The PBLP (Practice-Based Learning Program) Family Medicine Residents Scholarship Award is to recognize an outstanding scholarly project by FM Resident(s) in the area of small group learning through research, quality improvement, or education program development.
Top Winners
Drs. Mariela Fleury de Marquez and Leila Badr (nominated by Dr. Alan Ng, University of Ottawa)
Description: Family medicine residents face difficult or challenging patient encounters frequently leading to struggles and dissatisfaction. This quality improvement study examines the effects of using Balint groups during residency to address this concern. Balint groups are an excellent example of using small group learning which uses sound educational principles to explore the doctor-patient relationship and challenging consultations in family medicine.
2nd Place
Drs. Sean To and Jonathan Zeng (University of Ottawa)
Description: This project was a descriptive, cross-sectional study designed to explore the effectiveness of using film to address curricular goals as part of the University of Ottawa Family Medicine postgraduate program, and to incorporate feedback to improve and refine the current humanities curriculum. Teaching medical humanities through film and group discussion provides opportunities for residents to refine the humanistic and psychosocial aspects of medicine in a safe environment.
3rd Place
Dr. Hilari MacLeod (nominated by Dr. Laura Sadler, Dalhousie University)
Description: Obesity is a complex chronic disease that affects a large proportion of the population, but despite its prevalence there is pervasive bias and stigma directed toward people living with obesity. There is evidence that the experience of weight bias contributes to poor physical and psychological outcomes, yet weight bias is common in the healthcare setting and clinicians have reported discomfort in managing obesity. Practice Based Small Group (PBSG) learning is an established means of providing continuing education to practising physicians, which has been shown to facilitate practice change. The objective of this project was, therefore, to create a practical and engaging educational module based on the current guidelines to address these barriers and equip family physicians with resources to address obesity and weight stigma in clinical practice.