As I prepare to leave the Surge Unit, I am thinking about how much I will miss the people who are working there. I will miss them individually and as groups – the large group who work days, the smaller evening staff group, and the overnight stalwarts. I am so glad the Child and Youth …
This is the second year that I have been Clinical Director of the Youth Program at my hospital and, like last year, I am covering for my colleagues on the working days between December 25, 2017 and January 2, 2018. There are three work days during this period and our various programs include approximately 500 …
In the last two weeks, several of my young patients have mentioned to me that they were being mocked by acquaintances about a seasonal attraction near Ottawa and their personal connection to a psychiatric hospital. With their families they have been asking me what they could do about this attraction, which has so negatively affected …
The holiday season has officially started. I have begun to make a list of the families in my practice that should receive grocery vouchers so that they can afford food for the holidays. I also make a list for the teenagers who are living on their own. I confirm addresses and watch young people’s faces …
World Suicide Prevention Day can be difficult for those who’ve lost a loved one who suffered from a mental illness. It can also be difficult for psychiatrists, as I was reminded on the day after I participated in a Facebook event to provide information to parents on how to talk with their children about suicide. …
Today from 12:00 to 1:00 I will participate in the World Suicide Prevention Day Facebook Know What to Do Event. The event will be hosted on the Facebook page of the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO). As well as answering participants’ questions, I have a short presentation to make on talking to your child …
If you have a look at the picture above, I’m sure you’ll agree that I am an unlikely pool shark but some pool skills are a good tool for any psychiatrist who looks after adolescents. A game of pool is an excellent opportunity to have a conversation with a young person or a group of …
I have not written in about ten days. I have been busy living a dream. On May 2, I began a new job as the Director of Youth Psychiatry at The Royal. This is truly a dream come true for me: to provide guidance to the best team of mental health professionals and to consider …
