|
Dear COA Membership,
A whirlwind of activity has marked the first 100 days of my presidency as I worked with our Executive Committee and staff on fulfilling the two priorities of my mandate: 1) bringing together MSK-related associations in Canada and 2) beginning the conversation around sustainability and planetary health within our organization. It is a true privilege to have been chosen as President during this pivotal year for advocacy, education and government relations.
In August, in partnership with Depuy Synthes, we awarded eight Diversity Leadership Scholarships to support leadership development among individuals from underrepresented groups in orthopaedics. In September, Cohort 2 of the Emerging Leaders Program, in partnership with Zimmer Biomet, was launched. Ten members have been selected to participate in one-on-one executive coaching and group sessions to hone their leadership skills in orthopaedics.
A highlight of the summer was the launch of our inaugural podcast, Ortho Insider, hosted by Communications Committee member Dr. Adrian Huang. Five episodes were released over August and September, and the response from membership, industry partners, and the public has been overwhelmingly positive. Search for Ortho Insider on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.
On the advocacy front, the COA partnered with The Arthritis Society for Fall meetings with the federal government and Arthritis Awareness Month, as well as preparing for our spring government relations efforts, which includes the 3rd Annual Canadian Orthopaedic Care Day, happening on Wednesday, March 27, 2024.
The Association was proud to submit a brief to the Standing Committee on Finance in advance of the 2024 Federal Budget. Participating in pre-budget consultations is just another step in getting our members’ voices and concerns heard.
This fall, I was thrilled to participate in some of the provincial orthopaedic association and society meetings, including the Atlantic Provinces Orthopaedic Society Annual Meeting (APOS) in Halifax, as well as the Quebec Orthopaedic Association (QOA) meeting in Montreal.
The APOS Annual Meeting extended such a warm welcome – despite the hurricane! – and I was able to present a national update on behalf of the COA. I also had the privilege of participating in the scientific program as an invited speaker, presenting a Practical Guide for Orthopaedic Surgeons related to Environmental Sustainability. While in Halifax, I had the opportunity to meet with our Annual Meeting Program Chair, Dr. Glen Richardson, to develop the guiding principles that will be the focus of next year’s program. I also visited the incredible Halifax Convention Centre and met with our local hosts, Dr. Chad and Jodi Coles, who are making sure we receive a true east coast welcome! Stay tuned for more information surrounding the 2024 Annual Meeting, happening June 12-15.
It was great to see old friends and meet new ones at the QOA meeting, where I delivered a national update and moderated the Residents’ Competition. The theme this year was “instabilities,” where joint-related conditions were reviewed from head to toe –the QOA CPD committee also cleverly added “professional instability,” guiding us through communication best practices with the CMPA. In my discussions with Quebec colleagues, I learned about the Centralized Referral System and the Association d’Orthopédie du Québec’s efforts in clarifying the care of patients in a mixed public-private care environment.
I just participated in the Ontario Orthopaedic Association’s meeting in Toronto. The meeting was action-packed, with public and private care and robotic surgery as key topics.
The provincial meetings provide incredible education and opportunities for us to learn and collaborate with colleagues from across the country. I want to thank these groups for welcoming the COA into their events and programs this year.
Lastly, I am pleased to announce that we have connected with the leadership of all eight Canadian MSK associations and organizations we had set to meet; these were the Canadian Orthopaedic Nurses Association, the Canadian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, the Canadian Physiotherapy Association, the Canadian Society of Orthopaedic Technologists, the Canadian Association of Physician Assistants, the Canadian Rheumatology Association, the Canadian Academy of Sport and Exercise Medicine, and recently the Canadian Association of Radiologists.
Thank you to our Strategic Initiatives Manager, Chelsea Patriquin, for coordinating and facilitating the meetings. These meetings allowed us to learn about each other's organizations and identify areas for collaboration. All Associations were keen to join and saw value in engaging.
I look forward to the remainder of 2023 and a productive winter and spring. For weekly updates, stay in the know via the COA Weekly Dispatch.
Sincerely,
Dr. Pierre Guy
COA President, 2023-2024
| 
