Dr. Joss Reimer, currently the chief medical officer for the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA), has been nominated as the Canadian Medical Association’s next president-elect.
The CMA presidency is rotated alphabetically among the provinces and territories, this year elected by Manitoba members.
In addition to her role with the WRHA, Dr. Reimer has served as the medical lead and spokesperson for Manitoba’s COVID-19 Vaccine Implementation Taskforce, Winnipeg’s medical director of public health and director of population health for the undergraduate medical education program at the University of Manitoba.
Before completing a public health specialty, Dr. Reimer spent several years training in obstetrics and gynecology. She also maintains a clinical practice in maternity care, labour and delivery at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg.
Dr. Reimer is a strong advocate for physician wellness, calling the stress, declining mental health and burnout in the workforce a public health crisis.
“By helping patients and governments understand the profound impact that burnout is having on our profession, we can help them understand that their health is interdependent with ours,” she said.
Dr. Reimer’s goal is for physicians is to have the resources, support, respect and autonomy needed to thrive in their practices and find joy in work.
“I want to help create a health care system that allows physicians to provide better care that is safe, accessible, effective and equitable,” she said, adding, “I want that care to be provided in collaborative teams that are diverse, engaged, passionate and valued.”
“While all of this can feel daunting, I am an optimist. I am inspired every day as I see physicians' dedication to providing exceptional care, their ingenuity in developing creative solutions and their willingness to collaborate on improving the system. It couldn't be clearer that physicians need to play a central role in leading this change.”
Pending ratification at the CMA’s Annual General Meeting, Dr. Reimer will serve as president-elect from Aug. 16, 2023 until May 2024, when she will become CMA president.
There were three other candidates – Dr. Cory Baillie, Dr. Anthony Battad and Dr. José François – in the election, which ran from Feb. 22 to Mar. 8.
Candidates for the CMA’s 2025-26 presidency will be chosen by members in New Brunswick.