. I could not have asked for a better team. It has been a true privilege to serve and support you during my term as President, and I look forward to continuing to serve you over the next year as RDBC Board Chair and Immediate Past President at Resident Doctors of Canada.

Yours Sincerely,

Dr. Soma Dalai, PGY-4 Infectious Diseases

President, RDBC