10/26/2026
I’m in my Thunder Bay Office (aka seat next to window airport cafeteria) after just having left the Pearson office… same but with more food choices 😜. Heading into Eabametoong for the week and mentoring a new physician.
Last week I was attending the CFPC (College of Family Physicians of Canada ) meetings in Burlington-
Literally a day after flying back from Moose Factory. It’s been a bit of a whirlwind.
Upon leaving these meetings, I consistently feel inspired, productive, and energized to work on behalf of the College and for Family physicians across Canada, and ultimately to advance better-focused care for our patients.
I firmly believe that serving as a board director or in any leadership capacity is truly an act of service. Leadership requires listening to the needs of our members, and learning to navigate discussions and deliberations at these advanced levels. My colleagues on the board include deans, CEOs, professors emeritus, and leaders of departments and programmes. The opportunity to sit at the table with them, hearing and contributing to the direction family medicine is heading, is both humbling and invigorating. The perspectives represented span the full spectrum of family medicine, from those engaged in full-time, 100% patient care to those involved in curriculum design, examinations, standard setting, and the development of programmes within the College. These include initiatives related to increasing the roles of international medical graduates in Canada, as well as new family medicine programmes emerging across the country. It is a truly exciting time, and I sometimes have to remind myself how privileged I am to be at this table.
This weekend, I also had the opportunity to engage in discussions with mentors who encouraged me to recognize the gravitas and weight of my voice. Although imposter syndrome remains a persistent challenge, I am increasingly aware that I do belong at these tables and that my voice reflects the needs and perspectives of my area of experience, which encompasses 100% patient care as well as resident and medical student education, and in diverse populations. Having mentors encourage me to find and use that voice to greater benefit has been profoundly meaningful.
This year at Family Medicine Forum will mark the beginning of the second year of my three-year term. Board directors are appointed for a three-year term, and this will be the second and final term for me. I am committed to developing my skills and contributing as much as possible to advancing family medicine and putting forth the concerns of family physicians, which ultimately means advocating for better health and access to care for all Canadians.
The College of Family Physicians of Canada
