CAMSAHT Chapters Continue To Host Variety of Events – Celebrating Achievements in 2021 To Date
This year, despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, CAMSAHT chapters across the country have continued to plan, host, and collaborate on a number of educational events on human trafficking – from virtual lunch talks to practical workshops.
University of Saskatchewan Chapter Fosters Education & Awareness
The University of Saskatchewan had a busy year, with several events taking place this past winter/spring. In February, they hosted an event where professionals from different backgrounds were invited to share their perspectives, including Dr. Sarah Eidsvik (UofA, FMR1), Dr. Stempien (Provincial Head, Emergency Medicine), and Rod McKendrick (Interpersonal Violence Specialist, Victim Services – Government of Saskatchewan Integrated Justice Services).
Virtual attendees were taught a clinical approach to patient encounters where human trafficking is suspected. Students also learned about the red flags of human trafficking, the VERA screening questionnaire, trauma-informed care, and they discussed the role of physicians in advocacy and government.
In March, UofS CAMSAHT teamed up with the Obstetrics and Gynecology and Gender Engagement in Medicine student interest groups. Together, they hosted an event featuring the intersection of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking. Stephanie Carlson (RN, SANE-A) shared her experience in the emergency department, and her clinical encounters.
In April, Joeline Magill, Executive Director of Hope Restored Canada and Corporal Steinke, RCMP, shared about “The Realities of Sex Trafficking in Saskatchewan” – a talk that was part of the UofS Simulation WHO conference.
"Looking out for our neighbors is a true calling for all people. Medical learners and the medical profession join in this call and play a critical role in addressing human trafficking in our communities” — Gift Madojemu, outgoing UofS Chapter President.
Collaborations Continue in Quebec
Our chapters in Quebec also had their share of educational events! In April, the Université de Sherbrooke hosted a collaborative event with CALACS Estrie (anti-sexual exploitation organization) along with two survivors. They shared their experiences with health care professionals and what was and was not appreciated from their medical team.
McGill University had their first ever interactive workshop in May, organized jointly with the IFMSA-CFMS Reproductive and Sexual Health Committees. Members from the healthcare trainee community heard a presentation by CAMSAHT Co-President Guido Guberman outlining some of the ways healthcare practitioners can recognize cases of human trafficking in healthcare settings and how to intervene. Participants then went through three case presentations, led by two experts, Julianna Deutscher (emergency medicine resident, University of Toronto) and Tara Leach (primary health care nurse practitioner).
“It’s the first time that we have a hands-on workshop like this one at McGill, it was great to see students getting to practice their skills!” – Guido I. Guberman.
We look forward to sharing all the work CAMSAHT chapters will be doing throughout the remainder of this year!