President ’ s Message
Welcome to the 2021 CPSO Annual Report
As I reflect on the year it has been , it feels like there is only one topic to talk about : how the COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped health care , both here in Ontario and around the world . Yes , this virus has exacted an incredible toll on the public , and on the health care workers who serve them . And yes , COVID has brought out the very best and the very worst in people .
But I can also say that I have never been prouder of being a part of the medical profession , and part of the College that regulates it in this province .
The role that our profession has played in supporting a very high rate of vaccination is something that we can all be proud of . Many physicians have taken the time to explain the benefits of immunization to their patients , making a huge impact in getting the vaccinehesitant and others with concerns to get the jab . We are all safer for those efforts .
Meanwhile , in late 2021 , as the Omicron variant caused hospitalization numbers to climb , physicians again persevered and put patients first , even as they ’ ve been frustrated , exhausted , and demoralized by the seemingly unrelenting nature of this disease .
And just as doctors across this province have stepped up their game , so too has the College . I cannot tell you , for example , how many doctors I ’ ve heard from who were so grateful for our unequivocal ( and very public ) statement about vaccine exemptions . They really felt as if the CPSO had their backs throughout difficult conversations with vaccine-hesitant patients .
I believe the work we ’ ve done on pandemicrelevant policies such as virtual care and physicians ’ behaviour on social media is going to provide benefits to the lives of patients for years to come .
Internally , 2021 saw CPSO accomplish some of the largest changes to its operation in its history , despite the challenges of the pandemic and our virtual workplace for employees . I urge you to read more about these changes in Dr . Nancy Whitmore ’ s letter .
While I don ’ t think anyone will look back at 2021 with fondness , it has been a year that our organization can look back at with pride . I invite you to read this Annual Report to learn more about all that we have accomplished .
Dr . Judith Plante , 2021 CPSO President
Photo : Jonny Flietstra
4 CPSO ANNUAL REPORT 2021