1) HAITI DISASTER RELIEF
In response to the catastrophic earthquake in Haiti on January 12, the COA Executive Committee has authorized cash donations to the Canadian Red Cross and Médecins sans frontières.

Based on their experience during the 2004 tsunami, disaster-relief organizations are currently calling for immediate financial support to help them provide priority resources as assessed on-site. The COA sets aside funds in its budget for assistance in international medicine and has elected to contribute to relief efforts in Haiti.

If you are going to Haiti to offer relief services, please contact the COA before you depart.  We'd like to keep our membership and the community informed about the orthopaedic efforts that are being carried out by our members.  Contact Cynthia Vezina at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 514 874-9003 x 3 with your information.

For any members seeking more information, the COA has created a list of links on our web site to a number of disaster-relief and volunteer-medical groups.

2) CLARIFYING CMPA ASSISTANCE WHEN TREATING NON-RESIDENT PATIENTS IN CANADA
CMPA members who treat non-residents should understand their eligibility for CMPA assistance. Find out about availability of medico-legal assistance, patient care considerations for non-resident patients in Canada, and clarifications on the matter.  Click here for complete information.

3) OMeGA GRANT APPLICATIONS
OMeGA is now accepting applications for fellowship and residency grants for the 2011-2012 academic year. The deadline to apply is March 24, 2010. Visit www.omegamedicalgrants.org for more information.

4) COA RECEPTION IN NEW ORLEANS - MARCH 11
On behalf of Dr. Cy Frank, COA President, we'd like to invite all Association members to attend the COA's reception during the upcoming AAOS meeting in New Orleans.  The event will be held on Thursday, March 11 from 6:00-8:00pm.  We look forward to seeing you there.  Location: Hilton New Orleans Riverside, Versailles Room (3rd Floor), #2 Poydras Street, New Orleans, LA  70140.

5) FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK AND LINKEDIN
The COA now has profile pages on both Facebook and LinkedIn.  Get regular updates on the Association and our Annual Meeting by following us on these two social networking sites.  Add us today!

Member in the Spotlight

Dr. Brendan Lewis of Cornerbrook, NL (COA President 2006-07) participated as an Olympic torchbearer on November 15, 2009 through Springdale, NL.  "It was a feeling of honour, pride and privilege. Travelling across the country with the flame, one had the strongest sense of Canadian unity with the turnout of people," says Dr. Lewis who is currently the President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association.  He is also in the running to become the Canadian Medical Association (CMA's) President Elect for 2010-11.  If elected, Dr. Lewis would assume the CMA Presidency during their August 2011 meeting in St. John's.

 A different member of the COA will be highlighted in each edition of the Dispatch.  Would you like to be featured?  Contact Cynthia Vezina for details.