PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Dr. Joel Kirsh,
President
2016
I
t was an honour to serve as President of
the College in its 150th year of medical
regulation. Although the College has
been in existence for many years, the ac-
tions taken in 2016 demonstrate that we
continue to look for new and improved ways to
ensure that we remain at the forefront of public
protection.
The year began with ensuring the provision
of timely guidance to physicians and members
of the public on the issue of medical assistance
in dying (MAiD). In fact, in order to ensure
the College could provide a timely and accurate
guidance during a shifting legal landscape, three
policy documents were produced. The final policy,
which reflects federal legislation, was well-received
by a number of organizations and commentators,
with many describing the guidance as practical,
clarifying, helpful and, most importantly, respect-
ful of the patient experience.
The policy emphasizes patient autonomy and
dignity. It states that if a physician chooses to
decline a patient’s request to assist in dying, the
physician must provide an effective referral to
another provider. This requirement became a
flashpoint in the debate about physician responsi-
bilities in assisted death, and would later prompt a
court challenge. The College continues to vigor-
ously defend this position. Patients seeking MAiD
cannot be abandoned in their time of need. An
effective referral does not guarantee a patient
will receive MAiD, or signal that the referring
physician endorses or supports the treatment.
Rather, an effective referral ensures access to care
and demonstrates respect for patient autonomy.
Patients deserve no less, and this key policy stance
is in keeping with the College’s duty to serve the
public interest.
The College continued with our initiative to
ANNUAL REPORT 2016
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