Dialogue Volume 12 Issue 4 2016 | Page 5

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Dear Colleagues :

photo : D . W . Dorken
Joel Kirsh , MD College President
My last opportunity to share my sense of honour and privilege in presiding over this organization during the past year

In this issue , we thank the many physicians around the province who contribute their time and apply their medical knowledge to ensure that patients are receiving quality care . This Physician Recognition issue is a useful reminder of how medical regulation is meant – and has to – work .

The elected members of the College ’ s Council form a small group of committed physicians , but we are surrounded and supported by thousands of like-minded colleagues who provide the insight , experience and energy that allow the College to successfully fulfill its mission .
In addition , although we thank physicians in this issue of Dialogue , I would also like to recognize the calibre and dedication of the College ’ s public members who sit on Council and on College committees . Public members are central to the work of this organization and I have been impressed by the depth of their commitment to our public interest mandate .
If this letter appears more reflective than usual , it is because this is
my last letter to you as President and thus my last opportunity to share my sense of honour and privilege in presiding over this organization during the past year . It has been a pleasure to work with the public and physician members of Council and as well , College staff members . They all share a mindfulness of , and dedication to , doing the right thing . This is not to say that we are free of missteps , but every decision we make is based on the heightened awareness that we primarily exist to protect the public interest .
Our work in serving the public is made easier by the strong sense of professionalism demonstrated by the vast majority of our members . The sincere motivation of each doctor to want to get it right for their patients – integrating the best of science and caring into every clinical decision – is why we have been allowed to continue with this privilege for 150 years .
As President of the College , I was afforded the opportunity to travel to a number of communities across Ontario , and meet many of you
Issue 4 , 2016 Dialogue 5