Welcome to the Hamilton Academy of Medicine(HAM) Newsroom. This space is dedicated to informing the public and the media on local and provincial medical news.  For media inquiries please contact us at [email protected] or 905.928-3714

Hamilton Doctors are disappointed in the lack of support for Physicians providing necessary health care to those experiencing homelessness in the Hamilton community. Harm reduction is central to the mission of public health: minimizing the risks and harms to those in our community, even if all risk cannot be eliminated.

The COVID – 19 pandemic has highlighted existing health inequalities in our community. Now, more than ever, we must strive towards providing equal access to care for all Hamiltonians.

Advocacy is central to the profession of medicine. The Hamilton Academy of Medicine applauds Dr. Jill Wiwcharuk for her tireless work advocating for our City’s most vulnerable populations. We call on the City of Hamilton to work with Dr. Wiwcharuk and her colleagues to find solutions for improving the health and safety of those affected by homelessness. Our community must come together to create a sustainable system that protects all Hamiltonians, especially in times of crisis.

Hamilton, March 23, 2020 – In partnership with local Tech company, Lumedi Inc., The Hamilton Academy of Medicine (HAM) is taking steps to flatten the COVID-19 curve in the Hamilton. To facilitate early detection, HAM is supporting a study that will analyze data collected by the COVID-19 Community Watch App. The App will elicit up-to-date data on emerging trends and “Hotspots” in the community to provide advance warning to front-line health care institutions.

“We are living through unprecedented times.” Said Dr. Simon Oczkowski, President of the Hamilton Academy of Medicine and Critical Care Doctor in Hamilton. “The spread of COVID-19 is threatening to overload the health care system and is rapidly changing the way doctors provide care to their patients. We require rapid access to the best available data in order to provide the best care.”

The Covid-19 Community Watch App will build community awareness and involvement. The App monitors trends within geographic regions and demographics. Participants self-report symptoms each day and results will be examined by HAM’s physician leaders. Findings will inform Doctors, Public Health, Hospital Systems, and other relevant stakeholders of up-to-date trends in the community.

How it works:

The Hamilton Academy of Medicine is asking Hamiltonians to complete a 30 second survey once a day, every-day during the crisis at: https://covid19app.ca/

“Dear patients, friends and Hamiltonians: Working together, we can make a difference.” Said Dr. Richard Tytus, Family Doctor at Steel City Medical and HAM Past President, “With your help, we can identify areas that are at high risk and get help where help is needed most. Be Safe.”

Please ask your Hamiltonian friends, family, and colleagues to participate. Share this tool on social media. We need to act now to make a difference. please take the survey and spread the word.

COVID-19 Community Watch app. https://covid19app.ca/

 

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The Hamilton Academy of Medicine is a local voluntary professional association funded by physicians for physicians. The Academy binds the medical community of the Greater Hamilton Area, promoting a spirit of cooperation and unity, while meeting the educational, social and political needs of its members. The Academy acts at the territorial branch society of District 4 of the Ontario Medical Association (OMA) providing a full range of programs, services and benefits to assist member physicians. HAM has long history of advocating for the health of our community.

For more information, please contact:
Jessica Wooder, Executive Director
Office: 905-528-1640
Email: [email protected]