It is hard to believe that my time as Board Chair has come to an end.
I am proud of the work we accomplished this year in responding to some of the pressing challenges in our health care system. This Spring, we updated several of our registration policies to enable more physicians trained outside of Canada to practise in Ontario. This resulted in 388 new doctors in the province – more than three times what we saw under the previous iteration of these policies. We also developed new licensing pathways to support Ontario’s Practice Ready Assessment program, created a new pathway to licensure for internationally educated subspecialists, and waived “moonlighting” fees so that residents can help alleviate hospitals’ staffing needs.
“This Spring, we updated several of our registration policies to enable more physicians trained outside of Canada to practise in Ontario”
I emphasized the importance of trust at the beginning of my term because it is central to CPSO’s vision of trusted doctors providing great care. We passed an updated Human Rights in the Provision of Health Services policy that provides guidance on how physicians can provide safe, inclusive and accessible health services. The College’s Board of Directors recently approved updated expectations and advice for physicians who provide medical assistance in dying (MAID), which will help practitioners assess complex requests. The Board also brought CPSO one step closer to regulating Physician Assistants (PA), with its approval of the necessary regulatory changes.
It has been personally rewarding to contribute to the by-law modernization project that will enable us to fulfill our vision, broaden the diversity and skill set of the Board, and help ensure the College has a strong and resilient governance model going forward. The Board has approved a set of governance modernization initiatives, which include updated terminology to better reflect its function (e.g., replacing ‘Council’ with ‘Board’), moving to province-wide elections, and to a skills-based board. You can learn more about the changes in this issue of Dialogue and in the Board materials posted on the CPSO website.
“The Board has approved a set of governance modernization initiatives, which include updated terminology”
The work that we completed this year would not have been possible without the ongoing dedication of CPSO staff. I also want to recognize Dr. Nancy Whitmore and her leadership team for fostering a culture of continuous improvement that keeps the College moving forward.
It has been an honour to be entrusted with leading the Board this year. I thank my fellow Board members for their collaboration and support and welcome our newest members, Markus de Domenico, Dr. Katina Tzanetos and Dr. Mitchell Whyne. I now pass the baton to Dr. Ian Preyra, who has worked closely with me this year as Board Vice-Chair. I look forward to his leadership as we continue to maintain the public’s trust in the profession, support our fellow physicians, and address the inequities in the current health system.
Rob Gratton, MD, FRCSC
Board Chair
