The CMA’s pandemic response, its post-election advocacy and its new Impact 2040 strategy, along with association governance matters, were among the themes pursued at a virtual session for members on Oct. 20.
A group of highly engaged members attended the event with CMA President Dr. Katharine Smart, Board Chair Dr. Suzanne Strasberg and Quebec Board Representative Dr. Abdo Shabah, held in October because time ran short at the CMA’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in August.
In their opening remarks, Drs. Smart and Strasberg addressed two highly anticipated questions from the membership: how the CMA plans to continue to advance equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) within its leadership and medicine more broadly, and how it will ensure future AGMs are more welcoming and meaningful to all members.
Dr. Smart underscored the CMA’s continued commitment to advancing EDI, mentioning a September roundtable held with physicians and medical learners on potential next steps in this area, along with efforts to encourage individuals from traditionally under-represented groups to submit their candidacy for CMA president-elect nominee.
On the AGM front, Dr. Strasberg acknowledged that several technical and structural issues diminished the member experience this year, and said the CMA is conducting a review to apply feedback and learnings to next year’s event.
The CMA will continue to provide similar opportunities to hear from members on their top issues and concerns, to shape its future work.