Download Dr. Fay Sliwin, Toronto, ON - The College of Family Physicians

CFPC SCHOLARSHIPS IN WOMEN’S HEALTH
The CFPC Scholarships in Women’s Health are supported by the Foundation Sexual and
Reproductive Health of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) and
The College of Family Physicians of Canada’s Research and Education Foundation.
Dr. Fay Sliwin, CCFP, FCFP,
Toronto, ON
2010 Scholarship in Women’s Health
Menopause Treatment
Training Program:
 Menopause Clinic at Women’s College Hospital from April 2010 until September
2010, half day weekly
 Share Clinic – Sexual Health and Rehabilitation Clinic, Odette Center at
Sunnybrook Hospital, half day biweekly from July 2010 until present (ongoing)
o Clinic for women with gynecologic, GI or breast cancer who are
experiencing sexual difficulties or menopausal symptoms as a result of
their surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy
The above clinics were both supervised by Dr. Jenny Blake, Chief of Obstetrics and
Gynecology at Sunnybrook Hospital. As well I spent one clinical day with Dr. Wendy
Wolfman at the Mt. Sinai Menopause Clinic to observe the different approaches in the
clinics.
 North American Menopause Society (NAMS) certification exam May 2010,
obtained NCMP ( NAMS Certified Menopause Practitioner)
 NAMS conference, Washington DC, September 21-23, 2011
Learning Objectives:
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Different formulations of HRT, how to individualize the approach for each
patient
New recommendations for HRT post Women’s Health Initiative study
counselling patients on approaches to menopause treatment and options
available
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Treating menopause across the spectrum of age (premature ovarian failure vs
natural onset vs iatrogenic)
Treating menopausal symptoms in women with cancer
Treating sexuality issues in women with cancer
Improve my comfort level and understanding underlying issues when prescribing
HRT in women with cancer
Bioidenticals- ability to counsel patients on the use/misuse of bioidenticals
The learning objectives were met by attending the Menopause and Share clinics with my
Mentor, Dr. Jenny Blake through observation and clinical practice. As well, I have
subscribed to the NAMS menopause journal and review this when it arrives monthly. I
studied for the Certified Menopause Practitioner exam from the Menopause Practice,
Clinical Guide and obtained my NCMP certification in May 2010. I have presented a
menopause and sexuality seminar for a community group which required research.
Benefits of the Traineeship:
 Opened up new avenues of professional practice, I now work in the SHARE Clinic
on an ongoing basis as well as working as a GPO/Clinical Associate in the
Gynecology Oncology Clinic at the Odette Center at Sunnybrook Hospital.
 I am currently being trained to assist in colposcopy by the gyne oncologists at
Sunnybrook
 Having a family doctor on the gyne oncology team has added a new dimension
to the care the patients receive with a more “whole patient” approach to their
care.
 Because of my involvement in the SHARE Clinic, we now have a multidisciplinary clinic including myself (family medicine), Dr. Blake (gynecologist) as
well as two nurses. We have been able to expand our intake from solely gyne
cancer patients to those with GI and breast cancers.
 I have become the HRT “expert” within the Gyne-oncology clinic as the surgeons
did not consistently prescribe HRT or discuss menopause or sexuality with their
patients prior to my involvement with the clinic. I am the “go to” person for
HRT/menopause/sexuality issues for the surgical oncologists and radiation
oncologists, thereby adding another layer of care for the patients.
 The surgeons often come to me with questions about the patients other
underlying medical issues and medications for clarification. As a family doctor on
the team, I have broader experience with chronic conditions.
 I have given a presentation on menopause and sexuality to a community group
as the invited speaker for a fund raising event and plan to continue with more
community presentations