The annual physical exam: dreaded by patients and physicians alike. Why? Confusion regarding expectations, fear of judgement, discomfort with poking and prodding. Surprisingly there is no definitive way to perform an "annual physical exam" and you'll notice, if you see multiple doctors, that each has an approach unique to their practice style...

I recently had a meet & greet with my new family doctor in Lethbridge. It had been a long-time since I had met a doctor for the first time that would be treating me as a patient, other than my OB nearly 5 years ago. I sat there 15 minutes before my appointment, feeling my heart race and my palms get sweaty. I was nervous and anxious. What if sh...

You've likely seen those dooming signs in some medical offices that warn you: "All no-show appointments will be charged $50 for the missed visit." These threats are generally made to avoid missed appointments that could have been used by other patients that day requiring treatment or management. But charging patients hasn't been proven to be succes...

As a 30-something female, I've had many Paps. As a female doctor, I've performed many as well. My greatest concern, however, is the lack of information female patients are provided on the importance of cervical cancer screening, but also on the updated guidelines regarding the timeline for screening. For example, most women don't require a yearly Pap and women under 25 don't need them at all. When I tell patients this, they seemed surprised: "But my doctor says I need one every year" or "I was told I need one because I've become sexually active, even though I'm just 16." I thought I'd outline the guidelines for the general female patient here and hope they help alleviate some confusion.

When do I start cervical cancer screening?

The Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care recommends starting routine Pap tests at the age of 25. Routine Pap tests are NOT recommended for sexually active women under the age of 25. Routine Pap tests are also NOT recommended in women over the age of 25 who are not sexually active.

The Alberta TOP guidelines (Toward Optimized Practice) build on the Task Force suggestions, but highlight that for ages 21-24, screening can be based on patient choice and/or where women may benefit based on risk (i.e.: mulitiple sexual partners, no HPV vaccination, early teen sexual encounter, smoking).

Females under 21 should NOT be screened.

 Selected by two of our office contributors because, of course, being in Alberta, the mountains are part of our home:Jeff Fortna: Besides being beautiful, for me, the alpine represent challenge and mastery. I enjoy spending my winters skiing, I've been enjoying the mountains environment since I was seven and I hope to be doing it well into my ...

I helped by searching and securing a location for the clinic that was unique and bright and inviting, but also one that was convenient for patients and contiguous with expansion space. Real Estate and Medicine are both old industries that have seen great enhancements with the adoption of new technologies.I wanted to build a technology themed room b...

A couple posts ago, Veronique wrote about Dr. Gregory House, a notorious television physician with a "God complex" and an ego nearly as big as Trump's. In fact, most entertainment portrayals of physicians tend to showcase the "God complex" doctor – the one we hate because of his ridiculous bedside manner – but also the one we learn to respect becau...

Together we were a group of individuals all with a common cause and when asked in a split second to contribute a theme name to one of the patient exam rooms my answer was easy. Nature, and as the conversation progressed and we were then presented with the question, why the name choice. Again, my answer seemed easy. Nature is where I go to keep my s...

As you know from coming to the clinic, instead of having personal physician offices, our examination rooms are "Themed Spaces" and the physician comes to you. The aim is to dismantle the hierarchy of the patient entering a physician space, and instead to make the exam room a mutual area inspired by the art of medicine: the patient-physician encount...

Rithesh has always been a thoughtful gift giver, but this year he truly outdid himself. For my birthday and graduation he gave me a professional recording studio certificate to record a selection of my favourite songs. Not only did I have fun singing in a studio, but also the girls now have tracks to listen to when I'm away for residency training. ...

Yesterday was my first day of residency: July 4th, Independence Day. I couldn't help but smile given it was my first day as an independent doctor…well, sort of What is residency? How does medical school work? Patients often ask these questions, curious about the training requirements. They often laugh and make side comments such as "man, you've pro...

Big news: Kindness is healthy! Being kind releases oxytocin, which triggers the release of nitric oxide, which in turn shrinks inflammation, reduces blood pressure and minimizes heart disease. But do doctors need to be kind? Like many television fans, I've watched House and enjoyed the sarcastic intelligence and conniving manipulations of Dr. House...

Yesterday's The Medical Post featured an article on how 90% of Alberta family physicians endorse the new approach to team-based primary care. The new model being proposed will deliver more community-based health care and representatives from all zones will form committees to shape this framework and develop a successful service plan. I have to begi...

Lunch and Learn with special guest Dr. Wang DermatologistDr. Wang speaks on three important topics when it comes to the health of your skin.-Moles-Exzema-Acne

 Lunch and Learn with special guest Pediatrician Dr. From  Dr. From Speaks on what he treats mostly which is kids with mental health issues including ADHD, autism, anxiety, depression and how it affects their functionality.

Dr. Ram and Ray Ainscough touch base on the responsibilities of your doctor and pharmacist and answer questions from the audience.

We are pleased to have Jennifer as part of our staff. Read more about Jennifer in her bio below and about the important role that nurse practitioners play.  "Originally growing up south of Delia I look forward to bringing the Nurse Practitioner role back to Drumheller and Riverside Medical Clinic. Following the completion of my Bachelor of Nur...

Congratulations to Dr. Rithesh Ram on receiving Business Professional of the Year award, presented by the Drumheller & District Chamber of Commerce.