Published: June 1, 2020

Show Notes

In this episode of the End of Shift podcast, recorded on Jan. 7, 2020, Eric and Joe talk to Jim Christenson, Executive Lead of the BC Emergency Medicine Network. They discuss highlights from Jim’s 40-year career practicing emergency medicine and talk about why he started the BC Emergency Medicine Network. Jim shares his lessons on how to stay well and avoid burn out. Plus, find out whether Eric would hire him as locum!

Jim Christenson

Jim is an emergency physician at St. Paul’s Hospital and professor and head of the Academic Department of Emergency Medicine at UBC. Jim’s primary research interest is in resuscitation. He is a co-principal investigator for the Canadian Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium (CanROC) and has been involved in various aspects of cardiac arrest and trauma research for 25 years. Currently, he is leading a groundbreaking prehospital stroke study. Committed to improving emergency care across BC, Jim is proud to provide leadership to the BC Emergency Medicine Network that is solely focused on supporting physicians in emergency departments.

Two EM Network projects mentioned in the interview have progressed significantly since the date of the recording on Jan. 7, 2020. Find out more by clicking the links below:

Kwiis hen nep: project to improve emergency care for remote Indigenous communities in BC

• View the December 2019 UBC Emergency Medicine Rounds.
• The EM Network received 1.17M in April 2020 to improve emergency care for remote Indigenous communities.
• The project continues despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Real-Time Virtual Support Project

• The way we provide emergency care in BC has rapidly evolved. The EM community is leading provincial health system transformation through new real-time virtual support platforms. The services below are playing a pivotal role in providing exceptional emergency care, everywhere.
• The BC EM Network is involved in the implementation and evaluation of the virtual services listed above. This broad Real-Time Virtual Support program is only possible through collaboration between the Rural Coordination Centre of BC, BC Emergency Medicine Network, BC Section of Emergency Medicine, First Nations Health Authority, Providence Health Care, and HealthlinkBC.
• The are several services for physicians practicing EM care, including RUDi (Rural Urgent Doctors in-aid), and ROSe (Rural Outreach Support). Visit our Real-Time Virtual Support page for more information.

End of Shift Podcast Hosts

The End of Shift Podcast is hosted by EM Network members Eric Angus and Joe Haegert.

Eric Angus

Eric Angus is an emergency physician and trauma team leader at Lions Gate Hospital. He is married with 15-year-old twins. His nonmedical interests include origami, meditation, mountain biking, skiing, rock climbing, just generally being outside, and drinking wine. He has a diploma in mountain medicine and volunteers for ski patrol and the North Shore Rescue team. He is an ATLS instructor. He dabbles in stoicism and Buddhist philosophies.

Joe Haegert

Joe Haegert practices emergency and trauma medicine at the Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster, British Columbia. He is a talented teacher, engaging speaker, and devoted clinician. He lives in South Surrey with his wife Sandy and managed to raise three children without much incident. Known for his unflagging enthusiasm, Joe enjoys all aspects of the outdoors and recently has taken to turning wooden burls into all manner of bowls and tables.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the BC Emergency Medicine Network.