Dear Colleagues and Friends,
 
I always look forward to Spring Council. It brings beautiful weather, reconnecting with others, and an opportunity for renewal for our organization and profession. It’s where we, as physician leaders, reaffirm our priorities, shared commitments, and most importantly our promise to you — the membership — to do what’s right and fight for you.
 
Today was special though. The OMA concluded a very successful, and first ever, virtual OMA Council meeting. Your leadership, from all regions and all specialties, joined together online, conducted some essential business, and affirmed that a strong, vital OMA is united in our commitment to represent your interests. While I missed seeing everyone in person, it was amazing to be a part of such an incredible pivot, and I applaud our staff who made it happen so seamlessly.
 
I am deeply honoured to have been installed as your next President. We will get to know each other better over the next year, but for now, suffice to say, I became involved in the OMA about four years ago, when a short-sighted and intransigent government tried to balance their books on the backs of physicians. I wanted stronger ties between grassroots members and OMA leadership, more sound fiscal management of our health care system, and a recognition of challenges within the profession with a focus on member well-being. Sound familiar?
 
The membership demanded change, and we’ve made great strides with our governance transformation. Our organization, led by Mr. O’Dette and our incredible staff, are steering us toward our ultimate goal of being the most influential medical organization in North America.
 
However, COVID-19 came, and brought with it immense challenges. Ontario’s Doctors have met those challenges face on, as you always do, continuing to do what’s right for patients, despite real risks and dangers. We’ve brought great leadership to the system, and will continue to do so as we navigate the next phases of the pandemic.
 
But through this, too many members are struggling. The health care system infrastructure is vulnerable and, in some regions, failing. This is an urgent priority; one where the OMA can not and will not relent.
 
We are focused on Queen’s Park and resolving our current infrastructure crisis. We continue to advocate strongly with the media and public. I can’t thank you all enough for sharing your stories. Today, Council heard plans to ramp up that advocacy, a step I know many have awaited eagerly. There will be much more to share in the week ahead. Expect updates on Council, the upcoming Board meeting and the situation with government as early as tomorrow.
 
I would be remiss though, if I didn’t take this opportunity to thank Dr. Sohail Gandhi, for his leadership, passion and wisdom, guiding us through often turbulent waters and our outgoing Past-President Dr. Nadia Alam, a beacon and driving force that impacted us all, and welcome Dr. Adam Kassam our new OMA President-Elect to the Board.
 
We are all in this together!
 
Dr. Samantha Hill
OMA President