Message from the Registrar
As 2023 comes to a close, I extend my warmest wishes to CPSM registrants in every corner of the province. I thank you for your commitment to upholding high standards of medical practice and ensuring the well-being of our communities. Thank you to those who will be delivering care throughout the holiday season.
I also want to acknowledge CPSM staff for all their hard work and Council for their dedication and commitment to the delivery of high-quality, safe, and ethical medical care.
Looking back
As I reflect on the year, CPSM has much to be proud of. We started the year by delivering apologies first to the Anishinaabeg, Anishininewuk, Dakota Oyate, Denesuline, and Nehethowuk People for racism experienced when accessing medical care in Manitoba. Our apology was delivered in person at the Special Chiefs Assembly on Health Legislation hosted by the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs. The second apology was given to the Inuit People; CPSM was invited to deliver the apology in person at the Manitoba Inuit Association.
I am proud of the steps we have taken and am fully dedicated to continuing our path toward reconciliation. Progress is underway, particularly in developing Indigenous-specific anti-racism training and adopting a Restorative Justice approach. CPSM’s Complaints & Investigations team has been working with the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences to increase our understanding of restorative justice practices and develop these skills which will be used in our complaints and investigation processes. We are engaging with Indigenous Community Leaders and Indigenous Health Care Providers to develop a Standard of Practice – Practising Medicine to Prevent Indigenous-Specific Racism. We will continue to update you on these initiatives as they progress.
Self-regulation has been a big topic of discussion for us this year. It will continue into 2024 as we create more awareness of CPSM’s role in regulating the practice of medicine and why that is a privilege for the medical profession.
Streamlining Registration for International Medical Graduates
Midway through the year, we announced regulatory changes to streamline registration requirements and expedite the registration process for International Medical Graduates. Our registration department is working with the Manitoba Government as they ramp up recruitment efforts to address physician shortages and improve access to family physicians for Manitobans.
CPSM on the world stage
Last month, CPSM participated in the 15th International Conference on Medical Regulation hosted by the International Association of Medical Regulatory Authorities. Dr. Marina Reinecke, Medical Consultant for the Prescribing Practices Program, presented on utilizing death review data to improve patient safety through case-based learning and protecting patient safety by building physician resource capacity for prescribing-related concerns.
Dr. Sonja Bruin, Medical Consultant for the Quality Improvement Program presented a poster on CPSM’s Quality Improvement Program.
Looking Ahead
I want to take this opportunity to announce that I will be retiring as the CPSM Registrar/CEO at the end of my term in December 2024. Having spent 25 fulfilling years in various roles within CPSM, including two five-year terms as Registrar, I can retire with complete confidence in the ongoing efforts by CPSM to continue the work that will improve patient safety and ensure ethical, quality medical care for all Manitobans.
As I reflect on my time with CPSM, I am reminded of the significant progress achieved through the hard work and dedication of colleagues, too numerous to mention. It has been a privilege to work with all of you.
Some of you may not be aware that I have maintained my practice during my tenure at CPSM. I did so because I believe it kept me connected to the realities of our evolving profession. I have struggled, as all of you have, over the last years working in a system that has not been patient centered. I hope for improvements which will address our patients’ needs more effectively. I eagerly anticipate dedicating more time to my practice in the coming years.
2024 will be a year of significant change here at CPSM
I am thrilled to announce that Dr. Ainslie Mihalchuk will be assuming the role of Deputy Registrar on January 1st, 2024, and on January 1st, 2025, she will become the Registrar/CEO of CPSM. I am confident in her leadership. She is a remarkable member of our profession and has all the skills required to lead CPSM into the future.
It is with mixed emotions I announce that Dr. Karen Bullock Pries will be retiring in mid-June. Dr. Bullock Pries has been involved with CPSM for over 21 years. In 2015 she was hired as a Medical Consultant in the Complaints/Investigations department and shortly after became the Director. In 2019 she took on the role of Assistant Registrar, Complaints/Investigations and we will miss her expertise. We wish her a long and happy retirement!
Lastly, thank you for engaging with CPSM by responding to consultations, submitting questions, and providing feedback. To those who contribute their time on committees, working groups, or peer reviews and audits throughout the year – thank you for contributing to the self-regulation of the profession.
This is a time of many diverse festivities, but no matter what you’re celebrating, I wish you a peaceful holiday season filled with health and happiness.
Best regards,
Dr. Anna Ziomek Registrar and CEO