INTRODUCING posted . If the matter is dismissed by the ICRC or did not pose a significant risk to the public and the physician was willing to take corrective action – a communications course , for example – then the matter could remain confidential . We also decided at the outset that there was reason to keep some categories of information confidential , such as a physician ’ s health and incapacity concerns . So I do think that the approach that we have taken achieves a balance , with confidentiality only where needed .
How might other ICRC members describe your personal style when grappling with complicated , controversial issues around the ICRC table ? A . I hope they would describe me as fairminded and thorough . I took my responsibilities on ICRC very seriously . As do all ICRC members .
What has surprised you about the College since you became involved ? A . I have been surprised at the level of consultation the College undertakes when developing policies . We make great efforts to elicit feedback from the profession , the public , health-care agencies and government on all of our initiatives . And that feedback , in turn , helps us create a better approach or initiative . I also had no idea of what to expect as to the kind of relationship there would be between public members of Council and physician members . But I have been deeply impressed with the desire and commitment of both doctors and public members to work together as advocates for the public . Public members put in incredible hours for very little recognition . It is has not been all happy discoveries . I continue to be disappointed by how the
Q & A
College ’ s role is misunderstood by the profession , the general public and the media . For example , the College is much more than ICRC and discipline . Dealing only with complaints and concerns would be an ineffective way to improve care . The Quality Assurance Committee that runs , among other things , the peer assessment program , is a large part of the College . The Out-of-Hospitals Premises Inspection Committee and our partnership with Cancer Care Ontario are also examples of efforts to improve the quality of medical care in this province .
You began your medical career as a general physician . What led you to your decision to go into obstetrics / gynecology ? A . I planned to be a family doctor because I liked the continuity and the ability to follow patients broadly and longitudinally . However , as I progressed through my family medicine residency , I was drawn to surgery , to procedural medicine and to the exhilarating experience of helping women and babies in childbirth . I liked the variety , the ability to do office one day , surgery the next and be on call for deliveries the third day . I was still able to follow patients over the years as they planned their families and dealt with reproductive challenges . Despite the late hours and high risks , it has been very rewarding and I do not look forward to retirement .
What do you do to relax ? A . I like to relax with family , my kids Adam and Holly have grown up too fast , a common lament . We have a cottage in Haliburton where I am doing all the things I didn ’ t get to do as a working class kid growing up in Parry Sound . It ’ s the Canadian Dream ! MD
Issue 4 , 2016 Dialogue 23