AHS Podcasts

In this episode, Jennifer Alexander, Program Director with Nutrition Services, sits down with Heidi Bates, Director of the Integrated Dietetic Internship Program at the University of Alberta. Heidi shares: • her journey to become a leader in field of dietetics, • what it means to be “fierce” in our profession, and • the exciting changes taking place at University of Alberta. She also explains how the partnership with Alberta Health Services has enriched the training of students and offers pearls of wisdom for dietitians eager to shape the next generation. Get ready for an inspiring, fun, and candid conversation that's sure to spark new ideas and energy in your own professional journey! Learn more about careers as a Registered Dietitian in Alberta: • Dietetics Specialization | Undergraduate Program www.ualberta.ca/en/undergraduate-programs/bachelor-of-science-in-nutrition-and-food-science-dietetics-specialization.html • Dietitian | Alberta Health Services www.albertahealthservices.ca/careers/Page11759.aspx

Debbie Pinter, Connect Care Clinical Informatics Officer, helps us unpack the technology on the tip of everyone's tongue: Artificial Intelligence. Find out how our powerful EMR is already setting Alberta nurses up for success. 

In this podcast, Lisa Mowers, AHS Provincial Practice Lead, dives into the question, "Does food impact mood?". She is joined by Dr. Elnaz Vaghef Mehrabani, a seasoned nutrition researcher who is currently working as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Calgary and is an instructor at Athabasca University and Mount Royal University. Some of the topics explored in this podcast: • What the evidence tells us right now about how food is impacting mood and mental well-being. • How nutrition impacts our mood at different stages of life, including prenatal and early childhood development. • Current research on the Mediterranean style diet and healthy eating aligning with Canada's food guide to help people with mental health concerns. • Practical tips for a person-centred approach when helping client use food to improve their mood.

In this episode, Vickie and Tyler talk about the last quarter century in nursing and what may come in future! Nursing is unique profession. At AHS, our first contact with nurses begins in their student rotation, continues through their new grad orientation, and throughout their career into informal and formal leadership roles. What better way to understand those experiences than to have our AHS nurses share them. In this bite sized, playful and safe space, nurses talk about their careers and experiences, so they can have a bit of fun, relate, and connect with their community. ‘This is Nursing' was developed by Tyler Burley and Victoria Radford, Nursing Practice Leads who work in the Associate Chief Nursing Office at AHS.

In this episode, Vickie and Tyler interview Shannon Falsetti, a Nurse Clinician with the Medicine Program Improvement and Integration Network (PIN) and a pioneer in RN prescribing at AHS. Nursing is unique profession. At AHS, our first contact with nurses begins in their student rotation, continues through their new grad orientation, and throughout their career into informal and formal leadership roles. What better way to understand those experiences than to have our AHS nurses share them. In this bite sized, playful and safe space, nurses talk about their careers and experiences, so they can have a bit of fun, relate, and connect with their community. ‘This is Nursing' was developed by Tyler Burley and Victoria Radford, Nursing Practice Leads who work in the Associate Chief Nursing Office at AHS.

In this episode, Vickie and Tyler interview Justin Burkett, Assistant Professor at the University of Calgary and Board Chair with the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta.

In this Mental Wellness Moment, Dr. Nicholas Mitchell — Provincial Medical Director for Addiction and Mental Health with Alberta Health Services — explains why more adults are being diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and how ADHD differs in adults compared to in children.

In this Mental Wellness Moment, Dr. Nicholas Mitchell — Provincial Medical Director of Addiction and Mental Health with AHS — discusses what mental health recovery looks like, and the resources and supports available along the way.

In this Mental Wellness Moment, Dr. Nicholas Mitchell — AHS Provincial Medical Director for Addiction and Mental Health — discusses risk factors for men's suicide and what can be done to reduce those risks.

February is Eating Disorder Awareness Month. In this Mental Wellness Moment, Dr. Nicholas Mitchell — Provincial Medical Director of Addictions and Mental Health with Alberta Health Services — discusses the different types of eating disorders and how people develop them.

In this Mental Wellness Moment, Dr. Nicholas Mitchell — Provincial Medical Director for Addiction and Mental Health with Alberta Health Services — talks about how shorter days can affect one's mental health and what can be done to prevent the 'winter blues.'

In this Mental Wellness Moment, Dr. Nicholas Mitchell — Provincial Medical Director of Addiction and Mental Health with Alberta Health Services — talks about how too set attainable New Year's resolutions.

In this Mental Wellness Moment, Dr. Nicholas Mitchell — Provincial Medical Director for AHS Addiction and Mental Health — talks about what people can do to have a healthy holiday season and positive way to focus on mental health during this time.

Nov. 20-24 is Bullying Awareness Week. In this Mental Wellness Moment, Dr. Nicholas Mitchell — Provincial Medical Director for Addiction and Mental Health with AHS — talks about the different types of bullying and how adults can support children who are being bullied.

Nov. 15 marked National Philanthropy Day, which recognizes philanthropic individuals and organizations across North America, and their exceptional contributions to the charitable sector. We are so grateful to our 70 foundation partners who support advancements to healthcare, including equipment, programs, services and research in our communities and across the province. Last year, our partners raised $363 million for healthcare. They also invested $104 million in support of local and system-wide AHS priorities and $29 million toward health research. We work closely with the foundations to make sure we are supporting shared goals, and investing these donated dollars where they will have the most impact. Joining the podcast to tell us more are: • Deborah McKinnon, President and CEO of the Mental Health Foundation. • Katrina Black, President and CEO of the Sturgeon Community Hospital Foundation. • Manon Therriault, CEO, Red Deer Regional Health Foundation.

CEO Podcast — Nov. 3, 2023 by Alberta Health Services

Guest: Emmanuel Arceneaux In this episode, Vickie and Tyler interview Emmanuel Arceneaux, wide receiver for the Edmonton Elks of the Canadian Football League (CFL). What does sport have to do with nursing? Tune in and find out.

In this Mental Wellness Moment, Dr. Nicholas Mitchell — Provincial Medical Director for Addiction and Mental Health with AHS — talks about how culture and diversity can affect mental health and how AHS supports people from culturally diverse backgrounds.

In this Mental Wellness Moment, Dr. Nicholas Mitchell — Provincial Medical Director for Addiction and Mental Health with AHS — talks about how healthcare workers can take care of their mental health and how to de-stress at work.

The latest CEO podcast shines a spotlight on the importance of health information management. The AHS Health Information Management (HIM) team manages, maintains and provides support in all aspects of health information, from collection and use to access and disclosure. Their work touches or is touched by all AHS clinical and business services. HIM is woven throughout AHS in places such as switchboard, registration in a clinical setting, as well as record retention throughout the organization. This helps to facilitate healthcare delivery, patient safety and health- and business-related decision-making. Joining the podcast to tell us more are: • Kathleen Addison, Senior Provincial Director, Health Information Management. • Karen Carlson, Executive Director, Health Information Management, Operational Practice.

In this Mental Wellness Moment installment, Dr. Nicholas Mitchell — Provincial Medical Director for AHS Addiction and Mental Health — discusses the role boredom plays in maintaining good mental health and ‘recharging' the brain.

This CEO Podcast shines a spotlight on one of our most innovative programs, eSIM—which stands for educate, simulate, innovate, motivate. Simulation facilities re-create clinical events enabling participants to practise their skills in an interactive, real-world experience with the chance to learn from mistakes without causing any harm. Last year, the program supported more than 2,100 simulation sessions involving around 18,500 learners—and 154 of these sessions took place in rural and remote areas. Their rural simulation training bridges the gap between theory and practice, equipping healthcare practitioners with vital skills for quality care delivery specific to rural needs. Joining the CEO Podcast to tell us more are: • Tara Fuselli, eSIM education program lead. • Anna Maria Mundell, rural simulation consultant.

The latest CEO Podcast highlights some of the great work that's being done by the Indigenous Support Line. The support line is for First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples, including youth and Elders, living on or off reserve, in a settlement or in cities and towns. It helps callers navigate the healthcare system, connect them with resources and cultural supports, and offers immediate support for addiction and mental health concerns. No call is turned away, and the Indigenous listener helps guide the caller through each step in the patient's healthcare journey. This toll-free, confidential phone service is the first of its kind in Canada to connect Indigenous callers and service providers with Indigenous health professionals. Joining the podcast to tell us more are: • Andrea Jackson, program manager of the Indigenous Support Line. • Melissa Creyke, mental health therapist and Indigenous listener with the support line.

Dr. Nicholas Mitchell — Provincial Medical Director with AHS Addiction and Mental Health — talks about supplements and vitamins, especially Vitamin D, and whether they can affect mental health.

Our People Survey opens Sept. 12, and is a chance for AHS staff and physicians to share thoughts on what it is like working at AHS and how our systems and actions are supporting patient safety. Joining the CEO Podcast to tell us more are: • Thora Eyford, Director of People Experience, Talent Management Strategies. • Deb Scharff, Director, Patient Safety Learning & Improvement. • Dr. Sharron Spicer, Associate Chief Medical Officer, Physician Experience.

In this Mental Wellness Moment, Dr. Nicholas Mitchell — Provincial Medical Director for Addiction and Mental Health with Alberta Health Services — talks about what causes sleep problems and how to sleep better.

Aug. 31, 2023, is International Overdose Awareness Day. In this Mental Wellness Moment, Dr. Nicholas Mitchell — Provincial Medical Director for Addiction and Mental Health — talks about the importance of reducing stigma around addiction.

This week's CEO Podcast shines the spotlight on some important work being done at AHS to support children with pediatric feeding disorders. Difficulty eating and swallowing is associated with significant health risks and increased use of medical services, not to mention family stress. The Pediatric Eating and Swallowing Project — or PEAS — is working to enhance and standardize interdisciplinary practice around eating, feeding and swallowing, to get the best outcomes for our patients and their families. Over the past three years, their work has resulted in fewer emergency visits and hospitalizations due to pediatric feeding disorder, more families receiving a care plan, more timely access to services, and a high satisfaction rating from families. Joining AHS President and CEO Mauro Chies to tell us more are: • Nancy Whelan, speech language pathologist, Children's Rehabilitation Services, Vermilion Community Health. • Dr. Justine Turner, medical lead of the Pediatric Home Nutrition Support Program.

In this Mental Wellness Moment, Dr. Nicholas Mitchell — Provincial Medical Director for Addiction and Mental Health with Alberta Health Services — talks about how getting outdoors, especially in green spaces, can improve one's mental well-being.

The Summit: Marian and Jim Sinneave Centre for Youth Resilience opened in Calgary earlier this year. Joining the AHS Vlog to talk more about this youth mental health facility are program manager Ryan Clements and Saifa Koonar, President and CE) of the Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation.

In this Mental Wellness Moment, Dr. Nicholas Mitchell — Provincial Medical Director for Addiction and Mental Health with Alberta Health Services — talks about the importance of monitoring your mental health even after a disaster or emergency has passed. There can be a delayed response or reaction that requires attention or, in some cases, professional treatment.

As a healthcare organization, AHS is trusted with huge volumes of confidential information, and a lot of the work we do depends on our IT infrastructure. Every person at AHS has an important role to play in safeguarding privacy and information security in our organization—and that's where InfoCare comes in. InfoCare is the main source of support for privacy and information security matters at AHS, and it promotes organization-wide awareness of these key topics. For the past month, we've been holding the first- nnual InfoCare celebration at AHS to recognize the importance of these topics. Joining the CEO Podcast to tell us more about the positive impact InfoCare has on AHS and how they support staff are: • Victoria Lane, Chief Privacy Officer and Legal Counsel • Robert Martin, Chief Information Security Officer

This final episode for spring 2023 interviews expert Doug Gross who spends his time learning more about long COVID research, leading research studies and interpreting data around COVID-19 and long COVID.

Calgary's new cancer centre opens next year, enabling patients to access to comprehensive cancer care services in a world-class facility. Joining the CEO Podcast to tell us more are Dr. Don Morris, Clinical Department Head of Oncology and Facility Medical Director for the Tom Baker Cancer Centre and the new cancer centre; and Wendy Beauchesne, CEO, Alberta Cancer Foundation.

In this Mental Wellness Moment, Dr. Nicholas Mitchell — Provincial Medical Director for Addiction and Mental Health with AHS — talks about the common phases that many people go through when dealing with a disaster.

Patients and families are at the heart of everything we do and it's important they share their healthcare experiences with us. Their feedback helps improve our programs, services and the care we provide. We encourage people to speak with their care team. They can also share their feedback with our Patient Relations department, which listens and responds with privacy and respect, gathers information and follows up on patient or family concerns. There is also the Office of the Alberta Health Advocates through the Ministry of Health. It empowers Albertans to be effective advocates in their own health and healthcare, and provides support and advocates for a healthcare system that is responsive and accountable to the people being served. Joining the AHS Podcast to talk about their roles are: • Sharon Berry, Patient Concerns Officer & Executive Director, Patient Relations • Catherine Douglas, Health and Mental Health Advocate, Alberta Health.

In this Mental Wellness Moment, Dr. Nicholas Mitchell — Provincial Medical Director for Addiction and Mental Health with AHS — talks about common responses to stress in children and teenagers, and what adults can do to help young people deal with a disaster or emergency.

In this Mental Wellness Moment, Dr. Nicholas Mitchell — Provincial Medical Director for Addiction and Mental Health with Alberta Health Services — says listening is key when helping family members or friends as they deal with a disaster or emergency.

Guest host Dr. Francois Belanger leads a discussion about how Right Care Alberta helps ensure Albertans receive the most appropriate care and achieve the best possible health outcomes. His guests are Dr. Donald Dick, Senior Medical Director, Improving Health Outcomes Together; and Michael Sidra, Senior Program Director, Improving Health Outcomes Together.

In our sixth episode, Shawna interviews three patients and explores the lessons they have learned through their long COVID journey, along with a patient and family advisor who's able to relate her experiences working with sepsis with the current work being done to improve long COVID supports.

When a disaster or an emergency hits, it impacts everyone differently. Learn more from Dr. Nicholas Mitchell — AHS Provincial Medical Director for Addiction and Mental Health — as he talks about how to protect your mental health during disasters, such as the wildfires.

In our fifth episode, we have a panel discussion with clinicians from specialty long COVID clinics to learn more about what each of their clinics are doing to support long COVID and which clinics are most appropriate for providers to refer to.

Alberta Health Services (AHS) Official Administrator Dr. John Cowell shares his thoughts on the progress AHS has made over the past few months, what he's learned during that time, and the importance of a trusting culture.

On the AHS Vlog, three guests discuss the upcoming sixth launch of Connect Care, which includes a total of 208 sites.

In this Mental Wellness Moment, Dr. Nicholas Mitchell — Provincial Medical Director for Addiction and Mental Health with Alberta Health Services — talks about the mental health benefits of feeling bored.

In this Mental Wellness Moment, Dr. Nicholas Mitchell — Provincial Medical Director for Addiction and Mental Health with Alberta Health Services — talks about how culture and diversity can affect mental health.

In this Mental Wellness Moment, Dr. Nicholas Mitchell — Provincial Medical Director for Addiction and Mental Health with Alberta Health Services — talks about what healthcare workers can do — at work and at home — to protect their mental health.

In this Mental Wellness Moment, Dr. Nicholas Mitchell — Provincial Medical Director for Addiction and Mental Health with Alberta Health Services — talks about why mental health awareness is important, and how talking about your mental health can be beneficial.

In this Mental Wellness Moment, Dr. Nicholas Mitchell — Provincial Medical Director for Addiction and Mental Health with Alberta Health Services — talks about the mental health benefits of being outside and in green spaces.

In this Mental Wellness Moment, Dr. Nicholas Mitchell — Provincial Medical Director for Addiction and Mental Health with Alberta Health Services — talks about what causes sleep problems and offers advice on how to sleep better.

In this Mental Wellness Moment, Dr. Nicholas Mitchell — Provincial Medical Director for Addiction and Mental Health with Alberta Health Services — talks about the role certain vitamins play in improving your mental health.