FROM THE REGISTRAR’S DESK
non-health sectors, in Canada and beyond.
Organizations with a clearly defined public
interest mandate involve laypersons in key con-
versations for a number of reasons: it improves
decision-making, enhances accountability and
is paramount to sustained credibility and trust.
Certainly, over the years, I have seen how
the profession-public contribution enriches
our work. By incorporating the opinions and
observations borne of so many different life ex-
periences into our decisions and processes, we
create a more relevant organization. Combine
public input with the essential clinical and pro-
fessional expertise of physicians, and we have a
model of regulation that better serves our man-
date. Numerous examples exist of physicians
and members of the public working closely to
develop policy and initiatives that have had a
deep and positive impact on patients’ lives. The
College’s transparency initiative is an excellent
example.
I acknowledge that finding the right balance
– the appropriate mix – of the public and the
profession is, and may always be, a source of
tension. Whatever term we use, the respon-
We welcome your
feedback on any issue
raised in Dialogue.
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for length and clarity.
sibility of ‘self’ will require individual physi-
cians to own their continued competence and
accountability for their personal conduct. The
responsibility of the ‘profession’ will require
regulators to deliver programs and services
with public and patient interests at the top of
the list of considerations.
The College has some significant challenges
ahead, including: developing expectations to
achieve better continuity of care for patients
in a system that has its share of deficiencies;
enhancing pain management and opioid
prescribing for better patient outcomes; as well
as addressing a host of legislative changes, gov-
ernance reviews and operational pressures.
I’m honoured to serve as the Interim Reg-
istrar and seamlessly support the transition of
Dr. Nancy Whitmore to the team. I am also
optimistic about the College’s future, notwith-
standing the significant challenges. Our focus
will continue to be on exemplary leadership
and balanced contributions from doctors and
public members contributing to all levels of the
CPSO, even as the terms used to describe this
responsibility continue to evolve.
MD
Please send letters to:
Elaine McNinch,
Managing Editor
Mailing address:
College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario
80 College St, Toronto, ON, M5G 2E2
Fax: (416) 961-8035 Email: [email protected]
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DIALOGUE ISSUE 1, 2018