Dear COA Members,

We are excited to share the highlights from this year's Your COA Business Meeting, which was held in Calgary, Alberta, at the 2023 COA | CORS | CORA Annual Meeting.

Secretary's Report – Dr. Brendan Sheehan

The Secretary welcomed Rebecca Constant as the COA’s new Education Manager, who joined the head office team in January.

The core COA team expanded to seven members in just two years, with the addition of three remote workers and four Montreal-based workers.

This growth led the Association to downsize the office space at HQ in Montreal, which was successfully completed.

President's Report – Dr. Laurie Hiemstra

COA President Dr. Laurie Hiemstra (now Past President) expressed her honour in serving the membership over the past year. The Canadian orthopaedic community had experienced positive transformation and new energy both nationally and globally, and she was delighted to have presided over these changes.

Dr. Hiemstra highlighted that the COA had made significant strides in implementing Year I of the Strategic Plan, focusing on four strategic priorities: engagement, advocacy, education, and quality. These priorities would continue to guide efforts to benefit membership.

Several accomplishments were highlighted, including the President's Council meeting, the development of the Orthopaedic Chairs of Canada Committee, the Emerging Leader Program, the Diversity in Leadership Scholarship, the Spring AdvoOrtho Government Relations campaign, and the Second Annual Canadian Orthopaedic Care Day.

President Hiemstra emphasized the importance of member input and engagement and expressed gratitude to the Executive Team, Board of Directors, and COA staff for their dedication.

CEO Report - Cynthia Vezina

The CEO provided updates on the progress of each of the four priorities of the COA's three-year strategic plan. Successful initiatives included the new brand and website, the Emerging Leaders Program, and Canadian Orthopaedic Care Day.



Looking ahead to Year II, the COA will continue to invest in professional fulfillment, develop an institutional partnership plan for advocacy, support the new governance structure, and work on national guidelines for treating patients with obesity.

Treasurer's Report – Dr. Ted Tufescu

The Treasurer presented the audited financial statements for the COA for the fiscal year ending February 28, 2023.

The Association received a clean audit and maintained a modest surplus. The primary concern remained shrinking membership numbers and members not paying their annual dues.

Nominating Committee Report – Dr. Kishore Mulpuri

Dr. Kishore Mulpuri presented the Committee’s nominations for Council and Committee positions.

Five regional representatives were proposed by the membership to serve on the Nominating Committee for 2023-2024.

Dr. Sukhdeep Dulai was announced as the 2^nd President-Elect.

Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation Report - Dr. Hans Kreder

Dr. Hans Kreder, President of the Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation (COF), provided an update surrounding the Foundation’s projects, including highlighting industry sponsors, awards, and an updated website.

Dr. Kreder also highlighted public education, including the new Ortho Link podcast and enhancing the COF brand to the public through social media.

RI Harris Lecture – Dr. David Parker

Dr. David Parker from Sydney, Australia, delivered the 2023 RI Harris Lecture. He was only the 2nd Australian to give this lecture and had close ties to Canada.

Dr. Parker is an internationally known knee surgeon with a dedication to clinical excellence, leadership, mentorship, and research.

President-Elect Address – Dr. Pierre Guy

Dr. Pierre Guy was introduced as the next COA President by (then) COA President Dr. Laurie Hiemstra.

He delivered his inaugural address and was recognized for his accomplishments as a trauma surgeon and leader, as well as his dedication to family.

His thoughtfulness, thoroughness, and loyalty make him an exemplary leader.

We extend our thanks to all members for their participation and support in this year’s Your COA Business Meeting.

We look forward to the continued growth and success of the Association under Dr. Pierre Guy's leadership.