February 2017 Update

By February 12, 2017June 24th, 2017Mailings, Monthly Update

1. Noteworthy items

  • The Ontario Psychological Association is running a video contest for Psychology Month. Access here.
  • Regarding taxation of health and dental benefits – during Question Period, the Prime Minister said the Liberals will not tax health and dental benefits. CPA and other national professional association partners advocated on this issue. See here. 

The province has issued a request for proposal (RFP) to recruit a consultant to assist in the development of a mental health strategy comprising mental health and addictions programs and services, with an emphasis on better co-ordination and access. Applicants have until Feb. 15 to submit a proposal, see here for details. 

  • On Tuesday Feb 14th at 6:50am, Dr. George Kaoukis will be interviewed on Global News Morning regarding heart health, following a press release that was sent out by the Manitoba Psychological Society. View here. 
  • Graduate students in the Clinical Psychology Program at the University of Manitoba have expressed interest in accessing psychological services in the community at sliding scale or pro-bono rates. MPS is still looking for additional members in private practice who would be willing to see clinical psychology graduate students on a sliding scale or pro-bono rates. This information will be sent to the Clinical Student Representatives, who will keep a list of the psychologists’ names and contact information. Upon each new academic year, the Clinical Student Representatives will email this list to the clinical psychology student body, who would then be individually responsible for arranging appointments. If you are interested in assisting in this endeavor, please email your name and preferred contact information to Maia Kredentser, MPS Student Representative, at umkreden@myumanitoba.ca.
  • The Manitoba Moose Hockey Club have put together a special package for psychologists for the March 10th game at MTS Centre, with a ticket, hot dog, and drink for $25. See here for purchasing information.

2. Upcoming Events

  • The MPS 50th Anniversary Gala will be held the evening of February 24, 2017 at Mercedes Benz Winnipeg.  Dr. Robert (Bob) McIlwraith will be presented with the Distinguished Life Member Award and Dr. William (Bill) Davis will be presented with the 2017 President’s Award for exceptional service to MPS. There will a silent auction, with great prizes to be won! A portion of the profits will go to a non-profit organization whose initiatives fall under the mandate of MPS.
    To purchase tickets: http://members.mps.ca/event-2426151.
  • The MPS Annual General Meeting will be held on March 20, 2017. We are honoured to have Dr. Niigaan Sinclair as our speaker at this event. Dr. Sinclair is Associate Professor/Acting Department Head, Native Studies, University of Manitoba, award winning author and editor, and regular commentator on indigenous issues for CTV, CBC, and APTN. 
  • The MPS Annual Spring Workshop, The Pain Paradox: Mindfulness/Compassion-Based Approaches for Complex Trauma, with Dr. John Briere will be held on April 21, 2017. Registration information will be emailed to members and posted on the MPS website in the coming weeks.

3. MPS Updates from January 2017

  • Psychologists and Social Action – In May of 2016, MPS established a Social Action Committee. The aim of the committee is to respond to some of the most pressing social issues of the day in a manner that is (1) consistent with the MPS mission, (2) respectful of individual beliefs, and (3) directly related to the body of knowledge and skills that defines psychology. The Board supports the notion that our responsibility as a profession should include providing knowledge from our science, as well as values from our ethics, to contribute to public discourse on important social issues. 

There are many social issues that Manitoba psychologists are already addressing. MPS would like to know what its members are currently involved in, and what they would like to see the Board’s Social Action Committee focus on in the coming months. Please take a moment to fill out the following brief survey. Let us know about your passions, your concerns, and your willingness to help. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZCQKM89

4. Article of Interest

 

5. Get to know a Manitoba Psychologist, featuring Dr. Chantal MacDonald

In your opinion, what are the most rewarding and challenging parts of being a clinical psychologist?

Using my knowledge of psychology to help people bring about meaningful change in their lives is for me the best part of my job.  However, change can be very painful and being a witness to that pain can be challenging at times.

What do you think are the most exciting changes in the field of clinical psychology?

I am excited by the increasing use of neuroimaging in outcome studies. This technology will help us to refine our understanding of the process and outcome of psychotherapy.