It's FAQ time! You asked, we answered!
Keep on sending in your questions, and we (Dr. Davidson) will keep on answering them. At the end of this article, you can find out how to send in your questions and how to follow along on other Mainline news and events.
"Why did you start Mainline Wellness?" - Mali, Richmond, BC
The initial spark came after a long-time friend reached out and asked if I could help him by administering IV iron for his severe anemia. He wasn't able to access the hospital in time and had already been admitted twice for blood transfusions. This was the first time I realized what an issue IV iron access was in our current health system. Subsequently, when working shifts in the ER, I began to notice how many patients were showing up to triage hoping to get IV iron in the ER, again because wait times were too long. This solidified the idea and Mainline Wellness was started in an attempt to provide a faster, more reliable service and help patients avoid prolonged suffering and avoid blood transfusions.
"What has been the biggest challenge with Mainline?" - Kareem, Surrey, BC
The biggest challenge so far has been getting the word out to care providers in the lower mainland that one, we exist, and two, we provide a safe, efficient and rapid alternative to hospital referrals. I still work in the ER and combined with clinic work, it leaves me very little time to reach out to other clinics and providers. The good news is that patients themselves have been strong advocates and we've essentially been relying on their amazing word of mouth reports to get the word out. I would love to have more time to reach out and chat with other physicians but there are only so many hours in the week.
"What has been your proudest moment as it relates to Mainline?" - Andrew, Edmonton, AB
My proudest moments come when I get unsolicited reports from patients on how much their lives have benefitted from receiving IV iron. As a physician, improving patient lives is always a priority, and when you see and hear that you're having a positive impact on patients, it's incredibly satisfying.
"What is your vision for the business?" - Lindsay, Vancouver, BC
I would love to bring our clinic model to a larger patient population. As a private clinic, our services are limited to patients with the financial means or good extended health insurance. I'm a physician who believes in universal health care and I feel this service should be available to all. I think our clinic has proven that we can deliver this type of a service in a safe and timely manner that is more efficient than the hospitals. My hope is that the government will recognize this and choose to fund clinics like ours so more patients can benefit from the service.
When you aren’t working as a doc in the emergency department or running Mainline, what do you most like to do? - Kelli, Vancouver, BC
I love the outdoors and living on the west coast affords us the opportunity to access nature year round. In the winter I love to ski and ski tour in the coastal mountains and when the weather is a bit warmer I try to get on my mountain bike as much as possible. I'm also fortunate to have 2 children, ages 8 and 10, and I get a lot of enjoyment coaching and being involved with their growing array of activities. Life is certainly not dull with them around!
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