A message from your CPSA Council President: Happy New Year!

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By: Stacey Strilchuk, CPSA Council President

This month, I have the honour of stepping into my role as President of the Governing Council for CPSA. I receive this position with humility and seek to lead with grace and compassion. I trust that over the next year, I may serve the needs of the public, regulated membership, regulatory body and Council by enhancing capacity while motivating, empowering and developing leadership in others. I am very thankful and look forward to this blessed opportunity.

On behalf of Council, I would like to publicly acknowledge and thank Dr. Louis Hugo Francescutti for his service as President in 2021. I would also like to thank Dr. Jim Stone and Dr. John Bradley for their service and commitment to CPSA Governing Council; I wish them both well as their terms on Council are now complete.

I look forward to working with this year’s Council members—including those that are returning and our newest Councillor, Dr. Nicole Cardinal. I also look forward to working with CPSA Registrar Dr. Scott McLeod and the entire CPSA team. Your hard work and efforts are much appreciated, and I am excited for the opportunity to work with and learn from each of you.

For the past 25 years I have had the privilege of working within the healthcare system and the public service. I am acutely aware of just how impactful this pandemic has been on both the patient medical home and medical neighbourhood. All Albertans—delivering or receiving care within our healthcare system—have been affected. Again, on behalf of Council, I sincerely appreciate the service, dedication and support of regulated members as CPSA continues to uphold its responsibility to oversee the practice of medicine in Alberta.

It is only by working together that we will continue to provide the best care possible to patients, families and caregivers. Be assured, Council supports you and we will continue to do our part over the next 12 months by setting overall direction and policies for CPSA.

I am pleased to advise that in consultation with Council, CPSA is working towards a modernized strategic plan to further enhance our ability to guide the medical profession and protect the public. I believe leadership is vision-driven and looks toward the future. Our role in Alberta’s healthcare system is crucial, and a refreshed strategic plan will help guide CPSA’s objectives within the province and set an example for regulatory work across Canada.

Throughout the year, I will provide updates from Council conversations and deliberations. I also encourage you to continue engaging with CPSA; your input matters.

In closing, I would like to re-emphasize my commitment to the public, regulated membership, CPSA and Council. My goal is to build a strong team composed of physician members, who are satisfied both professionally and personally, and individuals, whose high-quality work serves Albertans in a meaningful way.

Thank you for your trust and confidence in me. Be assured I understand the importance of this responsibility and will work hard to demonstrate good governance and stewardship. I look forward to the opportunity to grow and develop together. It is a privilege to serve.