Over the past year as Canadian Medical Association (CMA) president, I have seen both the fragility and resilience of our health-care system. In countless conversations with providers and patients, I heard about their challenges in our under-resourced system. But these same health-care advocates also highlighted innovative solutions to build a better system for everyone.
More than ever, I believe in the power of health-care advocacy, and plan to continue pushing forward on key issues long into the future. But as I close this chapter and pass on the mantle of president, I have been reflecting on what I’ve learned:
Inter-provincial barriers impact medicine as much as manufacturing
Our health-care challenges are common across all provinces and territories, whether it’s long wait lists, emergency department closures or staff shortages. While different jurisdictions have unique characteristics, there are common solutions that would promote meaningful change everywhere.
The CMA is advocating to break down barriers to help physicians work where they are needed, bolster team-based care and create a connected digital health system so doctors can better share information with colleagues and patients. And with extreme climate events impacting all Canadians (as I’m writing this we are seeing wildfires leading to a state of emergency in my home province of Manitoba), the CMA continues to advocate for low-carbon health systems.
In the past year, we have also raised awareness about the devastating consequences of false health information that crosses all our borders and threatens both our health and our democracy. This is an area I feel passionate about, and so it is with pride that I’ve watched the CMA fight this battle on multiple fronts.
To support reliable sources of evidence-based health information, the CMA is funding health reporting through traditional media. To track and measure the impacts of misinformation on patients and the medical profession, the CMA is conducting annual surveys that will inform policy and programs throughout the country. And finally, the CMA is meeting Canadians where they’re at, on social media, with our Healthcare For Real channels that share trustworthy, accurate information about the Canadian health-care system. The fight against misinformation is far from over, but I hope the CMA will remain a leader in this battle for years to come.
Health-care workers – and their wellbeing – are the foundation of our health-care system
I have been open about my own struggle with burnout. During my residency, I had dark days where I thought I couldn’t be a doctor. But when I had the right supports in place, I achieved more than I ever thought I would in my career.
Too many health-care workers still operate under a similar cloud, burdened by staff shortages, an overloaded system and relentless administration. There is no health-care system without health providers.
I had the opportunity to meet with doctors and researchers from around the world at the 2024 International Conference on Physician Health in Halifax. Our conversations underscored the changing culture of medicine and the importance of building a vibrant connected community.
The CMA is working toward solutions to improve physician wellbeing, including reducing doctors’ administrative burden and collecting crucial data on wellness. Together, we can create work environments where health workers thrive.
We have a deep responsibility to continue reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples
In September, I delivered the CMA’s apology for its role, and the role of the medical profession, in past and ongoing harms to First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples in the health system.
During the ceremony, I heard from Indigenous Elders, Knowledge-Keepers, health providers and patients about their experiences. Their stories underscored how much work still needs to be done to create an equitable, culturally safe and inclusive health-care system for Indigenous Peoples.
The apology was an essential first step toward mending broken trust, and paved the way for the CMA’s reconciliation action plan, which focuses on Indigenous self-determination in health care.
It was the most impactful moment during my term, and I remain committed to supporting the CMA’s work toward reconciliation.
A healthy economy depends on a strong health-care system
In the recent federal election, Canada’s sovereignty, economy and affordability topped the political agenda. But a strong country, and economy, are made possible by a strong health-care system. I’m so proud to see that the hard work we did, crossing the country to meet with candidates, during the election led to the CMA securing significant commitments from the Liberal government to improve health care for all Canadians. Now it’s time to put them into action.
The CMA presidency has been one of the most challenging, and humbling, roles of my career, but also one of the most rewarding and inspiring. These lessons are a call to action. While the CMA will continue to advocate for a more equitable health system, we can’t do it alone. Health care is a shared responsibility: political leaders must act boldly, the public must stay engaged, and as advocates we must keep listening, learning and pushing forward. Together we can improve health and health care for all Canadians.
Photo provided by the CMA
