Meet your president-elect and board of director-elects
Learn more about your elected president and board directors
Here are the top five things to know before diving into the profiles of your candidates for president-elect and board below:
1. All candidates completed a comprehensive screening process led by our third-party recruitment partner, Promeus Inc.
2. The process included an application form, statements of interest and equity, diversity and inclusion, an outline of their top three competency areas, a CV, potential conflicts of interest, personal references, and social media checks
3. We us a ranked ballot voting system, which is the method of voting that was previously used in the president-elect referendum and election of assembly directors at the former Council. It gives a more complete picture of how each voter feels about all of the candidates and ensures each voter’s rankings still carry weight, even if their most preferred candidates don’t get elected.
4. The top three competencies identified by the OMA Board as of particular importance for this year’s recruitment are: Strategic, Generative and integrative thinking, Risk management and Financial/business acumen
5. Candidates who submitted an optional video were asked to respond to the following question: "Over the past year, the OMA Board has prioritized fostering and strengthening the organization's culture, recognizing its importance in driving member & employee engagement, decision-making, and long-term success. How do you view the role of the board in promoting a strong organizational culture, and what specific steps would you take to build on our efforts in this area as a director or president-elect?"
President-elect
Summary by Promeus Inc.
Dr. Rebecca Hicks is a dynamic community-based family physician committed to advancing the well-being of physicians and patients alike. As FHT lead physician at Village Family Health Team, she supports an inter-professional team serving 11,000+ patients, including those with serious mental illness through partnership with CAMH.
On a systems level, Dr. Hicks’ involvement with the SGFP executive and OMA Health Policy Committee has enabled her to spearhead initiatives aimed at reducing administrative burden, addressing gender equity, and empowering the physician voice. She has worked regionally with the West Toronto OHT. She has built capacity in her peers through workshops on weight stigma and managing patient distress.
Dr. Hicks’ leadership is driven by a passion for transformative change, and she recently completed the OCFP Leadership Academy through the Rotman School of Management. Her goal as OMA President-Elect is to champion physician well-being, fair compensation, and increased physician involvement at the OMA.
OMA competencies
1. Professional knowledge and insight
Possesses deep professional insight into the needs of physicians through roles at local, regional and provincial levels. Her work with SGFP, Village Family Health Team, and the OMA Health Policy Committee equips her with perspectives on physician well-being, administrative burdens, and pay equity. Her partnership with CAMH and her regional work with the West Toronto OHT underscore her understanding of health-care system dynamics. Her work as a community-based family physician connects her to every part of the health-care system through her coordination of care for her patients.
2. Strategic, generative and integrative thinking
Strategic thinking is evident through governance transformation as an SGFP Executive and championing gender equity initiatives. She helped develop a new strategic vision at the SGFP, showcasing her generative thinking and change leadership. She put forward gender equity initiatives through the Priority and Leadership Group process and directly to the OMA Board, working together with other physician leaders to build consensus. As FHT lead physician at Village Family Health Team, she develops both patient-oriented and physician-oriented programming, reflecting her strength in capacity building.
3. Board governance
Governance experience as executive member of SGFP, ex-officio board member of Village FHT, and member of OMA’s Health Policy Committee. As an SGFP Executive Member, she helped transform governance structures and develop strategic vision. As chair of the SGFP Engagement Committee, she develops strategy to improve member engagement across Ontario for family physicians. She is keen to bring this forward for all physicians across the province.
Candidate's statement of interest
Physicians have been bearing the weight of a deteriorating health-care system for too long. I have seen my colleagues struggling with burnout in an overburdened system – I know I have felt this myself. Our system is chronically underfunded and inflation is making it challenging for physicians to keep the lights on. I am running for OMA president because I want to be a part of making this better for all of us. I will bring my experience as a physician leader to advocate for much needed change for Ontario’s doctors.
Physicians provide invaluable services to our patients and our communities. This dedication comes at the expense of time with our loved ones and our well-being. We are asked to care for our patients and put them first. The OMA needs to care for physicians the same way that we doctors care for our patients.
If elected president, I will unapologetically advocate for doctors. I am committed to fighting for fair compensation for our expertise, true reduction in our administrative burden, and involvement of physicians at every step of the decision-making process both within the OMA and Ontario Health. The physicians of Ontario deserve better. Nothing less is acceptable.
Candidate Equity, Diversity and Inclusion statement
As a white settler, I have held significant privilege throughout my life. It is a continued effort to be aware of this privilege and to use my platform to advocate for others. Physicians deserve to be treated equitably, no matter their disability, gender, race, or sexual orientation.
I am committed to working with the OMA to ensure that the field of medicine is one where all physicians feel welcome, where doctors are paid equitably no matter who they are, and where physicians are included in all decision-making at the OMA.
I have championed gender equity since being elected in May 2023 to the SGFP. I will continue to work towards a truly diverse, equitable and inclusive organization if elected as president.
Reference and social media check complete
Board of director-elects
Summary by Promeus Inc.
Dr. Khalid Azzam is a health-care leader and academic with over two decades of experience in clinical, educational and administrative roles. He currently serves as physician-in-chief of the department of medicine at Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS), overseeing 640 physicians, and is a professor of medicine at McMaster University. As governor of the American College of Physicians’ Ontario chapter, he has also driven physician engagement. Dr. Azzam’s leadership is exemplified in his founding of Mishka Social Services, a grassroots organization providing culturally relevant social services to refugees and marginalized communities.
Dr. Azzam’s accomplishments include transitioning a resident-dependent program into a hospitalist-led model and optimizing ambulatory care clinics for greater efficiency. His passion for equity, diversity and inclusion drives his work to create culturally responsive care and advocate for systemic change. Dr. Azzam views the OMA Board as a critical platform to champion the well-being of Ontario’s physicians and advance innovative health-care solutions.
OMA competencies
1. Strategic, generative and integrative thinking
At HHS, he led the COVID capacity task force, co-sponsored surgical recovery and flow initiatives and optimized clinic spaces utilization, reallocating resources to enhance service capacity and build new services without additional infrastructure. Working with the Ontario General Medicine Quality Improvement Network (GeMQIN), he directed the implementation of "My Practice Report," enabling physicians to review practice data and drive quality improvement. He also introduced patient safety rounds, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
2. Risk management
He possesses advanced risk management expertise, grounded in a master’s in quality improvement and a thorough understanding of organizational policies and professional staff bylaws. Has successfully navigated sensitive and complex physician performance issues, collaborating with legal and human resources teams to design performance improvement and rehabilitation-focused interventions. His approach expertly balances organizational risks while preserving physician careers, fostering workplace harmony and upholding core organizational values.
3. Transformative change
With an improvement mindset and change leadership, he spearheaded transformative and sustainable projects that redefine health-care delivery. At Juravinski Hospital, he strategically led a team transitioning a resident-dependent program to a hospitalist-led model, improving care quality and operational efficiency, while shifting residents to another site to improve culture and belonging. As the HHS GeMQIN executive sponsor, he introduced innovative quality improvement frameworks, empowering physicians with data-driven insights to enhance practice efficiency and patient outcomes.
Candidate's statement of interest
I believe that my broad leadership experience and diverse background in health care will significantly contribute to advancing OMA’s vision and mission. With over two decades of senior and executive leadership roles in academic and health-care delivery settings, I bring a proven track record of success in clinical, educational and administrative capacities. My experience spans clinical practice in both academic and community settings, continuing health professional education, academic and health systems governance, quality improvement and patient safety.
Using my change leadership skills, I am committed to supporting Ontario’s physicians through transformative initiatives that improve care delivery, enhance professional well-being and foster collaboration across the health-care system. My EDI expertise adds a critical dimension to achieving the OMA’s strategic goals. I understand the importance of diverse perspectives in shaping equitable health-care policies and practices. My system-level knowledge and ability to navigate complex health-care environments will support the OMA’s vision of being the trusted voice in Ontario’s health-care system.
As a member of the OMA board of directors, I would focus on advocating and supporting our physicians, strengthening their leadership role in caring for patients and ensuring OMA’s strategy in renewing our health-care system to effectively deliver equitable, high-quality care for all Ontarians.
Candidate Equity, Diversity and Inclusion statement
My lived experiences navigating systemic barriers posed by lack of status, recognition and access to fundamental rights have shaped my commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI). Now, as a settler in Canada, a physician, and a senior health-care leader, I am privileged to use my professional and social status to champion EDI in all aspects of my work.
I believe diversity is fundamental to achieving an equitable and inclusive workplace and health-care system. There is no quality health care without equitable care and no authentic engagement in our profession without inclusivity. I have consistently integrated EDI into my leadership, powered by the knowledge I learned through San'yas Indigenous Cultural Safety training and a certificate program in EDI from Cornell University. I have led many initiatives in quality improvement, patient safety and medical education that support equitable and inclusive care.
By leveraging my commitment to diversity, passion for advancing equity and leadership in creating an inclusive climate, I will contribute to the OMA's strategy to be the trusted voice for the future of health care, advancing EDI and furthering the work with Indigenous Peoples in Ontario on truth and reconciliation, resulting in equitable health care for Ontario's diverse population.
Reference and social media check complete
Summary by Promeus Inc.
Dr. Cathy Faulds is a family physician with specialized expertise in palliative care. She has a strong history of leadership in various health-care settings, particularly in working with family health teams, palliative care programs and key physician governance bodies like the OMA, CFPC, Accreditation Canada and OCFP where she has held chair and president roles. Additionally, Dr. Faulds has been instrumental in implementing team-based models and quality improvement programs across regional health networks and provincial organizations.
Dr. Faulds has held numerous roles that demonstrate her commitment to health-care excellence and governance. As the board chair of the OMA, she has been proactive in development of an organizational strategy, negotiating and advocating for remuneration, resources and policy reforms that resulted in actionable improvements. Dr. Faulds' continued role on the OMA Board will ensure her continued ability to represent and support the membership.
OMA competencies
1. Knowledge
Clinical expertise in family medicine and palliative care. Experience in educational roles, where she has instructed and mentored learners. Knowledge extends into health system planning, where she has consistently helped to enhance service delivery and patient care standards across various health-care settings. Deep knowledge of the OMA informs her insight into health-care policy and governance.
2. Innovation
Proven track record as a visionary and implementer of new health-care delivery methods. Embraces innovative practices to improve health-care outcomes. For example, developed the research division at Participation House, aimed at transforming housing for vulnerable populations into more homelike settings and in-patient palliative care. Also instrumental in other unique care models that integrate multidisciplinary approaches and enhance the accessibility and quality of patient care.
3. Transformative change
Has demonstrated a strong capability for leading transformative changes within the health-care system. Central in restructuring governance at the OCFP and CFPC, transitioning from a regional to a skills-based board. Also spearheaded a shared care pilot initiative, which laid the groundwork for innovative care models that later influenced broader health system reforms. Commitment to enhancing system efficiency, patient experience, and overall health outcomes.
Candidate's statement of interest
If re-elected, I will be honoured to complete my final year as Chair of the Board. As a practicing family physician and palliative care consultant, I’ve heard your concerns and understand the challenges you face, including excessive administrative burdens, funding gaps that fail to match inflation, barriers to providing effective care, limited leadership influence, and a shortage of skilled team members.
My priorities are:
1. Reducing administrative burdens: I will work to ensure OMA negotiates funding to ease administrative tasks and work with OntarioMD (OMD) to improve EMR integration while strengthening privacy and cybersecurity.
2. Enhancing membership value: I aim to modernize the fee schedule to address gender pay gaps and relativity issues, expand the Physician Health Program, improve insurance and practice management support, and advocate for a sustainable health-care system.
3. Empowering physician leadership: I will expand leadership education tailored to OMA roles, foster inclusivity, and equip members to lead system changes while addressing concerns about the "corporate OMA" by redeveloping Districts.
I will ensure that the OMA Board and CEO adopt a strategic, forward-thinking plan to prepare members and the organization for the evolving health-care landscape of the future.
United, we can build a stronger, more sustainable system.
Candidate Equity, Diversity and Inclusion statement
As a candidate for Board Director, I am committed to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in our medical association and the health-care system. Our profession’s strength lies in embracing diverse perspectives and fostering an environment where every member feels valued, heard, and empowered.
If elected, I will prioritize:
1. Championing diversity in leadership: I will ensure that leadership roles reflect the diversity of our membership, creating opportunities for underrepresented voices to influence our profession’s future.
2. Embedding EDI into our culture: Expanding mentorship, education, and training initiatives will help us build an inclusive culture, enabling equity in decision-making, policies, and workplace practices.
3. Addressing systemic barriers: I will advocate for equitable compensation, career advancement, and targeted resources to tackle systemic inequities affecting both physicians and patients, particularly those from marginalized communities.
4. Collaborating for change: Strengthening partnerships with members, stakeholders, and communities will enable us to drive meaningful, inclusive transformation in health-care delivery and access.
EDI is not just an initiative; it is the foundation for trust, innovation, and better health care outcomes. With your support, I am eager to lead this change and ensure our association represents all members equitably.
Reference and social media check complete
Summary by Promeus Inc.
Dr. Ramsey Hijazi is a hospitalist physician with a background in family medicine and health-care advocacy. At Saint Vincent Hospital he collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to manage complex rehabilitation and discharge planning. He brings a dual perspective on the systemic challenges faced by both primary and inpatient care providers.
Dr. Hijazi is the founder of the Ontario Union of Family Physicians (OUFP), which grew rapidly to over 2,200 members, and has successfully influenced public discourse on health-care policy. His leadership in advocacy has been complemented by operational expertise; as a senior management member of his prior family practice, he led the implementation of an electronic medical record system, optimized care delivery models, and was involved in operational management.
Dr. Hijazi’s desire to join the Board is motivated by a desire to strengthen physician advocacy and better respond to grassroots concerns. He is committed to fostering open dialogue and greater transparency.
OMA competencies
1. Professional knowledge and insight
He brings a dual perspective as a family physician and hospitalist, offering a practical understanding of the diverse challenges within Ontario’s health-care system. His work with the OUFP, fostering relationships with key stakeholders and generating media coverage, highlights a deep understanding and commitment to highlighting issues like practice sustainability, administrative burdens, and access to care.
2. Strategic, generative and integrative thinking
He demonstrated strategic thinking in creating the OUFP, a grassroots advocacy organization that grew to 2,200+ members. He employed data-driven methodologies to identify priorities, engage stakeholders, and craft actionable strategies. His ability to synthesize diverse inputs — from physicians, the public, and policymakers — enabled him to influence the discourse on health-care funding and policy, while fostering cohesion among members and allies.
3. Risk management
In leading the OUFP, he balanced assertive advocacy with diplomacy, maintaining trust among stakeholders while pushing for systemic change. He navigated complex dynamics, such as aligning organizational goals with public sentiment and OMA policies. By incorporating member feedback and conducting regular strategy reviews, he mitigated risks associated with controversial positions, ensuring that advocacy efforts remained impactful and credible.
Candidate's statement of interest
For too long, the government has devalued our profession and/or treated us as replaceable. This continues despite a health-care crisis and with unprecedented support us from the public. Yet, puzzlingly our collective voice as physicians remains weak.
My journey here has been deeply rooted in advocacy of physician interests both as a family physician and now a hospitalist. With the Ontario Union of Family Physicians (OUFP), I have been a firm advocate on the defunding of OHIP and calling out the government's failures. Poor member engagement within the OMA is an alarming indicator that changes must be made to rekindle trust and encourage participation.
I am applying for the position of Board Director to influence strategic planning and policy for meaningful change. However, I cannot do it alone. We need to show that this sentiment is shared among members and to elect a board that is not accepting of the status quo. We need an OMA that stands up for the rights of its members, that is transparent and invites open, fearless conversations. I urge you all to join me in working to re-establish the OMA as an organization that we can trust and be proud to be a part of.
Candidate Equity, Diversity and Inclusion statement
As an OMA board member, there is an important responsibility to help represent not only the diversity of specialties within the organization, but also the vast diversity of cultural, socio-economic and geographic considerations of members. Simply, as an organization the OMA cannot be effective in their representation without engaging and including the valuable input, experience and opinions of all their members. I think it is also important to recognize and be sensitive to the diversity of the general public we serve as physicians and understanding the unique social determinants of health that are at play given the history of our country, colonization and strong immigrant population. I am committed to ensuring that as a board member, I keep in mind and respect the diversity of our members and our citizens in my important role to help steer the organizational mandates and policy of the OMA.
Reference and social media check complete
Summary by Promeus Inc.
Dr. Brian Rotenberg is a respected ENT surgeon, professor, and Canadian Certified Health Executive. With over six years of service on the Board of Directors at St. Joseph’s Health Care London, he held roles including chair of the Medical Advisory Committee, co-chair of the Physician Wellbeing Task Force, and chair of the Opioid Stewardship Council, where he led the development of system-wide prescribing guidelines for safer narcotics use. Meanwhile, as residency program director, he pioneered competency-based medical education in otolaryngology, setting a national benchmark.
Dr. Rotenberg has also contributed to the Canadian Society of Otolaryngology and serves on the Governmental Advisory Panel for Integrated Community Health Services Centres. During his five years as medical director of a non-hospital surgical centre, he implemented innovations to enhance efficiency and patient outcomes. Passionate about innovative care models, Dr. Rotenberg seeks to bring unique insights from his work across hospital and non-hospital care environments to champion system-wide improvements.
OMA competencies
1. Strategic, generative and integrative thinking
As medical director of a non-hospital surgical centre, he advanced multidisciplinary collaboration, enhancing operational efficiency and patient outcomes. His role on the Governmental Advisory Panel for Integrated Community Health Services Centres focuses on expanding access to non-hospital surgical care through innovative frameworks. Additionally, his tenure as chair of the Department’s Financial Management Committee honed his ability to integrate financial acumen with health care priorities.
2. Transformative change
He spearheaded the implementation of competency-based medical education in otolaryngology, positioning the program as a national leader in medical training. As editor-in-chief of the Journal of Otolaryngology, he elevated the publication’s impact and international stature by revamping its editorial processes and increasing its scholarly influence.
3. Risk management
As chair of the Medical Advisory Committee during COVID-19, he developed and implemented redeployment policies to address critical care needs, ensuring patient safety while protecting physician well-being. His leadership on the Opioid Stewardship Council reflects expertise in systemic risk mitigation, having successfully aligned opioid prescribing practices with evidence-based guidelines across 11 hospitals.
Candidate's statement of interest
Ontario is facing a time of great challenge in health care, and the need for change has never been stronger. Change can be difficult, and this is especially true as non-traditional means of care are beginning to be explored (e.g. non-hospital-based surgical care, private partnerships, etc.). Having served in multiple senior medical roles in both the hospital world and the non-hospital surgical world, I bring a unique insight to the governance of the OMA that I hope can be used to help serve the needs of Ontario's physicians and patients alike. With broad experience working with hospital leaders, Ontario Hospital Association, academic institutions, and private businesses alike, I am excited to serve in a new capacity to help develop needed, if difficult, changes in Ontario's health-care delivery.
Candidate Equity, Diversity and Inclusion statement
As a senior surgeon and experienced medical leader, I am committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment for all patients and colleagues. I strive to provide culturally appropriate and patient-centered care, addressing individual needs and preferences. I actively listen to diverse perspectives, challenge biases, and advocate for equitable policies and practices within the organizations I work at both in the hospital and in non-hospital settings. By promoting open communication and fostering a sense of belonging, I do my best to contribute to creating a health-care setting where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered.
Reference and social media check complete