May 2010 Canadian Society of Cardiology Technologists Box 3121, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3C 4E6

President's Message In commencing my report I would like to congratulate all CSCT members on the 40th anniversary of the CSCT this year. The dedication of all CSCT board members, provincial associations and the membership during the last 40 years has made this commemoration possible. I am very honoured to be representing the CSCT as the current President and I look forward to working with this enthusiastic team of individuals from both boards. There were some difficulties with the transition period for the schools revising their programs to reflect the updated NOCP but due to the hard work and professionalism of Gretchen Dunn (CSCT Education Director), Lynn Zinger (CSCT Exam chair) and Irene Williamson (CSCT CMA liaison) these were kept to the minimum. CSCT board of directors continue to look at ways to minimize costs without jeopardizing the educational advancements and goals set out by both boards. We are working on an updated CSCT brochure, which we hope will be available to the provincial associations this summer or early fall. A very heart felt thank-you to Colleen Greeley-Coffin (Ontario Education Coordinator) for taking on this project. CSCT will be looking into possible HRDC funding again to help with upcoming education projects. New Brunswick will be hosting the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress this year which will be held in Montreal. I look forward to seeing many of you there. I encourage members to get involved with their provincial and National associations so that our profession can continue to grow and provide high standards of patient care. In closing I would like to thank those members and students who have contacted the executive with their concerns. Your communication with us is very much appreciated. Respectfully submitted, Michele Tkach CSCT President

CSCT / CCS Conference October 23rd to October 27th, 2010 Montreal, Quebec Friday Oct 22, 2010 Board of Directors Meeting 9:00 – 17:00 in Room 525 A Education Directors Meeting 8:30 – 17:00 in Room 525 B Saturday Oct 23, 2010 Joint Board/Education Meetings 9:00 – 17:00 in Room 525 AB Sunday Oct 24, 2010 Annual General Meeting (and Post AGM) 8:30 – 14:00 in Room 513 D CSCT Sponsor Event – Celebrating our Profession for 40 years. 18:00 – 20:00 Monday Oct 25, 2010 Educational Sessions Preceptor Workshop 9 – 12:00 in Room 515 C Educational Workshops (TBA) 13:00 – 15:00

Early After early date On site Guest

Full Registration $215.00 $245.00 $285.00

One day Registration $120.00 $125.00 $130.00 $ 95.00

EDUCATION AND EXAMINATION REPORT 2009-2010 Over the past 12 months, 170 candidates wrote the CSCT Certification exam for the first time – this is a significant increase over the previous year when there were 117 candidates. The provincial education coordinators are kept very busy around exam time, communicating with exam applicants, exam proctors and arranging the logistics of the exam sites. In addition there were 3 candidates who wrote the ETT post certification exam and 6 candidates who wrote the Implantable Cardiac Devices and Therapies specialty exam. The ETT exam will be discontinued after the Sept 2010 writing, and discussions are taking place regarding the most beneficial use for the materials used both in the exam and the study CD that accompanies application. The rewrite policy for the certification exam has been reworded to specify that after four failed attempts at the exam, a candidate's only recourse is to enroll and successfully graduate from an approved CSCT cardiology program, should they wish any further attempts. Irene Williamson attended the Assembly of Health Science Professionals (AHSP) in Feb 2009 as part of the agreement with conjoint accreditation. CSCT's 2007 NOCP is very closely aligned with the AHSP draft document of guiding principles for national entry level competency profiles which attests to the amount of work put into this document and the guidance received from Dr. David Cane, CSCT consultant

The blueprint for the September 2009 certification exam was based on the 2007 NOCP. The Theory and Interactive practice exams, found in the student area of the website have also been updated to reflect the revised exam blueprint. The intent of this practice exam is to give exam candidates practice with the technology used for the exam as well as giving them an opportunity to test their knowledge (scoring feedback is provided). The Theory practice exam is accessible to ALL CSCT members (go to www.csct.ca click on the student side and then “links to the exam”) and is a valid instrument for obtaining CEUs. Check with your province as to the value of the exam. Remember that Dec 31 2010 is the end of the current CEU triennium and failure to obtain 30 CEUs will result in having to write a reinstatement exam. Congratulations to the Cardiology Program at Stenberg College, BC in obtaining accreditation with CMA conjoint accreditation. All the colleges which offer CSCT approved cardiology technology programs are in various stages of the accreditation process – information can be found at www.cma.ca . In order for a college graduate to be eligible to write the CSCT certification exam, their program must be either CSCT approved AND the program is in the process of CMA accreditation OR the program must be CMA accredited. The Center for Arts and Technology (CAT) in Fredericton, NB commenced

Editor's Notes There is space available for comments, articles of interest and Cardiology related issues you might like to share with fellow members. Please do not hesitate to send information to Polly Pachu, or to your Provincial Director for submission. Your participation is encouraged and welcomed. Articles will only be accepted for consideration with the understanding that they are original. Each article must include the name or a brief biographical outline of the author or references. If you have anything you would like to see included in the Atrium, please forward your submission to [email protected] for consideration by the CSCT board of directors.

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their first Cardiology Technology program last fall. CAT shares the same parent company as Stenberg College in BC, and as such, they use the same curriculum. At the 2009 Canadian Cardiovascular Congress in Edmonton, Colleen Greeley-Coffin, Wendy Wilson and Linda Gregory once again provided another excellent and stimulating preceptor workshop. The topic this year was on generational differences in the work place. A new volunteer position (exam assistant) has been created to allow smooth succession into the position of CSCT exam chair in 2012. Lynn Zinger has expressed a desire to step down from this position after 20 plus years of dedication and she will be working closely with Blair Arnold-Eintzen during the intervening months and exams. October 2010 sees the end of my term as CSCT Education Director and Vince Sopzcak will be stepping into the position at that time. It has been a very stimulating and eye opening experience as to amount of volunteer hours that are spent ensuring that CSCT maintains a high standard for examinations and I would like to take the opportunity to thank all those involved. Respectfully submitted Gretchen Dunn CSCT Education Director Lynn Zinger, CSCT Exam Chair

Dues News Active members $65.00 GST included, Inactive members $55.00 GST included, of your provincial dues are submitted to CSCT as per capita annually.

Re-instatement Policy Members Not in Good Standing

Re-instatement for Active Members

Re-instatement for Inactive Members

Delinquent in CEU’s for last triennium

Successfully complete reinstatement exam and current triennium CEU’s

Successfully complete reinstatement exam and current triennium CEU’s

Deficient in CEU’s for 2 consecutive trienniums

Successfully complete reinstatement exam and interactive videos and maintain current CEU’s

Successfully complete reinstatement exam and interactive videos and maintain current CEU’s

UNPAID DUES/FEES Less than 3 consecutive years

Pay all late dues and fees

Pay all late dues and fees

UNPAID DUES/FEES 3 up to 6 years (consecutive)

Successfully complete reinstatement exam and interactive videos plus a $200.00 fine

Successfully complete reinstatement exam and interactive videos plus a $200.00 fine

UNPAID DUES/FEES 6 or more years

Apply and graduate from a CSCT approved Cardiology Technologist Program

Apply and graduate from a CSCT approved Cardiology Technologist Program

Re-instatement for Lapsed Members (6)YEARS or more

CEUs

N/A

40TH ANNIVERSARY CANADIAN SOCIETY OF CARDIOLOGY TECHNOLOGISTS

N/A

Almost fifty years ago technicians involved in cardiology diagnostics had a vision to organize their profession to promote education and learn from each other.

DUES ARREARS

?

N/A

N/A

Apply and graduate from a CSCT approved Cardiology Technologist Program

"FAQ" AREA

There have been many inquiries about why RCT is the only credential on the CSCT Membership card. We hope that this explanation will clarify those questions and concerns.

May 1963 Manitoba received their Charter under the name of Cardiology Technicians Association. Their members were from several provinces. The Canadian Society of Cardiology Technologists held its inaugural conference October 1970 in Winnipeg. 2010 should be an exciting conference recognizing the 40th Anniversary of continued growth and excellence in the support of Cardiac Sciences. Vivian Kruk Retired CSCT registration #1

The CSCT certification exam is based on the CSCT NOCP. As all candidates write exactly the same exam (regardless of the length of school or the credential they are given upon graduating from a program), all successful exam candidates are considered certified. After a lengthy discussion at the CSCT AGM in Quebec City 2007 the membership voted to have RCT as the only credentials on the CSCT membership card.

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Symposium de cardiologie interventionnelle – Montréal 2010 Interventional Cardiology Symposium – Montreal 2010 [English message below] Le 19ème Symposium de cardiologie interventionnelle : une opportunité d'éducation médicale à la fine pointe des développements cliniques! · Prestigieux rassemblement annuel de cardiologie interventionnelle · Diffusion de cas réels en direct de blocs opératoires de Montréal, Victoria et Durham (Caroline du nord) · Présentations par des experts invités sur des thèmes de l'heure o Imagerie cardiovasculaire o Thérapie cellulaire o Remplacements valvulaires percutanés o … et plus encore! · Événement accrédité permettant l'obtention de crédits EMC · Programme social favorisant les échanges entre pairs · Montréal, charmante et accueillante, regorge de trésors culinaires, culturels et historiques à découvrir! Pour plus de amples détails sur le Symposium et pour vous y inscrire: www.mhi.interv.org. Au plaisir de vous accueillir à Montréal en juin! Serge Doucet, MD Jean-François Tanguay, MD Directeurs du Symposium [email protected] ------------------------The 19th edition of the Interventional Cardiology Symposium: a medical educational opportunity covering the most recent advances in the field! ·

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Prestigious annual symposium on interventional cardiology Live cases broadcast directly from operating rooms in Montréal, Victoria and Durham (North Carolina) Presentations by invited experts on hot topics: o Cardiovascular imaging o Cellular therapy o Percutaneous valve replacement o …and more! Accredited event for CME credits Social program enabling networking opportunities with your peers A treasure trove of delights in dining, culture and history from your host city Montreal

For further information and to register, please visit our website at www.mhi.interv.org. We look forward to seeing you in Montreal in June! Serge Doucet, MD Jean-François Tanguay, MD Symposium Directors [email protected]

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REGISTRAR’S REPORT Greetings Fellow Members, As the CSCT Registrar, I receive all the information about you from your home province. Initially, you pay dues to your provincial association and out of that amount, is the per capita amount which is sent on your behalf for your CSCT membership. CEUs are also received and tabulated by your province who in turn notifies myself if you are a member in good standing or not. Therefore any questions regarding your membership status should be sent to your provincial association first and if need be, cc'd to the CSCT Registrar. All e-mail addresses of the CSCT provinces' board members are on the CSCT website. Remember it is the member's responsibility to keep their provincial association informed of any change of status e.g. moving, new e-mail address, change of status from Active/Inactive and vice versa, or transferring to another province. As of March 31st, the breakdown of CSCT members was as follows:

Alberta BC Saskatchewan Manitoba Ontario New Brunswick Newfoundland Nova Scotia

Active Inactive Members Members 110 12 360 31 90 5 109 1 512 84 4 34 80 2

Respectfully submitted, Cheryl West CSCT Registrar

Life Members 2 1 1 1

2

CSCT CEU Non-Compliance Policy Current CSCT CEU triennium - Jan 1 2008 to Dec 31 2010 Members who have not completed and submitted their 30 CEUs post marked on or before December 31, 2010 will be fined $150 by their province. Non-compliant members will have to complete and submit all required CEUs post marked on or before March 1, 2011. If they do not, they will have their membership suspended, and will have to write and pass a reinstatement exam in September 2011 (see the exam hand guide in the member area of www.csct.ca for more information) If any member has a question regarding the above policy, please contact your Provincial Director or Provincial Education Coordinator. Future CSCT CEU Trienniums: Jan 1 2011 to Dec 31 2013 Jan 1 2014 to Dec 31 2016 Jan 1 2017 to Dec 31 2019

CCC Update: Please make plans for October for the CCC in Montreal. NB has agreed to host this year's event. Many things are being planned as this will be CSCT's 40th anniversary. There will be on Monday an education session on preceptoring as well as other educational items. Your packets will be coming in the mail soon. Please read the booklet and you will find inside a discount code to use when booking your flight. The AGM will be on Sunday at 9:00 am. Please make all efforts to be there as this is your association and you are the voice of the profession. More information will follow in the next few months. Mark your calendars for the weekend of 23 – 25th of October. Hope to see you there. Brad Chapman President of NBSCT

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Provincial News B.C. Hello everyone and greeting from BC. The CTABC is presently working on revisions for our By-Laws and Policy Manual. It is hope that this will be completed this year. Thank you to the committees for all their hard work and commitment to this project. The CTABC will be holding their Annual General Meeting and Education Seminar on May 30th. The AGM this year will be held at the Abbottsford Hospital and promised to be very informative with good speakers and topics. I would like to say in closing that this is my last Atrium report as the BC Director. The years that I have held office, has been very interesting and rewarding. It has been my pleasure to serve the membership of BC for the past nine years. Hope you all have a very safe and happy summer. Respectfully submitted, Ina Adams, Provincial Director, British Columbia

ALBERTA Greetings to all: Alberta held our AGM and education sessions in Calgary May 8 & 9th, 2009. Our Preceptor's workshop was well attended and once again we enjoyed some wonderful speakers. GE Healthcare donated door prizes and their continued support of our association is greatly appreciated. At election time, we welcomed Larry Leduc as our new VicePresident. On September 1, 2009, our President Christine Williams stepped down and our sincere appreciation goes to Larry, who is currently acting as Interim President, in addition to his duties as Vice-President. We thank Christine for her service and wish her well in all future endeavours. All other positions remain the same. 137 talented and dedicated members reside in Alberta. CEU triennium began January 1, 2008 and ends December 31, 2010. A reminder to everyone that CEU`s must be submitted by that time to your Provincial CEU co-ordinator. Our Health Professions Act committee has been hard at work and an

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application for Cardiology Technologist inclusion under the Act has been submitted to government on September 17, 2009. Alberta College of Medical Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technologists (ACMDTT) have provided their support for Cardiology Technology to join them under their umbrella. We are hopeful for positive feedback from the Provincial government soon. Our union the Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA) has also received a copy of our request to government. This will facilitate HSAA review of our pay grades to align with other technologies under the Act. The Alberta board has completed revision update of our bylaws which have been approved by the government. Our website is updated in a timely fashion and provides current information on our association. 2010 Alberta AGM and education session will be held April 23 & 24th, 2010 in Edmonton. Canadian Cardiovascular Conference will be in Montreal on October23-27, 2010. New Brunswick will be the host province. This will be CSCT`s 40th anniversary, so please join us in Montreal for this special time in our history. Sincere best wishes to all provinces for a productive and successful year ahead. Respectfully submitted, Mary Fielden ASRCT Provincial Director

SASKATCHEWAN Membership: Active Inactive Students

88 5 4

Another well attended workshop was held in Prince Albert last fall with a lot of fun for all who attended. The next membership meeting will be held June 5,2010. Our students are at different stages in their curriculum with a few eligible to write in April. Since January of this year a group now calling themselves The Medical Diagnostic Legislation Working Group has been developing a strategy working towards self-regulation. The group consisting of Medical Laboratory Technologists, Medical Diagnostic Sonographers, Combined Lab/X-ray Technicians and Medical Radiology Technologists as well as Cardiology Technologists have formed an umbrella group bringing invaluable combined resources and knowledge. Along with the unanimous support of the SCTA Executive the membership was surveyed and 96% voted in favour of selfregulation. In April the group will present their briefs to Saskatchewan Health. The important first steps have been taken in what will be a long process but will be worth it in the end. It was due to the process of legislating self-regulation and rising costs that dues were increased by $20. In Saskatoon staff and family members from the different Units at the three sites; St. Paul's Hospital, City Hospital and the Royal University Hospital are competing in the 4th Annual Heart Health Challenge March 28 to June 6 in conjunction with the Bridge City Boogie which is held June 13 and is promoting healthy activity to improve healthy hearts. Those participating will log weekly exercise time and at the end will see which unit logged the most hours!!! On June 13 the Bridge City Boogie participants walk or run 2 Km, 5 Km or 10 Km. As of March 31 2010 most of the Health workers in Saskatchewan have been without a contract for 2 years. The Provincial Budget was presented on March 24 and we haven't heard a word as to where we stand.

At the last SCTA Annual Meeting held on September 19,2010 I agreed to let my name stand to run for Provincial Director, as it turned out no one else ran so I am now the Provincial Director for Saskatchewan. They are big shoes I am stepping into as Michele has taken on the position of President of the CSCT. I am excited about the new position and Respectively submitted, Michele has been a great help in filling Nola Pierlot me in on what needs to be done etc., Provincial Director thanks Michele.

Provincial News MANITOBA

ONTARIO

NEW FOUNDLAND

Greetings from Manitoba. There are presently 123 members in Manitoba: Active Registered Members 119 Inactive 2 Life Member 2 TOTAL 123 Our AGM seminar and elections were held at the Misericordia Hospital on May 9, 2009. The MACT board and organizers did a tremendous job, and we are grateful for all their efforts. There were two information sessions conducted by our honourary president and one of our cardiologists. The new board meets on a regular basis to discuss current issues, and enjoy a hiatus during the summer months. Two of our board members are presently compiling a revision of the MACT bylaws. A majority of our local hospitals and clinics joined us in celebrating February 12th as Cardiology Day. This was a day set aside to promote our profession in both medical and public settings. We express our congratulations to our students who successfully completed the examination process this past year. To those who plan and prepare for the upcoming April 2010 examination date, we extend our best wishes. With the support of the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA) Cardiac Sciences Program, our members have attended numerous continuing education seminars locally and nationally. The Cardiac Science Program has a sub-committee involving physicians, nursing educators and cardiology technologists. They are focused on developing a standardized protocol for cardiac non-invasive procedures. C u r r e n t l y, t h e Electrocardiogram portion of this protocol has been completed and the Exercise Tolerance Test section is in process. The 2010 AGM is scheduled to be held at the Victoria Hospital, Winnipeg on May 29th. We encourage all the members to attend the planned sessions. The AGM provides a valuable opportunity to obtain CEUs. Wishing you all a safe and wonderful summer!

Greetings from Ontario, We wish all fellow Cardiology Technologists' a prosperous New Year in all of their efforts. We have celebrated National Cardiology Technologist Day across the province, I was fortunate to celebrate twice. London Health Sciences hosted a pacemaker workshop with OSCT for the morning and Southlake Regional Centre acknowledged and appreciated the efforts of their Cardiology Technologists with a cake. Our annual Education Days are planned for May 14 and 15,2010 with a preceptor's workshop, education and AGM held in Barrie, Ont. Elections will take place this year for OSCT Directors. Information and registration forms will be posted on our website, www.osct.ca. Efforts towards regulation continue in spite of delays and other frustrations. Our committee remains optimistic and diligent. I would like to pass forward information regarding the 19th Interventional Cardiology Symposium that will be held in Montréal, Canada, from June 17th to June 19th, 2010. Please check the website for registration information, www.mhi.interv.org. It promises to be a great conference for good educational opportunities. Examination days are often interesting here due to the number of students challenging the National CSCT Examination. We continue to work towards making this as unstressful as possible for both students and invigilators. It appears that we will have approximately 77 students challenge the CSCT Exam this April.

Hi Everyone,

Respectfully submitted, Susan Maniate MB Provincial Director

Active Members: 513 Life Members: 1 Students members: 154 Respectfully submitted, Marg Mount RCT President OSCT Vice President CSCT

Not much to report from the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador. We have 34 registered active members. One person challenging the National Exam in April. Held our Cardiology Technologists Day February 12, 2010 at which time material was provided to the general public regarding our profession. Refreshments were provided. CTAN annual seminar and AGM coming up on May 29, 2010. We are still in the process with the government of this province to be equalized with EEG technologists. With regards Sandra Butt Provincial Director NL

NEW BRUNSWICK We have had a busy year in New Brunswick. A new cardiology program has started with 16 prospective new technologists. We have had two registered cardiology technologist take on new jobs with the pacemaker companies, good luck ladies. We had a Cardiology Technologist day in February with a large attendance. It was a very educational two days with special speakers on a variety of topic. At the end of the conference, four technologists were recognized by the peers with an award for all the work they have done in progressing the profession. This May, our AGM will be in Moncton, NB. It is an election year for the executive board. This year, New Brunswick will be hosting the CCC in Montreal in October. We have decided that members who come to the AGM, one name will be drawn to go to the CCC with all expenses paid. The second prize will be for one member whose dues will be paid for next year. Let's all remember that it is our job to advance this profession. Respectfully submitted, Brad Chapman President of NBSCT

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News

Understand a Proxy It seems that there is some confusion and misunderstanding regarding the Proxy that comes with your notice of meeting. This article will hopefully provide some insight, and help everyone better understand what a proxy is all about. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines proxy as: (1) Authority or power to act for another; (2) A document giving such authority; (3) A person authorized to act for another A Proxy (more correctly called an ‘Instrument of Proxy’) enables someone to vote on matters at a meeting without being present. You give your vote to someone to exercise for you. On the Proxy form, there is a place for you to write in who you would like to ‘carry’ your vote for you. The next few lines indicate the matters that will be voted on. You may vote yes (for) or no (against) to these motions. If you leave it blank, the person whose name you have filled in will vote for you. In the matters that come up in meetings, the person carrying your Proxy, whom you have designated, will vote on your behalf. As you do not know what the issue is about, you are placing your trust in the person holding your proxy. Of course, there are exceptions. On issues outline on the Proxy (called Proxy Issues), the person holding your Proxy must vote in the manner you have indicated. This ensures that you are able to have your say on matters that are known before the meeting. The bottom area of the proxy must also be filled in with the date and your name, signature and numbers. If you have forgotten your numbers, they will be filled in for you. Each proxy is scrutinized by the Registar to make sure it is correct.

NOVA SCOTIA CTANS has been very busy these last few months. We are continuing to lobby our provincial government for legislation, so far we have not had much success, but we will press on. Many of the Regional Health Authorities have celebrated National Cardiology Technologist day with posters, education sessions and draws. Our Annual General Meeting is scheduled for May 1st in Prince Edward Island at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. The education portion of this day is sponsored by Medtronic of Canada to whom we are very grateful. Our island members have promised us a great time. We will be having an election during our AGM, so I encourage all who attend to please step up, as it is only through our efforts that we will continue to grow. Respectfully submitted, Geri Morrison

CSCT Board of Director's and Education Coordinators - E-mail List Province BC Alberta Saskatchewan Manitoba Ontario Newfoundland New Brunswick Nova Scotia

Name Director Education Director Education Director Education Director Education Director Education Director Education Director Education Director Education

Ina Adams Tay-Jann Mark Mary Fielden Wendy Wilson Nola Pierlot Vince Sopczak Susan Maniate Vilma Ablang Marg Mount Colleen Greeley-Coffin Sandra Butt Maureen Butler Brad Chapman Sara-Jayne Cameron Geri Morrison Linda Gregory

E-mail [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

CSCT Executive Directors President Vice-President Education Treasurer

Michele Tkach Marg Mount Gretchen Dunn Karen Schaus

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

CSCT Board Officers Secretary Registrar Exam chair Education Asst Medical Advisory Committee

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Geri Morrison Cheryl West Lynn Zinger Vince Sopczak Dr. M.A. Turabian Dr.David Bewick Dr. Brett Heilbron

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Brandon, Manitoba St. John, NB Vancouver, BC