This article originally appeared in the Summer 2023 issue of the Ontario Medical Review magazine.
Role as OMA’s 142nd president comes with many firsts
It is truly an honour to be the 142nd OMA president. I am excited to be on this journey with you, my physician colleagues across the province.
I may be a new face to you as I’ve never held a formal leadership position in the OMA. But new faces bring fresh perspectives, and we should be willing and encouraged to hear diverse ideas and consider different viewpoints on the issues that bind us.
Furthermore, I take great pride in being the first East Asian president in our organization’s history, marking a significant step toward promoting diversity, representation and inclusivity in health-care leadership.
As your president, I will build on the advocacy of my predecessors and stand up for our profession and colleagues, ensuring that the government and public are hearing our collective voices. I am committed to working with you respectfully and collaboratively. I am here to listen and be your ally as we continue leading the changes our system needs. We must build on our recent accomplishments and strengthen our system to work better for patients and physicians.
“I will build on the advocacy of my predecessors and stand up for our profession and colleagues, ensuring that the government and public are hearing our collective voices.”
The OMA recently released Prescription Progress Report 2023, the first of our planned annual progress reports, reflecting on the successes and path forward for health-care transformation. This report identifies the actions taken by the provincial government over the past 18 months on the 87 recommendations in Prescription for Ontario: Doctors’ 5-Point Plan for Better Health Care. Our report shows that it has taken action on 51 of the 87 recommendations, demonstrating our positive, solutions-focused relationship. The government is listening to us, and we are encouraged by its response to some of the foundational changes we called for, including the creation of community diagnostic and surgical centres, more investment in primary care and steps to license more foreign-trained physicians.
Despite these successes, we still have a long way to go. Our Progress Report identifies three urgent priority areas that need immediate attention:
I am optimistic about the productive discussions I’ve had to date with key government officials. Each official is committed to working with the OMA to ensure that every Ontarian has access to the health care that is their fundamental right. I will continue to nurture these relationships as we work together to fix the gaps in our health-care system. I would love to hear from you and look forward to learning, growing and celebrating alongside you.
Dr. Andrew Park
OMA President