Message from the President
It is a real honour and privilege to be writing this first message to you as the new president of the HPME Society of Graduates (SOG). I am sure that I share with most of you a true feeling of pride to be an HPME alumnus.
The memories of and friends I made during my challenging student days as part of the Class-of-’97 will always be important to me. Those experiences significantly changed not only my outlook, but my whole career path as a health-care professional.
Strengthening the SOG’s connection to you
As the incoming SOG president, supported by a highly capable and dedicated Executive Committee, I see an opportunity for our society to review its role. In order to bring our collective feelings of pride and connection to the fore, we are examining the SOG’s strategic plan and analyzing how we can increase our visibility and outreach, as well as how we can create new opportunities to bring you together.
We also want to find ways to connect more with current HPME students, people who will shortly join us as alumni. I am very pleased to tell you that three students are already demonstrating a keen interest in the SOG’s work by serving on the executive committee and giving us the benefit of their unique "inside" perspectives.
Learning and networking together
First off this year, the SOG will again be collaborating with the Canadian College of Health Leaders (CCHL) to bring you an exhilarating learning opportunity. Focused on the theme of Ethics for Leaders: What Keeps You Up at Night?,
this event will take place on Thursday, 24 February 2011. Frank Wagner, Jennifer Gibson, Nicholas Offord, and Jonathan Breslin will be our guest speakers. Ethical conundrums and a certain amount of sleepless nights often go with our chosen professions – I encourage you to engage with these issues by joining us later this month. Full details and registration information are available online.
I encourage you also to keep Thursday, 26 May 2011, free in your daytimers. That’s when we plan to host SOG’s annual Education Day.
We’re also making plans for an Alumni Networking Lunch at the HPME Research Day 2011 (Wednesday, 4 May 2011) and a Convocation Brunch.
Thank you, Anne!
Finally, as we begin this new chapter, I would like, on your behalf, to offer sincere thanks to Anne Wojtak. During her presidency, Anne demonstrated unceasing support for and commitment to the SOG and all HPME alumni. Fortunately for us, she is staying on as a member of SOG’s executive team and will be serving as chair of the Communications Committee. I am sure she will have many new ideas for alumni networking opportunities.
Again, I would like to express my gratitude to all the HPME alumni for offering me this role as president, and for the chance to work hard for our SOG. I believe it is a unique opportunity to give back to the program and people that gave so much to me.
With kind regards to all,
Sue VanderBent
SOG President
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