FPA Problem Rounds Mark One Year of National Engagement

Now in their second year, the Family Practice Anesthesia (FPA) Problem Rounds have quickly become a valued forum for discussion, collaboration, and professional growth among FPAs across Canada.

Launched in April 2024, the FPA Problem Rounds were developed to support Family Practice Anesthetists in Ontario working in diverse and often isolated settings. Co-hosted by Drs. Doreen Yee, Nadia Alam, Rickesh Sood, and Razvan Purza, the series draws on a diverse mix of academic, community and rural experience to offer practical, case-based discussions.

The concept evolved from the Fellowship Professor Rounds that Dr. Yee launched more than two decades ago when she held the position as Fellowship Program Director, which successfully transitioned online during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recognizing how virtual learning could increase accessibility and engage wider audiences, she partnered with Drs. Alam, Sood and Purza, to adapt the model for Family Practice Anesthetists. “We realized there was an opportunity to create the same kind of supportive academic environment for FPAs, especially those in smaller or more remote communities,” Dr. Yee said.

To ensure the content reflected real-world challenges, Dr. Alam brought her expertise in rural anesthesia and physician workforce issues, while Dr. Sood, member of the Ontario’s Anesthesiologists FPA Section, and Dr. Purza, Director of the FPA Enhanced Skills Program, provided insight from academic and residency training perspectives. Together, the group formed a small planning committee to identify topics and speakers.

The rounds now draw participants from across the country, including Saskatchewan and Alberta, filling an important gap in national representation for FPAs. Additionally, each session is accredited by the College of Family Physicians of Canada, a milestone achieved through Dr. Alam’s efforts.

As the rounds enter their second year, their continued growth underscores their importance as a reliable, collegial learning space. As Dr. Yee noted, “It’s about building a community where FPAs can share knowledge and support each other, no matter where they’re working.”