Upcoming Council election: Why run for CPSA Council?

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"Any experienced regulated member with an open mind, passion for the health of Albertans and some time to give to the task will really enjoy it."

- Two-term CPSA Councillor Dr. Richard Buckley

CPSA is gearing up for this year’s Council Election to fill one physician vacancy. Nominations open Aug. 28, 2024—watch for the announcement in your inbox! Interested in running for CPSA Council but aren’t sure what to expect? We asked Dr. Buckley to share his insights and experiences as a CPSA Councillor.

What inspired you to run for CPSA Council?

I first ran for Council because I was in the midst of semi-retirement and thought that it would be a good way to use my time and experience. It has turned out to be much more than that, with it being a top-grade use of my time and a learning experience. Council can always use more experience and perspectives at its meetings, from physicians at all stages of their careers.

What was your experience like in your first year as a new CPSA Councillor? Now that you’re in your second term, what has it been like as a more experienced Councillor?

My first term was intimidating as I was getting used to Council’s work as well as its inner workings. There is no question that experience with governance, finance, annual reports and large committees helps a new Councillor. On the other hand, now that I am in my second term, the committees are much less intimidating and more comfortable to attend. Chairing a committee is a real privilege and that has been something that I have very much enjoyed. I feel that I have really contributed to the medical community of Alberta.

Physicians have busy schedules and may be unsure if they can make the time commitment for serving on Council. How do you balance a busy practice and your responsibilities to CPSA Council?

Well, as mentioned, being semi-retired, I have the time to do this job. Not all Councillors have the luxury of the time to spend on this task as I do. If you run for this position, I would recommend that you block off time to really give yourself a fair chance to contribute. Many physicians change or alter their practices as they traverse their careers—this is a great way to open a new door as a physician in Alberta.

CPSA Councillors have the opportunity to be leaders of the medical profession and health care in Alberta. What is the most fulfilling part of serving on CPSA Council?

It is exactly that. To be a part of such major tasks, including chairing committees, sitting on tribunals and hearings of your colleagues, and determining direction on major initiatives like CPSA’s 2022-2026 strategic plan and annual reports, is a privilege. I feel that an individual physician can really make a difference in this role.

The work of CPSA Council involves setting the direction for CPSA and serving the public interest. As a Councillor, how do you navigate this role of representing the public interest as opposed to representing regulated members?

We as regulated members are also part of the public. We all deserve the best possible healthcare system. Self-regulation is a privilege, but there needs to be so many changes in our health care system to keep up with the times. I feel that it’s important to represent all Albertans, doctors included, as we just want a good system to serve our needs.

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

Running for Council is something that any physician with a passionate heart would enjoy. Decisions that really make a difference, such as physician competence, physician tribunals and strategic planning, should be of interest to many regulated members. I have come into this position with an open mind and have been very pleased with my time on Council. I have been so pleased that I ran for a second term as my learnings from the first term helped me decide I could also contribute with a second term. Any experienced regulated member with an open mind, passion for the health of Albertans and some time to give to the task will really enjoy it.

Dr. Richard Buckley joined CPSA Council in January 2020. Calgary’s first Orthopedic Trauma Surgeon, Dr. Buckley is currently an orthopedic traumatologist at Calgary’s Foothills Medical Centre and Clinical Professor of orthopedic trauma surgery at the University of Calgary. He was a founding member of the Canadian Orthopedic Trauma Society and the former head of the University of Calgary’s Orthopedic Trauma Division, as well as the program director for the Orthopedic Residency Program. Outside of medicine, Dr. Buckley is an avid skier, golfer and runner. He and his wife Lois (a recently retired family physician) have two children.