Chapter Chair Message, December 21, 2020
Dear Colleagues,
I hope this message finds each of you safe and secure as we continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic.
It seems like only yesterday I assumed the role as Chair for the Canadian Chapter. When I look back to the start of my term, it would have been impossible to imagine what the rest of the year would hold.
Our lives will be forever changed as we adapt to the pandemic’s constraints, both today and in the future. I hope that it will bring
some good things to our world – better access to telemedicine, improved and more effective use of primary care, and possibly a greater appreciation for healthcare as a public good. When I reflect back on the ensuing months I can only be amazed at what we have learned and what we have experienced.
I approach my family, my work, and my relationships guided by the belief that we are better together than we are alone. This feels truer now than any time I can remember. The power of the collective is exhibiting itself in extreme form as people from across healthcare organizations, public health institutions, government, industry, not-for-profit communities and public citizens are coming together to tackle COVID-19. To each of you, whether you are on the front line of care, scrambling to access PPE/testing/equipment, or transitioning to work at home, thank you for everything you are doing to treat the sick, flatten the curve, and keep our great nation safe.
There has been a tremendous response to interactive live sessions and other virtual programming offered by ACHE and our Canadian Chapter. The virtual platform is even creating more opportunities for regional partnering among chapters. Providing programs this way is different from traditional face to face programming, and many thanks to ACHE, who is advancing the virtual platform curriculum and assisting chapters. Please check the ACHE website as well as the http://canada.ache.org/ site frequently for opportunities.
We have been engaged with ACHE over the past several months as ACHE elevates the approach to FACHE credentialing. Now members are eligible after one year of membership; however, greater emphasis has been placed on exam preparation and competencies demonstration. As a result, you will see in 2021 sessions being offered in regard to advancement. Remember, the pathway to fellowship is not just about passing an exam. The aim is to see higher rates of success in passing the BOG exam on the first attempt and inspire greater numbers of individuals to pursue this important credential.
At the recent Regent’s reception hosted by Frances Roesch I had the distinct pleasure of recognizing two very worthy recipients of the ACHE Recognition Program. Immediate past Regent Danielle Swerhone and Eric Laycock. It was an honour to acknowledge these two longstanding and dedicated Chapter members. Their contribution to healthcare management excellence through volunteer service to the chapter, ACHE and to the profession is commendable. Danielle will be receiving the highest honor bestowed “Exemplary Service Award” and Eric the “Service Award”.
By way of background, the ACHE Recognition Program celebrates members’ commitment to the healthcare management profession. Recognition is bestowed at three levels based on a range of specific volunteer activities that demonstrate leadership and contributions to furthering professional excellence. All active ACHE members are eligible to be recognized. I will be formally recognizing Danielle and Eric at out Chapter annual meeting which will take place in March. Stay tuned for more information regarding the annual meeting.
It is also my privilege to welcome four new members to the Chapter Board commencing January 2021:
• West Region – Timothy Foggin and Bhargav Makadia
• East Region – Tony Weeks and Archie MacKinnon
Their diverse talents will be a great addition to the Board.
Best wishes to you and your families during this very different holiday season. Stay safe and thank you for your leadership. It matters.
Merry Christmas
Todd Stepanuik
Chapter Chair