A message from CPSA Registrar Dr. Scott McLeod

The beginning of 2022 brought with it a sense of uncertainty. The Omicron variant of COVID-19 was spreading like wildfire across the province and, for many of us, exhaustion and burnout were setting in as we entered the third year of the pandemic.

While 2022 had a challenging start, the year brought many opportunities for CPSA to evolve and strengthen as an organization, and we have slowly began to see small steps towards recovery as a province, a profession and a regulator. This doesn’t mean everything is back to the way it was in 2019—that’s in the past and there is no intention of going back to where we were. Instead, 2022 was a chance for CPSA to look forward and see the opportunities that await us.

After working remotely for more than two years, CPSA’s team returned to the office in April 2022 under a hybrid model, so we can balance the advantages of working from home with the benefits of connecting in person. While this was an encouraging step away from the chaos of the pandemic, it was yet another change after two years of constant upheaval and transition. And yet, we all adapted and were able to work together to move some important projects forward.

One of our biggest priorities in 2022 was the development of our five-year strategic plan. Developed by our Council, a comprehensive strategic plan is important in terms of providing CPSA with a roadmap to guide our work and ensure we’re meeting our mandate, but it’s useless without a plan to turn that direction into action. I’m happy to report that our entire organization played an important role in pulling together an action plan that supports the strategic plan, and will ensure we continue to see progress in the important work we do at CPSA.

I am always impressed by the creativity and enthusiasm of CPSA’s team and consider myself fortunate to lead dedicated people who can adapt and ensure we’re providing physicians and physician assistants with the best support possible, so patients receive the best care possible.

I know many people, particularly those in health care, are still struggling with the effects of the last three years and many physicians, physician assistants and health professionals continue to face challenges. Yet throughout those challenges, I have seen our regulated members continue to dedicate themselves to the profession and their patients, providing high-quality care in difficult circumstances.

I hope the information shared in our 2022 annual report is not only informative, but demonstrates the commitment everyone at CPSA has to delivering on our mandate and ensuring safe, caring health experiences for all.

Sincerely,

Dr. Scott McLeod.