Healthcare professionals are reminded daily of complex medical, legal and cultural Bioethic decisions, and the need for “considered” opinion. That is why the Medical Community in Northwestern Ontario is celebrating the arrival of Dr. Julija Kelecevic.

She has accepted the invitation to lead the Collaborative Bioethicist Program recognizing that she is expected to directly impact the quality of patient care and decision-making with patients in Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario.

Dr. Kelecevic says, “I want to provide leadership and support to each organization as their policies affect patients, families, and other stakeholders in specific ways. It is not as easy as people might think. Cultures vary. Medical practice is entrenched. It may be that old medical habits are not appropriate and are difficult to change. As a consultant, I will facilitate education and understanding. Medical practice needs it. Patients and families depend on it”.

Five organizations have identified the need for a resident Bioethicist so collaborated to fund her position. They are: Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC), Lakehead University (LU), North West Community Care Access Centre (North West CCAC), Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM), and St. Joseph’s Care Group (SJCG).

Dr. Jaro Kotalik is the Director of the Centre for Health Care Ethics in Thunder Bay. He says, “I am glad that the Centre for Health Care Ethics was in a position to be a catalyst of the collaboration that led to this appointment”.

Ron Saddington is the President and CEO of Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. He says, “The addition of Dr. Kelecevic benefits everyone. Very few physicians have a scope of practice that makes this kind of difference throughout the whole system. We look forward to her counsel”.

Cathy Covino, the Director of Quality and Risk Management for TBRHSC says, “In the years that follow, the uniqueness of the Ethics collaboration will demonstrate improved patient care. Healthcare is ethically complex and all the partners will play a role with patients and their families and friends across the Continuum of Care”.

Besides possessing a Medical Degree, Dr. Kelecevic is completing her Ph.D. in Anthropology dealing with, among other things, Ethical Issues and Forensics. She recently completed a one-year residency in Clinical Ethics at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton.

Dr. Kelecevic also demonstrates significant experience as a teacher and researcher. She continues an active agenda of research and publication to go with her numerous “Conference” presenter opportunities.

Dr. Ian Newhouse, School of Kinesiology at Lakehead University says, “Lakehead University is delighted to partner with like-minded healthcare and education institutions in bringing Julija Kelecevic to Thunder Bay. The agreement not only opens up a new era of collaboration among these institutions, but it also enhances our ability to attract top-notch talents such as Dr. Kelecivic. Julija has all of the assets needed to develop synergies in service, teaching, and research among the partners, and her contributions are expected to greatly benefit healthcare in the region”.

Tracy Buckler, President & CEO, St. Joseph’s Care Group, sees the many benefits a Bioethicist can bring to the organization. She says, “Dr. Kelecevic will work in collaboration with our Ethics Consultation Committee to provide support, guidance, and consultation with respect to ethical issues facing St. Joseph’s Care Group and the clients we serve”.

Tuija Puiras, Executive Director of North West CCAC states, “North West Community Care Access Centre applauds all the partner organizations for their exceptionally diligent work in making the shared Bioethicist position a reality in the North West. The Region will greatly benefit from Julija’s expertise and guidance in Healthcare Ethics”.

:: back to Media Releases ::