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Message - A Note Of Optimism - Better Times Are On The Way |
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A Note Of Optimism - Better times are on the way
Alain Jodoin, M.D., FRCSC
President, Canadian Orthopaedic Association
By the time you read this letter, Christmas and the holiday season will be upon us. Time certainly passes quickly when you're busy!
In recent weeks, the COA has been focusing on enhancing its communication strategy with political leaders and distributing information on the work of its committees. The report from the National Standards Committee was of particular interest to us.
With the support of Doug Thomson, CEO of the COA, and Hans Kreder, Co-Chair of the National Standards Committee, I wrote to Prime Minister Paul Martin on behalf of the COA to congratulate him on the health care agreement negotiated with the provinces. I also offered him our assistance in determining evidence based benchmarks for medically acceptable wait times for primary orthopaedic procedures.
In addition, I asked Mr. Martin to consult with the COA when the time comes to discuss implementation methods for the resulting benchmarks once these have been finalized.
On a similar note, we have proposed that interested presidents of provincial orthopaedic associations join us in writing to their respective premiers to offer them our expertise in determining acceptable standards regarding waiting periods for orthopaedic procedures and how the wait-time reduction fund could be implemented for the benefit of our patients.
The decision-making process around this unprecedented development in Canadian health policy is critically important to our patients and members. The COA intends to take a leadership position in this issue while, at the same time, continue to offer our members the best opportunities for their professional development.
As President, I had the opportunity to represent the COA throughout September and October at numerous meetings of our affiliated organizations. The British Orthopaedic Association Meeting, in Manchester, United Kingdom; the Quebec Orthopaedic Association, in Pointe-au-Pic, Quebec; and the Atlantic Provinces Orthopaedic Society, in St. John's, Newfoundland. Many of us were also able to travel to Sydney, Australia, for the 11th Meeting of the Combined Orthopaedic Associations.
The outcomes of our highly successful Mid-Winter Meeting, held in Toronto on December 4 and 5, will be published in the next issue of the COA Bulletin. We have also been busy planning the next Annual Meeting, which will take place in Montreal from June 3 – 5, 2005. A great number of projects in orthopaedics are currently underway from coast to coast in Canada, and I feel we have every reason to be optimistic about the future of health care in this country.
On behalf of the COA Executive and my family, I would like to wish you and yours all the best for a joyous holiday season. I trust that you will all be able to enjoy a few days of much-deserved rest so that you can come back eager to meet the opportunities and challenges in store for 2005.
Happy Holidays!
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Dernière mise à jour : ( 21-03-2007 )
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