Joanne Roussy, RN, PhD, FLEX Activity Supervisor
In 2013, myself and three medical students joined forces to build the RBS foundation: Christine Wang (MD ’16), Kay Fung (MD ’16), and Isabel Chen (MD ’15), who continue to assist in leadership roles: Isabel, vice-president and co-chair of the FLEX committee, along with co-chair and board director, Kay, and Christine as a RBS FLEX student mentor. Kay and Christine were part of the first group practicum students. This is outstanding leadership and commitment to service
In the past nine years, the RBS has had the opportunity to support 37 medical and practicum students in the RBS FLEX program, many doing all three FLEX cycles for a total 56 cycles. Since the start of the RBS, medical student projects have contributed to developing three areas of the RBS: 1) buddy reading program, 2) A Visit to Dr. Bear, and 3) resources on early childhood topics.
The History of RBS FLEX
The Buddy Reading Program
For the first four years, the focus was on creating an activity booklet for the buddy reading program, which promotes social-emotional health and early literacy. The My Bear Book was created with a team of early literacy experts, including Dr. Linda Siegel and elementary school teachers and was piloted for three years. The activity booklet was designed by artist Jennifer Ji (MD/PhD ’23) of the FLEX committee. The buddy reading program continues to run independently in schools in Vancouver with great success and has reached nearly 3,000 students, with hopes that it will restart next fall after an 18-month break.
A Visit to Dr. Bear Program
In 2018, Amy Plessis (MD ’20), founder of the RBS in Kelowna, member of the student advisor committee, and second-year pediatrics resident, created the first draft of A Visit to Dr. Bear as a FLEX student. Many students followed her, including former student and current board director, Paul Abraham (MD ’19) and Bhavan Panghali, (MD ’20) student advisor, second-year pediatric resident, who continued to pilot this program which is now being delivered virtually with a module guide for teachers and a video for at-home viewing entitled A Visit to Dr. Bear at Home: An interactive guide.
Resources for Parents
The first tip sheets were developed in 2013 by Christine Wang for young families on when to bring a child to the doctor. There are now 19 resources, including info sheets and videos, and a book corner on topics relevant to young families such as handwashing, healthy eating, and more.
Various mentorships for FLEX students
Mentorship is key to the RBS FLEX and is one of the foundational pillars of the RBS. One component of this pillar is the contributions of medical student advisors. At the onset of FLEX, students are paired with a former graduate from the student advisory committee to provide an orientation to the RBS, with special attention to communication guidelines and email etiquette. Dr. Trevor Newton, RBS secretary-treasurer along with the medical student advisory committee have written comprehensive communication guidelines to best support incoming students. This is key, as good patient care and multidisciplinary interactions relies on strong communication skills. Mentors also offer guidance to the students during the course of their four years of studies, including CaRMS advice and references for residency programs.