Thank you for the privilege Dr. Samantha Hill, OMA President
It feels like yesterday that I began my first president’s update, hopeful that I would be able to convey sincerity, host respectful challenging conversations, improve transparency, and generally build bridges, bringing us all a little closer together. Someday soon I will have the time to look back on this year and reflect – reflect on where I might have succeeded and where I might have been able to do more. For now, I know only that the work I assumed through advocacy with MPPs, an incredible number of bilingual media, deliberate outreach to members, and occasionally difficult deliberations at the Board, has been some of the most honourable and privileged work I will ever perform.
Being your president was never about me. It was always about you, and about us as a united front, with insights, training and capacity that are unique to Ontarian physicians. It was always about the belief that together, united, we can accomplish anything, and that Ontario needed us to be at our best. It was always about the belief that the necessary unity can only be achieved after trust had been won; trust that required consistency, transparency, and accessibility. I have poured my heart and soul, and many, many hours, into being all of that: answering emails, responding to phone calls, being present on social media, etc. So much so, that people have asked me how I did so much this year, with other demands and commitments, as well?
The answer has always been simple. I have drawn strength and inspiration from you. Time and time again Ontario's doctors have risen to the challenges presented this year, manifesting the best of us and our profession, grounding and pushing me to do my best as well. Thank you for the privilege of serving as OMA president during these unprecedented times. With gratitude, I invite you to read my last president’s update, and as always, stay safe.
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends both doses be the same COVID-19 vaccine product. If the first-dose vaccine is unavailable, then individuals should receive their second dose using a similar vaccine, such as another mRNA vaccine (Moderna and Pfizer). Once more evidence is available on mixed vaccine schedules, NACI will release a recommendation on which vaccine to use as a second dose for those who received one shot of AstraZeneca. Access NACI's recommendations on COVID-19 vaccines.
Mature minors may consent to receive COVID-19 vaccine.With the approval and rollout of the Pfizer vaccine for those 12 and older, minors demonstrating the ability to make decisions and understand the risks and benefits of vaccination may consent to receive a vaccination. This is the case even if their legal guardian is against it since there is no legal age of consent in Ontario. The Ministry of Health has created youth-specific resources including a consent form and an information sheet.
Reminder: Ontario administering second doses of AstraZeneca. The Ontario government announced that beginning this week those who received their first dose of AstraZeneca between March 10 and 19 will be eligible to receive their second shot. The Ministry released a memo providing more information and a consent form to use with patients.
Updated COVID-19 literature summaries and feedback survey available.The OMA produces one-line summaries of published COVID-19 literature from peer-reviewed journals. Several new summaries have been added to the collection since it was last shared on April 16, 2021. Do you find these summaries useful? Please complete this short survey to help us understand how best to share the latest COVID-19 research with you:
insights.oma.org/c/r/COVID19LiteratureSummariesSurvey
In advance of next year's provincial election, theOMA is developing recommendations to address new and long-standing health-care issues that impact you and your patients. Share your views on creating better health care for Ontarians in this short survey. https://insights.oma.org/c/r/OMAHealthCarePlatformSurvey
New Medical Interest Group launches. The Fee-For-Service Family Physician Medical Interest Group is now accepting new members. The group’s mission is to ensure equal opportunity, equal pay for equal work and relativity within the section. All fee-for-service family physicians are welcome, including locums, GP-focused practice, FHG/CCM, walk-in colleagues, etc. To join, visit My Account on the OMA website, select ‘Groups’ on the left side and select ‘Medical Interest Group.’ For more information email
ffsmigdocs@gmail.com.
Healing through storytelling.The Ontario Psychiatric Association marked 100 years of psychiatry with a virtual event showcasing artistry to help break down stigmas surrounding mental illness. Watch the full event video or visit the OMA website for a
quick recap.
Events
Privacy and security webinar. OntarioMD (OMD) is hosting a free webinar from noon to 1 p.m. on June 10 to discuss privacy and security and medical-legal issues in today’s health-care environment. The webinar is relevant for all physicians who use digital health and virtual care tools. Bring your privacy and security questions and get answers from the experts. This session is brought to you in partnership with Canada Health Infoway and the OMA. Register for the webinar.
Start protecting your retirement savings with the Guaranteed Lifetime Income Annuity
The Advantages Retirement Plan™ now offers the option of purchasing guaranteed lifetime income through a unique annuity product that helps protect your savings while providing income throughout your lifetime. See how this unique annuity works.
TELUS Business Connect. COVID-19 - Mobile office solutions with free trials. TELUS is helping members work remotely during COVID-19 by providing telecommunications solutions. Get a free trial for 60 or 90 days. TELUS offers both Business Connect Mobile and Business Connect Enhanced. Learn how TELUS is helping members work remotely.
Please note that this survey response will not be anonymous. It will be linked to your member account with OMA, and the data will be used for quality assurance purposes by the OMA team. You are not required to participate. Please indicate to what extent you agree or disagree with the following statement:
