Canadian cancer specialists to present in Medicine Hat

Patients can learn skills for healing, while health-care providers focus on self-care

MEDICINE HAT – The Margery E. Yuill Cancer Centre in Medicine Hat and the Alberta Cancer Foundation are pleased to bring two specialists to the city from Nova Scotia’s Healing and Cancer Foundation, whose organization is focused on teaching patients innovative ways to enhance their recovery.

The Skills for Healing Cancer Weekend Retreat, March 23-25, is open to anyone who has been given a cancer diagnosis of any type or any stage. Presenters are Healing and Cancer Foundation co-founders Dr. Rob Rutledge, a radiation oncologist (cancer specialist), and Timothy Walker, psychotherapist and mindfulness teacher.

During the three-day event, participants will learn how to get complete cancer care; how to empower the body; stress-reduction and mind-body techniques; mindfulness and other healing skills; and meditation and informal discussion. A $20 deposit is required for those who can afford it, and participants may bring a loved one. To register or for more information, call Verna Moch, 403-529-2664 or email verna.moch@ahs.ca  or Mark Sloan, 403-529-8817, e-mail mark.sloan@ahs.ca.

On March 23, Professional Caregiver Health: Taking Care of Us, is designed for professional caregivers and hospital staff to learn more about burnout and resilience; the science of health habits; and finding work/home balance. This session will be presented by Dr. Rutledge and is free of charge. For more information, call Mark Sloan, 403-502-8601 or email mark.sloan@ahs.ca.

Founded in 2007, the Healing and Cancer Foundation evolved from a 10-year collaboration between Walker and Rutledge, drawing on their clinical practices and the inspirational learning they have gained in facilitating dozens of weekend cancer retreats.

The organization equips cancer patients and family members with a powerful, integrated approach to the cancer journey – helping people to heal at the levels of body, mind and spirit. It draws on the best of medical science, the vast teachings of world spiritual traditions, and the inherent wisdom within each person. At its core is the practice of deep compassion for oneself that expands outward in an engaged connection with others in community.

Dr. Rutledge is a Radiation Oncologist in Halifax Nova Scotia specializing in breast, prostate and pediatric cancers. He is also an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Medicine at Dalhousie University. In 1999, he co-created the ‘Skills for Healing’ Cancer Weekend Retreats. These weekend support groups teach a powerful and integrated approach to the cancer diagnosis and ways to heal at levels of body, mind and spirit. To date, more than 1,600 people have attended the retreats in over 20 cities across Canada and abroad.

In 2010, Rob received Cancer Care Nova Scotia’s Award for Excellence in Patient Care and, in 2006 Doctors Nova Scotia presented him with the Health Promotion Award in recognition of his contribution to physician health and health promotion in cancer patients.

Walker has worked to integrate mindfulness and the psychology of meditation into psychotherapy, education, and health care for more than 35 years. With a private practice in psychotherapy and mindfulness-based stress reduction in Halifax, he teaches meditation retreats and mindfulness workshops across North America. He recently co-authored with Dr. Rutledge the highly acclaimed book, The Healing Circle: Integrating science, wisdom, and compassion in reclaiming wholeness on the cancer journey.

Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.

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