Medical Matters: Introducing CPSA’s 2025 Council Chair

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The Cree phrase for “Happy New Year” is “Miyo-acehtowi-kisikanisik.”

In my culture, when we are beginning a new endeavor or meeting others for the first time, we introduce ourselves. So, I would like to start this message with an introduction. Tansi! Nicole Cardinal, nitisiyihkâson niya. Onihcikiskwapiwinihk ohci niya. Hello, my name is Nicole Cardinal, I am from Saddle Lake Cree Nation. I am a First Nation physician practicing medicine in a rural community.

I personally find the start of a new year to be reinvigorating and re-energizing. It is a time to reflect on the past year’s hardships and challenges we overcame personally and professionally, and to look forward to the opportunities, goals and plans for the year ahead. This new year will be filled with change and transition in many ways. As an organization, CPSA undergoes its own natural transitions—reviewing and revising bylaws, staff departures and new hires, and adjustments to strategic plans are some of the ways change is woven into the work we do. Change can be an uncomfortable process, but it can also result in learnings and growth. For instance, living in Alberta where changing seasons bring shifts from warm to cold weather means we have learned to adapt so we can move forward.

A changing year brings new faces around the Council table. I would like to recognize and share appreciation for CPSA Councillors whose terms ended last year: public members Tyler White and Stacey Strilchuk, student observer Maren Kimura, and physician member Jaelene Mannerfeldt, who served as CPSA’s 2024 Council Chair. I would also like to officially welcome the new Professional Association of Resident Physicians of Alberta (PARA) representative on Council, Tamara Yee, and new public members to Council, who joined in the latter half of 2024: Rhonda Laboucan, Rob Merrifield, Pan Zhang and Logan Day. And joining us this month, our newest Councillor is physician member Nahla Gomaa.

In 2024, Council continued to guide CPSA in implementing its 2022-2026 strategic plan. Other Council priorities included setting direction for CPSA programs and innovative projects, enhancing partnerships and continuing to build upon Indigenous relationships. In 2025, we will maintain our focus on guiding CPSA’s overall direction through times of change while continuing to strengthen CPSA Council’s culture, competency and professionalism.

I look forward to serving as CPSA Council Chair in 2025. I firmly believe in our ability to adapt and move forward together through the changes we face. Reflecting on CPSA’s mission, I see this as our guide in navigating the year ahead:

“To serve and protect all Albertans, contributing to their health and wellness by supporting and guiding regulated members to proudly provide safe, high-quality care, together with healthcare partners and patients.”

Hiy Hiy, nanaskomon,

Thank you,

Nicole Cardinal

Dr. Nicole Cardinal is a First Nation physician from the Saddle Lake First Nation. She is married and has three children. She is currently practising family medicine in her home community of Saddle Lake while also working in St. Paul Alberta as a rural family physician. Her work includes family medicine clinic, emergency room, continuing care, preceptor to medical students and clinical lead in Post Graduate Education at the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Alberta Wapanachakos (morning star) Program.