Winter 2021 (Volume 31, Number 4)
B.C. Society of Rheumatologists (BCSR)
– Update from the Pacific
By Jason Kur, MD, FRCPC
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This past year has seen the BCSR
work through challenges related
to the mandated biosimilar transition
of rituximab and subsequently
adalimumab. The adalimumab transition
concluded in October 2021.
British Columbia (B.C.) has now completed
biosimilar switching for etanercept,
infliximab, rituximab and adalimumab
from 2018-2021. These transitions
have come with significant strain on
physician practices and unique challenges
for patients. We continue to
monitor the process and provide feedback
to Pharmacare. The partnership with
Pharmacare has resulted in some shared
gain for rheumatologists in BC, notably
added support for outpatient nursing care.
This year has also seen the establishment of a rural
rheumatology training grant. Trainees from across Canada
interested in electives in under-serviced areas will be eligible
for support. The BC Rheum 2 Grow group is composed
of rheumatologists in Chilliwack, Cranbrook, Kamloops,
Kelowna, Nanaimo, Penticton, Golden and Prince George,
B.C. The grant will support Canadian rheumatology residents
in furthering their education in rural patient care
and enable residents to experience rural patient care within
clinic and hospital settings with a University of British
Columbia (UBC) faculty member. By exposing the rheumatology
residents to a supportive, clinically stimulating
and fulfilling experience, it is hoped that many of them will
consider a future working in one of these underserved but
dynamic areas of the province.
The 16th annual British Columbia Rheumatology Invitation
Educational Series (BRIESE) continued online
in September but also included the addition of a well-attended,
in-person event in Vancouver that saw many
rheumatologists safely together in the same room for the
first time since the pandemic began. The outstanding
program included international guests Dr. Laura Coates,
Dr. Andrea Singer, Dr. Alfred Kim, Dr. Jean Lieu and
Dr. Sharon Chung. Canadian content was provided by
Dr. Kun Huang and Dr. Mahesh Nagarajan. Dr. Nagarajan,
Senior Associate Dean, Research Professor, Operations
and Logistic Division of the UBC School of Business was
our guest speaker for the evening gathering and enlightened
us with stories and lessons on the
intersection of business and medicine.
Dr. Kam Shojania introducing
award winners.
We also took the opportunity to celebrate
some of our finest with the Annual
BCSR/UBC Award presentations
in September. The Innovation Award
was given to Dr. Mo Bardi for his work
on ultrasound and giant cell arteritis
(GCA). Dr. Daniel Ennis was awarded
the UBC BCSR Teaching Award and was
named a 2020 UBC Honour Roll Recipient
in Clinical Teaching Excellence:
Postgraduate Inpatient for his outstanding
contributions to the medical
training program. Dr. Stuart Seigel received
the Advocacy Award. Stuart has
been a strong leader for rheumatology
in the Okanagan and has been instrumental
in creating a collegial and vibrant rheumatology
community in Kelowna.
Dr. Stuart Seigel accepts the Advocacy Award.
I would also like to congratulate Dr. Kam Shojania on
his tenure as the UBC Rheumatology Division Head. As his
term nears completion, we know it will be hard to replace
his confident leadership and unique brand of humour.
Jason Kur, MD, FRCPC
Artus Health Centre
University of British Columbia
President,
B.C. Society of Rheumatologists
Vancouver, British Columbia
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