Message from the President
Change has become a constant. Managing it has become an expanding discipline. The way we embrace it defines our future. – Queen Elizabeth II, Address to the Joint Houses of Parliament, Westminster Hall, 1977
Welcome to health care in 2012. Now that we have all finished Waiting for Drummond, it remains to be seen how deep the change process will be. What I do know is that addressing many challenges will require all of us, as leaders, to reach out, to strengthen our connections, to draw out the best of each other's creative thinking and to react in sensitive and thoughtful ways as we begin the integration of Ontario's health-care system.
Strategic Connections
Connections is the theme of this newsletter, and it is very apt given our changing times in Ontario and throughout much of the rest of the country and beyond.
At the SOG we, too, have been addressing the need for change and connections in our new vision, mission, and strategic planning process, in which we have been fully engaged for many months. I am very grateful to Jodeme Goldhar and Anne Wojtak for their leadership and to the members of the SOG executive team and other alumni who took extra time and made extra effort to work with us and respond to our online request for input and advice. As president of your society, I believe that our new strategic plan will provide a sturdy platform and guide for more connections amongst faculty, alumni, and students as we begin our new life as an institute now and into the future.
Honouring Leadership
Speaking of change, it was with genuine sadness that I realized that Louise Lemieux Charles' term as director will end in June 2012. I think I was probably in denial.
I am sure you would agree that Louise has been a wonderful department/ institute leader and a stalwart supporter of the SOG. She has never failed to thank the society for its presence, vision, and continuing investment of time and effort. The SOG will honour Louise on 27 June 2012 at the Metropolitan Hotel in downtown Toronto at a very special dinner. I want to thank Leslie Sorensen (Alumni and Student Affairs) and her team for spearheading this gala occasion. Please save the date and make every effort to attend as the SOG, on your behalf, will be making a special announcement. Further details, including registration information, will be sent directly to you and posted on the IHPME site.
Our Gracious Sponsors
Finally, as always, I want to thank our wonderful sponsors for their ongoing investment in the SOG. We are indebted this year to Manulife, Telus, Saint Elizabeth Health Care, Agnew Peckham Health Care Consultants, Bayshore Home Health, Longwoods, and Spectrum Health Care for sponsoring our Education Day on 10 May 2012. These are important relationships that strengthen our ability to present an excellent Education Day for all participants. With Sid Stacey's able leadership we have also contacted many other generous sponsors and hope to attract even more.
Please mark your calendars for all the SOG events this year. We would love to see you!
Warm personal regards to all,
Sue VanderBent
SOG President |
