A behind-the-scenes look at being a CPSA Councillor

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Are you interested in running for CPSA Council this August but aren’t sure what to expect? We connected with Dr. Oluseyi Oladele to learn more about his experience to date as a CPSA Councillor.

What inspired you to run for CPSA Council?

I had applied once before and wasn’t successful, so I threw my hat in a second time. Having meaningful influence was an opportunity I had never had in my training or early professional days. I could make a significant contribution that also stretched my abilities.

Physicians often have a busy schedule and are still determining if they can commit to serving on CPSA Council. How do you balance a busy practice and serving on Council?

I currently hold multiple part-time roles, so I have some built-in flexibility and schedule autonomy to accommodate the meetings. I’m also fortunate to have a flexible and patient family. I think it’s important for people to understand that there are commitments outside the meetings that I didn’t fully appreciate. Reading the Council packages beforehand, occasionally being required to work on appeals and participating in committee work are requirements. Fortunately, CPSA provides an honorarium and covers travel expenses, which helps balance the time commitment.

Has anything surprised you about being a CPSA Councillor?

One of the unexpected things for me is how thoughtful and passionate the organization is. I know CPSA’s view on its role has evolved, and it has done much introspection in the last few years. CPSA is tremendously welcoming! The people are knowledgeable, and the wealth of experience is impressive. Yet it still feels like everybody, even a newcomer like myself, brings something valuable. I’ve never felt unwelcome or uncomfortable for my contribution; it’s been quite the opposite.

Another unexpected benefit is seeing behind the scenes of regulation. The regulatory role is one that I’d never really appreciated until seeing it from the other side. I had some experience working with CPSA on Hearing Tribunals, so I thought CPSA’s main roles were discipline and ensuring competency. I’ve now seen that that’s just one significant but not exclusive role that CPSA is responsible for. That’s given me much perspective.

What advice would you give to someone who is considering running for CPSA Council?

I encourage anyone who hasn’t had a voice or never thought to use their voice to influence change to consider running for Council. Diverse opinions and experiences are welcome at the Council table. Undoubtedly, the first couple of meetings felt a bit intimidating. Still, one would be hard-pressed to find a more supportive organization to develop themselves professionally.

It’s an exciting time for the profession in Alberta. This role is a great opportunity to help shape the direction of our province’s healthcare system.

Dr. Oladele joined CPSA Council in January 2023. Dr. Oladele practises in Edmonton in general family practice and at an opioid dependency treatment site. He has worked in rural, urban and inner-city practices and is an Assistant Clinic Professor in the University of Alberta Department of Family Medicine. Dr. Oladele is also a member of the Governance Advisory Committee of the Alberta College of Family Physicians. Away from work, he and his wife (a nurse) chase around their two young children.