Constituency group leader candidates

Dr. Paul Dolinar

I am Dr. Paul Dolinar, a CCFP with a steadfast commitment to advocating for Ontario physicians and the integrity of patient care. Over the past term, I have proudly served as a District 11 Member-at-Large, ensuring your concerns are heard and acted upon.

Advocating for Physician Leadership in Patient Care

Our patients deserve care led by physicians—we have the expertise to provide comprehensive, nuanced diagnoses and treatments, and not a transactional approach that prioritizes convenience over quality. I am committed to ensure our voices remain central in shaping healthcare delivery.

Taking Action for Our Profession

When the proposed capital gains tax increase threatened physician finances and patient care, I agreed to meet with local key stakeholders. This determination to tackle difficult issues and conversations exemplifies my commitment to safeguarding our profession, beyond even local issues.

A Proven Advocate for District 11

My diverse experience as a physician across several clinics and hospitals in Ontario has provided me with a unique perspective on the challenges facing our profession. I’ve further strengthened my advocacy skills through OMA training, equipping me to be an effective voice for our district.

My Priorities for District 11

Defending Physician Autonomy: Protecting the physician-led model of care.
Fighting for Fair Compensation: Ensuring financial policies support the sustainability of our practices.
Promoting Physician Well-being: Addressing burnout through systemic changes that prioritize our profession.
Responsive Representation: Maintaining open dialogue to address your concerns and drive meaningful action.

As your representative, I will continue to advocate for the profession we’ve worked tirelessly to build.

Feel free to contact me at any time on OMA Connect (omaconnect.oma.org; direct link: https://omaconnect.oma.org/profile?UserKey=737bdcfe-0296-453a-b529-01840a38ea65).

Dr. Joyce Ting-Wai Cheung

Dr. Rickinder Sethi

As a physician with extensive experience in medical psychiatry and leadership roles within the University Health Network and beyond, I am deeply committed to advancing the professional well-being of physicians and addressing critical healthcare challenges. My work as a Quality Improvement Co-Lead for workplace violence, ECT Medical Lead, and Medical Lead for community rTMS programs demonstrates my ability to navigate complex clinical and organizational issues.

I am passionate about bringing a regional and clinical perspective to the Ontario Medical Association (OMA) as a Member At Large (MAL). Having spearheaded multiple quality improvement initiatives and held leadership roles within interventional psychiatry and workplace safety, I understand the value of collaboration and evidence-based decision-making. These experiences position me to provide meaningful input on agenda items and advocate for solutions tailored to the unique needs of physicians and their communities.

Joining the OMA executive team would allow me to foster professional harmony, build community connections, and shape strategic priorities that enhance healthcare delivery across Ontario. With a commitment to collaboration and leveraging my clinical and administrative expertise, I look forward to advancing the district's goals and representing the diverse voices of my colleagues.

Dr. Sanjho Srikandarajah

I am running for Member at Large for the Ontario Medical Association because I believe in the power of physicians coming together to shape the future of healthcare in Ontario. The challenges we face are significant, but so is our collective ability to overcome them.

Throughout my career, I’ve worked to make a difference where it matters most: improving the care our patients receive. At my hospital, I’ve led efforts to reduce opioid prescribing after elective surgeries, ensuring we approach pain management with responsibility and care. I’ve developed patient care pathways that bring clarity and compassion to the management of patients within chronic pain—because I believe that no patient should feel lost in the system.

But this work is about more than just projects. It’s about a vision for healthcare in Ontario that is more innovative, more accessible, and more sustainable for the long term. It’s about ensuring that the voices of physicians—voices like yours—are at the table when decisions are made.

I’m running because I know we can do this together. I know we can find solutions that honor the needs of patients while empowering the professionals who care for them. And I know we can build a healthcare system that reflects the values we all share: compassion, innovation, and a commitment to excellence.

I'm ready to bring my experience, my dedication, and my belief in the power of collaboration to this role. Thank you for your time and your vote.

Dr. Harold Pupko

Dear Colleague,

Thank you for taking the time to consider my candidacy for re-election to the position of Member at Large. In the last District 11 election, almost 90% of your colleagues did not make the effort to vote. At the last D11 AGM, 99% of the membership did not show up. Given that level of apathy, your engagement in this process is remarkable. Kudos to you.

A bit about me: I was recently honoured to receive OMA Life Membership for my work with the Section on Primary Care Mental Health, as well as my work within District 11. I have been President of the North York Branson Medical Society for the past two decades.

To understand what an OMA District is about, click here 

My personal top two priorities as a MAL are:

1) member engagement

2) using our influence as physicians to make this city a healthier place to call home.

As for priority one, for the past 20 years, I have been the organizer of the Doctors' Lounge series (with the support of OMA staff). These events have served as a consistent opportunity for, among other things, member engagement. See here for an overview of recent programming. If you have never attended, please join us in 2025.

As for priority number 2, I believe that, on a collective basis, as physicians, we could accomplish much more to improve the health of our fellow citizens and make Toronto a better place to live. For example,  District 11 has donated $50K to the Daily Bread Food Bank over the past two years on your behalf to help address the food insecurity crisis in this city. We should be building on this example. If you have any other ideas as to what the District could do to address these 2 objectives, or you have a unique vision for what D11 can accomplish in the future, please contact your District leaders. You don't have to be an elected leader to have an impact on our future. I hope that I will be one of the leaders that you will be following up with over the next two years. 

All the best,

Harold

Dr. Diana Kljenak

Dear Colleagues,

I would welcome your support and your vote for the position of District 11 Member at Large.

My strong belief is that our profession deserves to be respected as an expert partner by the government when making important decisions about health care. The respect also must be shown through fair remuneration for our work. 

My commitment is to help effect health-system improvement for you and our patients through:

Engaging with you and listening to your concerns
Advocating for your interest and wellbeing
Collaborating with you and my colleagues on District 11 executive to find solutions to the critical issues we are facing

As a general psychiatrist, in my clinical work in hospital and community I have worked closely with my colleagues in general and family practice and with allied health professionals.  As an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto, I have also been involved in the education of medical trainees. My commitment to collaboration and interprofessional work has been recognized through my being awarded University of Toronto’s Interprofessional Education Team CPD Award.

As a clinician and engaged OMA member (have served as a Council and PLG delegate) I have gained a deep appreciation of the clinical and political challenges facing our profession. 

My having been elected as a Section of Psychiatry Chair, Canadian Psychiatric Association Board Director, and the President of the Ontario Psychiatric Association, the latter for an unprecedented two terms, is a testament to my leadership skills. If elected I will use my knowledge, experience and my dedication to transparency and collaboration to advocate for the benefit of our patients and to advance the goals and interests of our profession. I will do so with integrity and honesty. 

If you have any suggestions or feedback, please feel free to contact me at 416-603-5459 or dr.dianakljenak@gmail.com or through LinkedIn.

Dr. Savar Kaul

I am motivated to serve as a Member-at-Large for District 11 to continue the tireless advocacy work that ensures the financial and personal wellbeing of physicians within our district.

I am currently a new practicing physician in palliative care providing continuity of care for my patients across various settings, including inpatient consultative service, outpatient clinics and community home visits.

I bring significant advocacy experience dating back to residency, where I served as Chief Resident for my family medicine cohort. In this role, I played an instrumental role in improving the wellbeing of my co-residents by leveraging feedback to improve clinical rotations, developing resident workspaces within the hospital and providing dedicated administrative time for non-clinical duties.

These experiences have exposed me to several challenges facing physicians today, including inequities in financial compensation for inpatient vs. outpatient practice and administrative burden for primary care physicians. If elected, I aim to support negotiation talks that would advocate for revised billing codes to better support physicians in both inpatient and outpatient practices. I will also work to ensure the OMA encourages strategies to better address administrative burnout, with consideration to solutions such as interconnected EMRs, AI scribes and supporting virtual care.

Dr. Teela Johnson

Dr. Audrey Lynn Karlinsky

Dr. Kevinjeet Mahngar

I am honored to seek the role of OMA District 2 Chair, driven by a commitment to representing physicians and advancing healthcare excellence in our community. As an Associate Professor of Medicine at Western University and Assistant Program Director for the CCFP(EM) Residency Training Program, I have cultivated leadership skills essential for navigating the complexities of modern healthcare. My experience supervising postgraduate medical education, overseeing evaluation processes, and developing innovative simulation training has prepared me to advocate effectively for physician needs and system improvements.

Clinically, I serve as an Emergency Physician at LHSC, where I prioritize patient-centered care and mentor the next generation of healthcare leaders. My expertise in Point-of-Care Ultrasound and dedication to continuous professional development align with a vision of fostering innovation and evidence-based practices.

Beyond clinical and academic roles, I am deeply invested in addressing the challenges facing our profession, including resource allocation, physician wellness, and equitable healthcare delivery. 

As OMA District 2 Chair, I will bring strategic advocacy, transparent communication, and a collaborative approach to ensure our physicians are supported and our community’s healthcare needs are met. Together, we can build a resilient future for medicine in London.

Dr. Thomas Peter Janzen

I began my career as a general practitioner in London, Ontario. After 15 years in private practice, I transitioned to the hospital setting to pursue my interest in mental health. Since 2003, I have been employed at Parkwood Institute in London. Concurrently, I was appointed as the Chief Medical Information Officer, representing eleven hospitals in southwestern Ontario. This role has enabled me to actively engage in strategies for integrating rapidly emerging innovations in digital health care.

Two years ago, I ran for the position of Chair of District 2 for the Ontario Medical Association (OMA). This experience has been enlightening, and I am enthusiastic about the changes being implemented by the OMA. I look forward to continuing to represent my colleagues in District 2 over the next two years.

Dr. Sharadindu Rai

Dear Colleagues,

In one form or another, I have vigorously represented your professional interests since the fall of 2015.  I'd be honoured to have the opportunity to be re-elected as  your District 2 Chair, and continue my advocacy work, once more.  I advocate for  you on a regular basis, the most recent example of that advocacy was a local meeting of physicians with Dr. Adil Shamji (the Liberal health critic) and Bonnie Crombie, but please make note that my advocacy work extends across ALL political parties.  My record includes numerous MPP meetings, media coverage to explain the challenges facing our profession, Patient Healthcare Forums to advance healthcare in our community, and I’ve actively participated in meetings of OMA General Assembly and the previous OMA Council.  It’s been heartening to see the OMA actively pursue a voluntary group pension plan as a consequence of one of my motions, wonderful to see the government back away from the idea of mandatory reporting of all immunizations, and satisfying to see the federal government back down on some of their proposed tax changes to corporations.  But the hard work continues, and I'm hoping that you will continue to place your trust in me by voting for me as your District 2 Chair. Thank you.

Dr. Brendan Singh

Thank you for the opportunity to apply for the District 4 Member at Large position. 

My name is Brendan Singh and I am a family physician in Hamilton. I practice full-time comprehensive family medicine and I love the work that I do. I’m passionate about the role that family physicians must continue to support, in leading primary care in Ontario.

Through my experience as a family doctor, I have developed a strong understanding of the multilevel challenges our profession faces. Specialists struggle to keep up with volume of referrals and access to resources to provide timely care. ER departments are overflowing due to the lack of access to more appropriate care alternatives. Recent policies that have been enacted in primary care consistently devalue the expertise family physicians provide.

In understanding the complexity of these problems, I hope to advocate at the district level for innovative strategies that put doctors first in the discussions about how to fix the delivery of healthcare with relevant policy and decision makers. 

As the district executive has significant local and community engagement responsibilities, I am excited to draw on my experience as current President of the Hamilton Academy of Medicine. I have served on the Academy in various roles over the past 3 years during which time we have been able to develop many CME and social connection opportunities for our membership. 

Current initiatives include building streamlined referral pathways between primary care and specialists, increasing membership engagement and value to residents and students, and refining our flagship educational opportunity; the HAM Annual Clinical Day.

I look forward to extending this experience to advocacy for initiatives and strategies in the broader District 4 community: To bring our community together. To promote a strong and unified voice for our profession. And to ensure a strong system that can stand on our shoulders for our future generations.

Dr. Afsheen Mazhar

Dr. Vera Cheung

I am running for OMA District 5 MBLG again this year.  I want to continue working with the team on advocacy and engagement.  By engaging more physicians from different specialities in our district, I hope we can build a sense of community and develope new ideas and initiaves that drive positive changes to the current health care system.  

I have been practising comprehensive family medicine in a group in Mississauga for over 12 years. I currently serve as a board member of Mississauga Health Primary Care Network and OMA District 5 Member-at-Large.  Over the past two years, these roles helped me understand more about the policy landscape as well as the opportunities we have to make a meaningful impact.  Please allow me the opportunity to continue this work by voting for me again.

Dr. Shawndeep Dhaliwal

Dr. Nidhi Jalota

I am a passionate family doctor practicing in Mississauga and am eager to contribute to District 5’s healthcare community by applying for the position of Member at Large. With a strong commitment to providing comprehensive care to my patients, I believe I can offer valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by healthcare professionals in our district.

As a practicing family doctor, I understand the importance of collaboration, advocacy, and continuous professional development. I am interested in being part of a platform where I can actively represent the needs of my colleagues, engage in discussions about healthcare policy, and work towards improving patient care across the district. My experience in both family medicine and aesthetics allows me to offer a unique perspective on the evolving needs of healthcare services in our community.

Being a member of the constituency group will also enable me to stay informed about emerging trends, share best practices, and ensure that the voices of family doctors in Mississauga are heard. I am committed to making a positive impact, and I look forward to contributing to the ongoing development of our district’s healthcare landscape.

Dr. Megan Collie

It would be an honour to join the OMA District 5 executive in the position of (MBLG-2)-member at large. Having lived in the region for several years, followed by working in this district over the last five years, I am confident that I have a solid understanding of the diverse demographics and needs of physicians practicing within our district.

Having practiced in both the community and hospital setting as a family physician and hospitalist in Georgetown, I feel I can offer a unique vantage point of the inner connections between the hospital systems and our community within the district. My leadership experiences on the Halton Hills FHT board of directors, Halton Healthcare’s Professional Staff Association as the Georgetown site lead, and through leadership courses completed through Halton Healthcare, I feel I have a unique set of skills to help to engage and advocate for our district.

Currently, I have been serving in the role of interim president of the Georgetown Medical Society and would love to have an opportunity to continue the work started in this leadership position with District 5 and the OMA.

Dr. Craig Mitchell

My name is Craig Mitchell and I'm putting my name forward for role of vice-chair of District 7.  I am interested in this role as I believe that physicians need strong voices to advocate for us and our needs.  I want to fight for what physicians deserve.  Physicians are increasingly facing burnout due to the pressures put on us by the health care system.  For too long, our voices have not been heard.  We are here to care for patients and we work hard to ensure that we provide the best care that we can.  We should not have to fight for what we deserve, but this is what has happened for years.  We have watched as the government has clawed back, negated, and unilaterally dictated how we will work, and what they believe we deserve.  We need an organization that is willing to stand up and fight for us.  We need to come together as one voice to advocate for what we deserve.  

I have taken on many leadership roles in which I have fought to advocate for physicians.  I have been a FHO lead, medical staff president, and member of a hospital board.  Through these roles I have gained experience in diplomacy and advocacy.  I have worked in the community, in academic settings, and in hospitals and I have a good understanding of the various forces and challenges that face physicians in these various settings.  We are a diverse group, and I will bring the voices of physicians together as a strong advocate.  

We need an OMA that is transparent, representative, accountable, and fights for its constituents.  I want to ensure every OMA member feels that they are heard and that the organization is advocating for them.  As a member of the OMA executive, I will fight tirelessly for you and what you deserve.  Let me be your voice and I will work at transforming the OMA into a powerful force that leads the way for a sustainable and world class health care system that we can all be proud of.  A system where we are compensated fairly for our work, and treated like valued members.

Dr. Jonathan William Ausman

Dear OMA Members of District 7:

It is a pleasure to self-nominate for vice-chair of our district - with the goal to genuinely, and in a transparent manner, bring forth the issues important to both my fellow physicians, and ultimately to benefit the patients in our region.  We are in a provincial/national health crisis with poor access to primary health providers, nursing shortages and lengthy times-to-consultation with specialists. As an obstetrician- gynecologist, and maternal-fetal-medicine sub-specialist, I have been able to see first-hand the effect that delayed access and understaffed birthing units has had upon Women's and Infant's health, specifically.  This problem extends to all specialties, and is my rationale for wanting to get involved at the governance level with the OMA - to further understand our collective position under OMA leadership, and to contribute our district's specific interests.

My leadership experience occupies many spaces - primarily, I hold an academic position at Queen's University in Kingston, with an additional role as the Department Chair of EDIIA for Obstetrics and Gynecology. I also work in two Level-1 centres, and one Level-2 centre as Locum Tenens in our district - allowing me a clear understanding of what resourse allocation means in different healthcare settings. I have had the exceptional opportunity to be selected for the Southeastern Ontario Medical Organization (SEAMO) Emerging Leaders Program, a formalized leadership training course - the course is underway and set to complete in the Spring of 2025.  I am eagerly seeking post-graduate training opportunities in AI in healthcare, as I believe this will be part of the solution to many of the aformentioned systemic issues explicated above.

It is my hope to join OMA governance - to become a voice and advocate for  healthcare workers and patients alike in District 7.

Dr. Grace W Ma

I am running for the position of District 9 Vice Chair because I believe the solution to disparities in provision of healthcare to Northern Ontario populations is visibility and advocacy at a provincial level. We know all too well the problems and the lack of resources locally and regionally: long waitlists, inpatients occupying many critical ED beds, inconsistent access to specialists, ever increasing administrative burden, lack of support for community based practices, crises related to recruitment and retention, deficiency of safe transportation for our patients, delays between clinic to hospital or hospital to hospital care. These healthcare crises directly impact us as physicians, both professionally and personally, as we and our families access the same strained healthcare system that we work within.

It is the provincial tables that need to hear these Northern stories and use this information to allocate appropriate resources to ensure we can continue to serve our patient population. I am currently sitting on the working group for a Peer to Peer Northern Initiative to address burnout. I also advocate for essential innovative change by promoting AI and integrated solutions both locally and at the OMA Priority and Leadership Group as District 9 Delegate.  I believe it is support for innovative solutions and appropriate compensation in the North that will allow us to continue working in this resource scarce setting. Please vote for me so I can continue to advocate for you and your communities.

Dr. Mario Kangeswaren

It has continued to be a great pleasure and honour serving District 9. Since 2021 when I became your secretary and worked my way to now serving as District 9 Vice-Chair.

SAMPLES OF WORK DONE SO FAR (as Vice-Chair)
The past three years serving our district 9 has been particularly busy and whole-heartedly satisfying serving our interests. Few of the many activities including:

Actively attending Queens Park Day at Provincial Parliament, travelling down south, in person for the past 3 consecutive years (no honourarium/payment). Bringing to light our very important and often not well heard Northern issues to members of provincial parliament.
Advocating for unique Northern issues to be addressed, when meeting with OMA General (e.g., unique Northern modifier billing code).
Attending OMA Town hall meetings (no honourarium/payment) to understand public concern, so as to better support district physician interests with local/provincial politicians.
When local members bring forward concerns: directly meeting with the local physician member(s),  and then  streamline them through my experience and understanding of the OMA's structures and teams. So that the concerns/issues are addressed with a response. (E.g., ministry funding for specialty services, Nurse practitioners opening non-OHIP fee for service clinics locally, Northern retention of Practice Ready Ontario physicians, etc.)
Leveraging the position to serve on the OMA Priority and Leadership Group, to ensure our Northern Issues are better prioritized on OMAs agenda.

UNIQUE BACKGROUND
• Lived/trained/practiced in many communities across District 9 (i.e.,  Sudbury, Timmins, North Bay, Sault Ste Marie, Espanola, etc.).
• My NOSMU Public Health and Preventive Medicine, including Family Medicine, training had equipped me in areas such as policy, advocacy, government, which has helped. Gratefully yours, in being able to rewarding help and serve fellow District 9 physicians. I aspire to continue serving you!

Dr. Jason Taam

Dr. Elisheva H Chernick

Dr. Elisheva (Eli) Chernick

As an FPA based in Strathroy since 2002, with a history of anesthesia locums in NW Ontario, as well as a number of sites in SW Ontario, I started my formal Leadership Training through Ontario’s Anesthesiologists leadership initiative.  This training prepared me for hospital leadership roles including complex work in pandemic re-opening, Head of Department and now Chief of Staff of a two-hospital unit, the Middlesex Hospital Alliance.  It has been an honour to both learn and give back through OA’s Beyond the Mask Working Group, the Leadership Development Working Group, the early iterations of Solving Pain, and the FPA Sub-Committee.  My broader OMA involvement has included : OA Alternate Delegate to Council, District 2 Delegate to Council, and 4 years as D2 Delegate to the Priority and Leadership Group of the General Assembly, while serving on the D2 Executive.

Bringing pre- and post- Governance-transformation lived experience, and a thorough understanding of the role and mandate of the Section, I am a systems thinker, with a strong core personal value of accountability.  Practicing leadership at multiple levels inside and outside of the OMA, I now request the privilege to give back to the Section, while bringing the FPA lens to the OA Executive table, as one of your Members at Large.

Dr. Ardeshir Algooneh

For any organization to reach newer heights, there must be a constant evolution. This is particularly true in healthcare. I believe I would be an excellent candidate for becoming a representative at the Ontario Medical Association (OMA) due to my commitment to advocating for healthcare professionals and improving patient care. With a strong background in healthcare, I am familiar with the challenges that physicians face. Navigating administrative burdens and addressing evolving patient in a dynamic medical landscape whilst maintaining a work life balance can be difficult. My ability to listen, communicate effectively, and collaborate across diverse groups would allow me to represent the interests of my peers with integrity and passion. In previous roles, I had strived to provide leadership & worked diligently to improve patient experiences and streamlined workplace efficiency. This experience has provided a skillset to make informed decisions that balance the needs of healthcare providers and patients.

Furthermore, I am dedicated to fostering a conducive environment for physicians. I will do my upmost to  advocate for equal representation, fair compensation, and  access to resources that enable doctors to further advance their practice and delivery the best care. My vision aligns with the OMA’s goals of promoting physician well-being and shaping the future of healthcare in Ontario. I am eager to contribute to the organization and make a positive impact on both the medical profession and the patients we serve.

Dr. Yogesh Taheem

I am honored to express my candidacy for the position of Member at Large for the Section on Chronic Pain with the Ontario Medical Association. I am an Anesthesiologist with a fellowship in Interventional Chronic Pain with a great passion for helping my patients surpass the barriers of chronic pain. Chronic pain remains one of the most complex and pervasive challenges faced by patients and healthcare professionals alike. As a dedicated advocate for patient care and innovation, I am committed to advancing the OMA’s vision of excellence in managing chronic pain through collaboration, education, and advocacy. I'd like to strengthen partnerships among physicians, physiotherapists, mental health professionals, and alternative medicine practitioners to foster integrated care models to better support our patients.

Another goal of mine is to continue to support the development of continuing medical education programs focused on the latest advancements in chronic pain management, including pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches. We should focus on encouraging the participation of our colleagues in these workshops to ensure all pain physicians have access to the latest data available. I aim to collaborate with healthcare professionals across specialties to focus our efforts on research initiatives for innovative pain management techniques and therapies not yet available in Canada. I believe my expertise as an Anesthesiologist and Interventional Pain Medicine Physician uniquely positions me to offer insights that other nominees may not have. As Member at Large, I will be a proactive voice, striving to ensure that our collective expertise and insights lead to meaningful change.

Together, we can elevate the standard of chronic pain care across Ontario, fostering a future where patients experience improved quality of life and physicians feel empowered to deliver optimal care.

Dr. Sean P Curran

Dr. Sean Curran trained at Western and McMaster Universities and at the University of Sydney, Australia. Dr. Curran has trained in medical, interventional, psychological and integrative/holistic management of pain and he has Royal College certifications in Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine. He is the Program Director of the Pain Medicine (PM) Residency Program at McMaster University. His clinical approach focuses on increasing functional status and reducing the suffering associated with pain. He has worked in many clinical settings including academic, community hospital and out of hospital clinics.

His goals on the OMA Chronic Pain Section will be focused on improving patient access to Pain Medicine by growing PM as a subspecialty. By lobbying for improved compensation, especially in light of a 2 year training program after 5 years of base specialty, Dr. Curran hopes to encourage residents to apply to RCPSC PM Residency.

He is a strong advocate for maintaining the status quo for nerve blocks, and encourages an increased fee and expanded utilization to support the needs of chronic pain patients.

Dr. Israel Dov Weiss

My background as a community pain physician, and anesthesiologist provides me with a unique perspective that the field of chronic pain faces in the upcoming years. 

I’m a firm believer in using research and evidence to improve patient outcomes. I would like to see the OMA takes a proactive role in advocating for both chronic pain physicians and patients.

I’m excited at the potential opportunity to contribute on behalf of our colleagues.

Dr. Edward Mowen Zhang

I am excited to submit my candidacy for the position of Member-at-Large in the Chronic Pain section. I am Royal College certified in Pain Medicine and in Anesthesiology. My background includes a MDCM obtained from McGill, and Anesthesia and Pain residencies from Toronto.

I am 2 years into private practice, and am very excited about the future of this growing field. As our specialty matures, I am looking to learn more about organized medicine, and to contribute to advocacy for our specialty with important stakeholders. I aim to support the work of the section in furthering the stature of our field, in engaging our section members, and in enabling our patients with the best care.

I have served during training as co-president of executive council in student government (MDSA), and have held committee roles in strategic planning (SPCI), community outreach (SPCI), faculty relations (MSS), and resident wellness (AFMC). I hold additional training in Global Health (GHEI), and have a special interest in industrial organization and public governance. I have chaired annual general meetings as part of my mandate, organized lobbying events, and have been involved in policy work both within and outside of medicine. Current professional memberships include ASRA Pain Medicine and IPSIS.

Dr. John Santa Ana

I am a Board Certified Physician in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation with an Interventional Spine Fellowship training who has been in practice since 2010.  My background in Physiatry and interventional pain gives me a unique outlook in managing patients with acute and chronic pain.  The goal of treatment is always to regain and retain function.  More often than not, chronic pain is not curable, but can be managed with goal-oriented treatments with minimal reliance on Opiates. 

I hope to use this position to represent Ontario Medical association members who practice in chronic pain.

Dr. Basem Kahiry Abdelhay Eldeyasty

I am honored to run for the OMA Section on Chronic Pain Member at Large Position. As an Assistant Professor at McMaster University and a Staff Anesthesiologist at Hamilton Health Sciences, I bring a wealth of experience in chronic pain management. My clinical fellowship in Chronic Pain Management and my ongoing contributions to teaching and curriculum development underscore my commitment to advancing pain management.

Throughout my career, I have emphasized innovation and education. I designed and implemented a curriculum for regional anesthesia, incorporating hands-on training to enhance resident proficiency.

As a Member at Large, I aim to advocate for our physician membership. I am committed to representing my colleagues' needs and driving advancements in chronic pain management.

Thank you for considering my candidacy. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to our shared mission of improving care for individuals living with chronic pain.

Dr. David Croitoru

Dr. Maxwell Sauder

I am excited to apply for the role of Member-at-Large for the Ontario Medical Association (OMA) Section on Dermatology. As a former Treasurer of the Section, I contributed to the creation of the A021 code, a significant step forward for dermatologists. With the new OMA contract, I see an opportunity to strengthen and expand both A021 and A020 while advocating for additional codes to enhance patient care and practice sustainability.

Although I have completed my term as Treasurer, I have continued to contribute to the Section’s efforts as part of the billing subcommittee and through advocacy initiatives alongside Dr. Davindra Singh. My ongoing involvement reflects my deep commitment to the profession. Right now is critical that we have strong advocacy and engage outside support such as legal and professional support in order to maximize the opportunity we have with the new physician services agreement. I now wish to formally re-join the board to provide a greater impact on future challenges and ensure that the Section’s initiatives remain strong and forward-looking. 

My leadership experience as Treasurer of the Canadian Dermatology Association (CDA) and Secretary of the Dermatology Association of Ontario (DAO) equips me to navigate the complexities of policy development and advocacy. These roles have honed my ability to represent the interests of our profession effectively and work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.

Throughout my career, I have demonstrated a commitment to advancing dermatological practice through research, education, and policy. I aim to leverage this experience to push forward initiatives that benefit our members and the patients we serve. Together, we can ensure that Ontario dermatologists remain at the forefront of innovation and patient care.

I would be honored to contribute to the Section’s leadership and advocate for the interests of our community.

Sincerely,

Maxwell Sauder, MD, FRCPC

Dr. Frank Spano

Dr. Roxana Mititelu

Dear Colleagues,

I’m excited to nominate myself for the position of Secretary of the Dermatology Section. As a dedicated member of our field, I’m committed to advocating for our interests and helping our community thrive.

If elected, my focus will be on strengthening our section by ensuring clear communication, advocating for our needs, and fostering greater member engagement.

I’m eager to contribute to the continued success of our section and look forward to the opportunity to serve. Thank you for your consideration!

Roxana Mititelu

Dr. Stephanie Fong

Dr. Fiona Pinto

My name is Rovina Fiona Pinto and I am excited to submit my candidacy for the Emergency Medicine (EM) Member-at-Large position. As an emergency physician, advocate, educator, and leader, I have dedicated my career to advancing emergency medicine and supporting my colleagues. 

I have been actively involved in EM through my role as an executive member of Toronto Women in Emergency Medicine (TWEM). I’ve organized mentorship initiatives, networking events, and advocated for member needs. I’ve also presented at the Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians (CAEP) Conference on advancing women in emergency medicine. Additionally, as an executive member of the Ontario Medical Association (OMA) Women’s Committee, I’ve promoted gender equity, financial literacy, and physician wellness. These leadership experiences have equipped me with the advocacy skills and collaborative approach necessary to be an effective voice for emergency physicians.

Beyond advocacy, I support professional development through The Pinto Pearls (Pintopearls.com), an educational platform aimed to provide concise, evidence-based clinical updates for healthcare professionals. By transforming complex topics into clear, digestible insights, I aim to make continuous learning accessible to physicians and nurses at all levels.

My work in research complements my advocacy and education. As Research Lead for the Emergency Department at Scarborough Health Network, I’ve focused on making research accessible to physicians in an academic-community department. Additionally, my role as an Investigating Coroner for the Office of the Chief Coroner and Ontario Forensic Pathology Service has deepened my understanding of patient safety and quality assurance.

If elected I aim to create opportunities for member engagement, support initiatives that promote well-being, and advocate for equity within our community. I would be greatly honoured to serve you, and look forward to your vote.

Dr. Adrianna Arkilander

Dear Members of the Nominations Committee,

I am writing to express my interest in becoming a Member-at-Large for the Emergency Medicine Section of the Ontario Medical Association (OMA). As a dedicated emergency physician with 17 years of clinical experience, I am eager to contribute to the ongoing development of our specialty, advocate for the needs of our colleagues, and work toward advancing patient care across the province.

Throughout my career, I have consistently sought out opportunities to engage with leadership, improve systems of care, and advocate for the well-being of both patients and healthcare professionals. I currently practice at Guelph General Hospital and as a rural locum, where I have had the privilege of collaborating with multidisciplinary teams in a high-pressure environment. This experience has given me a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the field of emergency medicine, particularly in the context of the rapidly changing healthcare landscape in Ontario.

I am drawn to the opportunity to serve as a Member-at-Large because of my strong belief in the importance of advocacy, collaboration, and continuous professional development. I have been actively involved in teaching and hospital committees and I am passionate about working to enhance the quality of care in emergency departments, support my colleagues, and address issues such as physician burnout, resource allocation, and the integration of new technologies.

I am also committed to fostering a strong sense of community and shared purpose within the Emergency Medicine Section, ensuring that the voices of all members are heard and that we work collectively to address the evolving needs of our profession.

I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the OMA’s mission and to work alongside colleagues who share my dedication to improving emergency medicine in Ontario.

Sincerely, 

Dr. Adrianna Arkilander, CCFP(EM), FCFP

Dr. Sharadindu Rai

Dear Colleagues,

Are you completely fed up with the state of Family Medicine right now?  If so, the choice is yours: maintain the status quo, or elect a strong leader like myself who will always have your back.  The SGFP needs a strong Chair who will ensure the interests of Ontario's Family Physicians comes first and foremost at the OMA.  Right now, Ontario's family physicians are falling further behind because the current leadership has allowed specialists to receive the same percentage increases as family physicians for the first three months of 2025, and that's unacceptable.  Why should Ontario's wealthiest specialties earn a disproportionate share of the latest arbitration award at the expense of Ontario's hard-working family physicians?  What's worse, this failure of leadership will lead to compounded inter-sectional fee disparity for years to come.  Where is the vocal, outspoken, leadership from SGFP that half of Ontario's practicing physicians desperately need? 

Let actions be your guide, not mere words from the current leadership.  Not only have I worked hard as a past member of the SGFP Executive to advance your interests, but I've been advocating hard to the current SGFP Executive to get these issues with relativity addressed.  Quite frankly, I've had great difficulty getting the current SGFP Executive to address my requests, which tells me that the change at SGFP needs to come at the very top: with a change in the current Chair.  My work at SGFP has taken many different forms including past-Chair of SGFP Advocacy and former Chair of the SGFP Member Services Working Group.  Under my leadership we organized a meeting between OMA healthcare advocates and Dr. Adil Shamji, the Liberal healthcare critic.  But we also worked across political parties to advance the interests of Ontario's family physicians.  Have you heard anything at all from SGFP Advocacy?  Where is that leadership now?

Thanks in advance for your trust and your vote.

Dr. Afsheen Mazhar

Dr. David Torrance S Barber

Dr. Vera Cheung

I am running for the position of Section on General & Family Practice - Member at Large this year because I am passionate about my work and would love the opportunity to advocate for other family physicians, our patients, and promote our specialty.  I have been practising comprehensive family medicine in a group in Mississauga for over 12 years.  I worked fee for service for number of years and is keenly aware of the unique challenges facing community GPs.  In addition to my clinical work, I am a busy working mother and caregiver for aging parents.  I understand the importance of flexibility, work-life balance, and the need for systemic support for family physicians in all stages of their careers. 

I currently serve as a board member of the Mississauga Health Primary Care Network and OMA District 5 Member-at-Large.  Over the past two years, these roles helped me understand more about the policy landscape as well as the opportunities we have to make a meaningful impact.  We have done some good work in advocacy for patients and physicians as well as members engagement.  Through the SGFP, I hope to help create changes so that our work is valued, and our patients receive the best possible care. 

Please consider giving me this wonderful opportunity to help my fellow family physicians.

Dr. Martin Y C Chen

Dr. Caitlin Krempowich

I am a family physician in Wasaga Beach with active privileges at Collingwood General and Marine Hospital, the Physician Lead of our 50 member Family Health Organization, and a parent of two young children.

As a physician continuing to work in our local hospital (including on call), in our hospice and doing home visits, I understand the unique aspects of comprehensive community practice. I also have an interest in technology and how it can be used to enhance efficiency as a family physician, and have transitioned to a stream-lined micro-practice. As such, I am well aware of administrative burden and am always looking for ways to improve process in my day to day.

As a member of the SGFP, I hope to advocate for improved efficiency in the family medicine space, as well as ensure the unique circumstances of comprehensive family physicians are attended to. For example, the recent issue with the loss of many FHO's AHC exemption status directly speaks to the poor understanding of the work family physicians do in more rural communities. I hope to be a voice in this space if elected. And, of course, fair compensation always needs to be on the agenda for any family physician in the leadership space!

Thank you for considering me for your vote.

Dr. Darija Vujosevic

As a dedicated family physician with over two decades of clinical and leadership experience, I am deeply committed to advancing the priorities of the Section on General and Family Practice (SGFP). Serving as an active member of the SGFP Executive in the last few years, I have been privileged to contribute to initiatives that support family physicians in delivering high-quality, accessible care to our communities.

My tenure as a Primary Care Clinical Lead, Co-Chair of the Niagara Practitioners Health Alliance, and past President of the Lincoln County Academy of Medicine has provided me with a robust understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by family physicians. I have consistently championed innovative care models, collaborative decision-making, and equitable access to resources for practitioners and patients alike.

As a Member-at-Large, I will bring strategic vision, a solutions-oriented mindset, and a passion for fostering collaboration among our members. I aim to continue advocating for fair compensation, reducing administrative burdens, and enhancing support for mental health and professional well-being in our field.

Together, we can strengthen our voice and shape the future of family medicine in Ontario. I am honored to seek your support to continue serving as your representative.

Dr. Elaine Ma

Dr. Craig Mitchell

My name is Craig Mitchell and I'm putting my name forward for role of vice-chair of the SGFP executive.  I am interested in this role as I believe that physicians need strong voices to advocate for us and our needs.  I want to fight for what physicians deserve.  Physicians are increasingly facing burnout due to the pressures put on us by the health care system.  For too long, our voices have not been heard.  We are here to care for patients and we work hard to ensure that we provide the best care that we can.  We should not have to fight for what we deserve, but this is what has happened for years.  We have watched as the government has clawed back, negated, and unilaterally dictated how we will work, and what they believe we deserve.  We need an organization that is willing to stand up and fight for us.  We need to come together as one voice to advocate for what we deserve. 

I have taken on many leadership roles in which I have fought to advocate for physicians.  I have been a FHO lead, medical staff president, and member of a hospital board.  Through these roles I have gained experience in diplomacy and advocacy.  I have worked in the community, in academic settings, and in hospitals and I have a good understanding of the various forces and challenges that face physicians in these various settings.  We are a diverse group, and I will bring the voices of physicians together as a strong advocate. 

We need an OMA that is transparent, representative, accountable, and fights for its constituents.  I want to ensure every OMA member feels that they are heard and that the organization is advocating for them.  As a member of the OMA executive, I will fight tirelessly for you and what you deserve.  Let me be your voice and I will work at transforming the OMA into a powerful force that leads the way for a sustainable and world class health care system that we can all be proud of.  A system where we are compensated fairly for our work, and treated like valued members.

Dr. Nadia Alam

I'm running for SGFP Vice-Chair because I want to advance the professional, individual and economic interests of family doctors. I want family doctors to be respected and well-supported. I also want to work on a more sustainable and fulfilling model of family practice.

I can do this -- I have a proven track record of being a practical, straightforward and clever leader who can change healthcare delivery.

For 15 years, I have practiced comprehensive care family medicine, anesthesia and palliative care.

I love it, but like many others, I'm tired. I worry about office overhead. I'm frustrated by unnecessary paperwork. And the growing complexity in my patients plus long wait-times for specialist support means that I'm pushed to continually expand my scope.

Family medicine should be the foundation of our system, but that isn't how it seems on the frontline.

So for the past 7 years, I have worked to change that reality:

I started in 2016 through grassroots advocacy. I became OMA president in 2018. We won binding arbitration and after years of cutbacks, we finally got a raise. I also saw doctors across Ontario MacGyvering innovations in care to bridge shortfalls in our healthcare system. I took these ideas to the government, media and other communities to change the status quo.

I have a Masters in health economics, policy and management. It helps me change healthcare delivery today, and I use it to teach U of T residents and medical students how to continue that change.

Locally, I introduced the Halton SCOPE program -- and it's a game-changer. It has improved the ease with which family doctors can access hospital and community-based services. I've organized seminars on optimizing billing and practice efficiency, not just clinical expertise. In the background, I've worked with my hospital system and OHT to back primary care through funding and policy.

I want to build on this history of success to help more family doctors.

So please vote for me.

Dr. Ali Damji

As a family physician and addiction medicine focused practice doctor, I know firsthand the pressures you face—burnout, feeling undervalued, and uncertainty about the future of our field.

Yet, I also believe in the resilience of family medicine. We are the cornerstone of Ontario’s healthcare system, holding communities together despite limited recognition and support. It’s time for that to change.

As Division Head of Primary Care at Trillium Health Partners, one of Canada’s largest community hospitals, I lead nearly 300 family physicians in providing patient-centered care. Since joining the SGFP in 2020, I’ve worked to reshape it into an organization that better reflects and supports family physicians. On the Policy & Advocacy Committee, I’ve championed innovative care models and AI tools to make our work more sustainable and fulfilling.

But advocacy alone isn’t enough. Family medicine needs a unifying vision—one that transcends payment models and focuses on collaboration, equity, and joy in our work. Whether you practice in an FHO, FHT, FHG, FFS, or another model, we are united by a shared purpose: to care for our patients and support each other.

I bring a wealth of leadership experience:

Policy: Driving change at local, provincial, and national levels.
Governance and Collaboration: As an experienced Board Director for the Centre for Effective Practice, and systems leader, fostering solutions that benefit physicians and patients.
Public Engagement: Amplifying the voice of family physicians publicly to advocate for resources and respect.

Most importantly, I share the realities of practice with you, seeing the challenges we face and the opportunities ahead.

As Vice Chair, I will fight to ensure every family physician feels valued, supported, and inspired to stay in this vital field. Together, we can tackle burnout, create sustainable funding, and restore pride, respect, and joy to family medicine.

Dr. Catherine Elizabeth Perrier

Family Doctors are the foundation of our healthcare system. We deserve to be acknowledged and respected for the multiple roles we all play. Our system is reliant on Family Doctors throughout the province from northern to rural and remote, to urban, suburban and everything in between. We are a unique, well-trained, adaptable, skilled and invaluable resource to our healthcare system and deserve to be treated as such through both appropriate remuneration and strong policies that support us. 

During the last 18 months that I have served on SGFP, I have been part of transformative change that has positioned the Section to function more effectively on behalf of the members. I was part of the team that led SGFP through the transition to a smaller Executive to give the membership leadership with increased effectiveness and advocacy. We have built on the incredible work of past leaders to form a strategy focused on the needs of the members. 

I have led the new Policy & Advocacy Team where I have co-written foundational documents highlighting the value of Family Doctors as leaders in healthcare system change. I have a deep commitment to our Northern Rural and Remote colleagues and have worked to increase understanding in SGFP of these challenges by implementing a travel meeting to Thunder Bay and surrounding communities with increased and ongoing outreach. Ensuring connection to varied experiences and perspectives in our membership is key to our ongoing work and success.

If elected to Vice Chair of SGFP, I will continue to advocate strongly for the absolute VALUE of Family Doctors in all parts of our healthcare system. Change is happening in our healthcare landscape and we need to ensure Family Doctors survive and thrive. Family Doctors need to be AT decision making tables, there should be no decision about us without us.

Please vote for me to continue this important work with SGFP for all Family Doctors. Thank you. linkedin.com/in/beth-perrier-1225a82b5

Dr. Jesse David Pasternak

Thanks for considering me for another term on the OMA General Surgery Section Executive.  I have worked within the OMA system at the Council in the past and within the General Surgery Section most recently.  These are difficult times for physicians in Ontario, specifically for us General Surgeons.  Many have had issues with resource allocation from their hospital, and others with the daily burden of administrative tasks.

It will be a critical time now to ensure the Kaplan award and any subsequent funding go to where it is most needed to help our patients.

My priorities are as follows:

1) Advocate that new awards and previous funding is used to increase the fee codes to make sure that the work we do is more fairly compensated.

2) Push the OMA advocacy for resolving OHIP billing submissions declined in a more transparent and supportive way.

3) Further support our members for innovation within their practice environment.

I humbly appreciate your consideration.

Sincerely,

Jesse

Dr. Eric S Touzin

Dr. Nawaf Abu-Omar

Dr. Ruchika Gupta

Dr. William Dubinski

I have three main goals I wish to advance for the Laboratory Medicine section.

On-call & Tumour Board compensation: I wish to advance this through the HOCC working group and to press CCO, who previously agreed to advance laboratory physician tumour board compensation.
Agree on workload measures: I propose to survey the workload limits being used by various lab departments in Ontario, and to share with you the various strategies used in the Province. In so doing, different departments can lean on what's being done at other institutions to use as leverage with their own hospital.  
Use interprovincial comparisons to set our base compensation. This will require removing us from CANDI/FAIR which disadvantages our section compared with other sections.

If the above goals align with yours, I would appreciate your vote.

Sincerely,

William Dubinski

Dr. Sylvia Papp

I feel compelled to begin with a quote: "great things are done by a series of small things brought together" or my personal favourite "little by little, the bird builds is nest". I have lived by this philosophy of one small perseverant step at a time and I hope to continue to grow by these same words, and carry it with me to the OMA lab med section, if elected.

As a pathologist, I am interested in this position as I hope to both learn from and contribute to our great profession through conversation and advocacy. Pathologists continue to need to be heard as pathology/ lad medicine is often an afterthought for budgets, staffing and computer information systems.  Many people I speak to don't know what a pathologist does, despite the fact that we are the diagnostic foundation. To make small ripples in this sea of unawareness, I visit Trent University once a year to give a talk about what pathologists do. The students love it and I tell them to spread the word! I have also included the role of pathologists' assistants and I am now accompanied by one of our PAs.

I am responsible for the scheduling and daily workload distribution for our pathology group, which have awoken in me an interest to try and understand the different types of pathologist workload measurement systems, their history and nuances.

Our hospital completed a switch to a new electronic health record system, Epic, for which I was the anatomical pathology work group chair during the build phase and now in its live functioning phase.  It was an incredible experience as it forced me to evaluate and better understand the step by step functioning of the anatomic pathology portion of the lab and how it is reflected in a computer program, including its myriad QA issues.

I am currently the VP of the Ontario Association of Pathologists (OAP), a role which has led me to appreciate varying lab styles across Ontario and meet many amazing lab med professionals, whom I would be honoured to be a voice for.

Dr. Catherine Ross

The OMA continues to be an important part of advocacy for laboratory medicine. Although ours is a small section, our presence at OMA is even more important particularly since our issues really are quite unique, being mainly salaried or contracted physicians dependent on our hospitals, some who may not see patients directly. Three things come to mind in this role
1-
The workload of laboratory medicine physicians has grown significantly as a consequence of increasing complexity, new knowledge and technology, in addition to increasing population and increasing rates of disease.
2-
The way we are remunerated is complex and difficult to administer. The OMA negotiating team is now in the stages of planning for an APP that will help to enhance the way that we do our work and section work is ongoing on how this could be implemented,
3-
The future of healthcare resources at all levels of labs is currently a huge issue: our MD complement is already scarce and there is a need to plan for the future to ensure stability in lab medicine.
As a past chair of the section, as well as a member of the priorities and leadership group of the OMA, I have familiarity with the complexities of the organization and how to advocate for our lab section members.
As member at large, I would continue this work to ensure that the voice of lab medicine continues to be heard at the provincial level.

Dr. Amanda Black

Dr. Michelle Jacobson

As the incumbent candidate for Vice Chair of the Section of Obstetrics and Gynaecology for the Ontario Medical Association (OMA), I seek re-election to continue advocating for the interests of our members and advancing the field of obstetrics and gynecology in Ontario. Over the past term, I have worked diligently to build stronger communication channels between OMA leadership and our members, ensuring that the voices of obstetricians and gynecologists are heard and respected in key decision-making processes.

I have played an active role in advocating for improved healthcare policies, including addressing funding concerns, advocating for better work-life balance, and ensuring that the needs of our specialty are met within the broader healthcare system. My experience has also allowed me to strengthen our relationships with stakeholders, including government representatives, health organizations, and patient advocacy groups.

Re-election will enable me to continue fostering collaboration among our members, pushing for essential reforms, and addressing emerging challenges in our field, from patient care to workforce sustainability. My commitment to improving the practice environment for obstetricians and gynecologists in Ontario remains unwavering, and I am excited to continue this critical work on behalf of our profession and patients. I respectfully ask for your continued support.

Dr. Christopher John Eaton

I have noted that over the past few years the importance of psychiatry in the greater practice of medicine.  My objective is to highlight the need for additional supports to protect the vulnerable as well as those who cannot access mental health supports through the usual process.

Being connected with the PHP has highlighted the need for more support for our colleagues as the challenges and needs increase.

My candidacy will give me an opportunity to advocate for additional psychiatric support as addiction rates continue to climb particularly amongst our youth.

I will pressure the government to provide funds and support for those that have little support.  Without additional support homelessness and morbidity rates will continue to climb.

My goal is to reduce mortality rates by increasing the availability of psychiatric services in and around our communities.

Education around mental illness is vital in our schools and as such I will be a strong advocate for more teaching around these issues.

Marijuana is a serious issue now and is seen as a normal way of treating illness.  This is wrong and needs to be corrected by providing the right information to our youth.

Please give me an opportunity to begin to heal our communities and advocate for more mental health services. I ask for your vote in the upcoming election.

Dr. Rajeevan Rasasingham

I am honored to submit my nomination for the position of Member-at-Large for the Section on Psychiatry of the Ontario Medical Association (OMA). As a dedicated adult, child, and adolescent psychiatrist, educator, and advocate, I am committed to advancing the mental health of patients and their families, both within Canada and internationally.

I bring to this position a deep passion for advocacy, having led initiatives on critical issues as Chair of the Advocacy Committee for the Canadian Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (CACAP). I have played an instrumental role in shaping position statements that have influenced national policy. In addition to my advocacy work, I have made significant contributions to continuing professional development (CPD) and education. My leadership in these areas has been recognized at national and international venues.

I am eager to contribute my expertise, passion, and leadership to the Section on Psychiatry and help shape the future of our profession. It would be an honor to serve the membership in this capacity. Thank you for considering my nomination.

Sincerely,

Dr. Raj Rasasingham MD, FRCPC, DABPN, FAPA, MMBA
President, Canadian Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Director of Continuing Professional and Practice Development, Psychiatry, University of Toronto
Associate Professor, Dept of Psychiatry, University of Toronto.

HRH Physician Leader, University of Toronto.

Dr. Hanumantha Rayudu Koka

I am a psychiatrist in full-time practice in Sudbury. I do inpatient, outpatient and outreach rural community psychiatry clinics as well as administrative psychiatry. I am Medical Director of Mental Health & Addictions Program, HSN Sudbury and MAC member. I am also providing services to Assertive Community Treatment Team (ACTT) in Sudbury. I am on the Faculty as Professor and immediate past Chair of Psychiatry at Northern Ontario School of Medicine University and Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry for the Extended Campus Program for the University of Western Ontario since 1986.

I have been actively involved in the medical politics for many years, locally and provincially. I am President of the Sudbury and District Medical Society. I am Chair of District 9. I have been delegate of OMA Council through Sudbury and District Medical Society as well as District 9 in the past. Current Delegate and PLG member. I am also Member of Academic Medicine Forum. I served on Issues and Policies Panel, and now on Advocacy Panel of OMA General Assembly.

I have supported and advocated for psychiatrist issues as Psychiatry Executive for over 10 years, served as Chair of the Section of Psychiatry.

I served on the Executive of the Coalition of Psychiatrists. I have participated on discussions about improvements for psychiatry, fee schedules and other payments including Ontario Psychiatric Outreach Programs and also ACTT psychiatrists in previous negotiations and current negotiations advocating for fair relativity deal for psychiatry.

I believe we need strong experienced leadership at the General Assembly and Steering Committees of OMA. I can be that strong voice for you advocating for what Ontario psychiatrists deserve.

I sincerely hope to count on your support in considering my name as Section on Psychiatry-Member at Large.

I look forward to serving you in the future as your voice.

Dr. Gili Wendy Adler Nevo

Dear members,

I have been part of the psychiatric community for more than 20 years—enough time to observe its evolving trajectories, including successes as well as recurring challenges.

I have served in leadership roles as the Head of the MGH Child and Adolescent Anxiety Clinic and as Chair of the OMA Green IS Health MIG. While the latter is not directly related to psychiatry, it reflects my commitment to service and sustainability. This role also familiarized me with the inner workings of the OMA.

In addition to my clinical and managerial responsibilities, I actively contribute to the academic community as a member of the University of Toronto’s Department of Psychiatry. I have helped shape the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Residency Program through course development and committee work, with a particular focus on psychotherapy. Currently, I serve on the Child and Youth Curriculum Renewal Working Group and the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Psychotherapy Committee.

In the role of Member-at-Large, I aim to draw from my experience to contribute meaningfully to the continued growth and success of our community. I look forward to helping shape our collective efforts to be as impactful as possible.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Gili

Dr. Rickinder Sethi

Dr. Shabbir Amanullah

Hi everyone,

Its election time again!. 

OMA has been working hard to try to get the best for drs across Ontario. As a member, I have been actively involved at various levels. We have a lot of work to do including but not limited to scope creep of allied professionals. I was recently made aware of an NP charging $300.00 for the first appointment in mental health and $150. for follow up of 30 mins. Its sickening to see the vulnerable being exploited due to underfunding and the shortage of psychiatrists. The patient as expected ended up being seen by a psychiatrist as she couldnt afford it anymore.

There are various issues and scope creep is just one of them.

We need to handle many issues as a group and my involvement in different bodies help bridge the commuinaction gap while also addressing the needs of our members. Reaching out to primary care teams in a timely manner while getting the government to realise that allowing allied health professionals to take advantage of desperate people, is not just worng but also dangerous. Training in psychiatry takes time and members have spent years learning on how best to serve our patients. 

Our value has not been recognised by the government and we have to make a concerted effort to change things.

As a group we can achieve much and I hope you will support me and elect me in these elections!