BC physicians on the national stage

In late August, I had the privilege of attending the Canadian Medical Association’s General Council (GC) meeting in Halifax with about 30 physician colleagues from BC, and another 250 from across the country. It’s in this annual forum that physician delegates from across the country gather to debate the burning issues of national importance to our patients, the profession, and the health care system. It’s also where decisions are made regarding the policy positions the CMA will adopt and bring forward to the federal government on our behalf.

This year, not surprisingly, the most passionate debate centered on physician-assisted death.  In particular, should doctors who consider themselves conscientious objectors to this practice be required to refer patients directly to another physician who is not? Or can a conscientious objector outline all the options to patients, including a good palliative care program, and suggest patients engage directly with a third-party organization that will assist with counselling and referrals? Many strong views were expressed on both sides, and in the end, the majority of delegates approved the latter. This position will now go to the CMA Board who will decide next steps as our national association engages with government on legislation and future direction.

BC brought a number of substantial resolutions to the GC floor for debate – the vast majority approved by delegates – including developing guidelines for tele-monitoring technology, guidelines for physician assessment of patients who request physician-assisted death, and regulations on the marketing of direct to consumer genetic testing. CMA will follow-up on the successful resolutions as part of its advocacy efforts with government.

An area of pride for me was the level of participation of residents and medical students. BC had a record number of residents and a third-year medical student join GC as voting members of the BC delegation. Across the country, other provinces also engaged their younger members as part of an overall strategic approach led by the CMA. It was gratifying to see so many of our doctors of tomorrow step up to the microphone in front of nearly 300 delegates from across the country, displaying leadership as they confidently stated their thoughts on issues of importance to our profession and our patients.

Next year, the conference will be held in Vancouver. All Doctors of BC/CMA members are welcome to participate in GC as observers and attend the meetings. A call for BC Caucus members will go out in early spring, so keep an eye open for the announcement. It will be a pleasure for Doctors of BC to welcome physicians from across the country to our beautiful province – I hope to see many members in attendance as well.

Dr Charles Webb

President, 2015-2016