I’m pleased to share with you the latest issue of eDialogue magazine. It is my hope that you’re finding the content of this magazine relevant and informative.

In June, the Ontario government legislated the regulation of Physician Assistants (PAs) by the CPSO. PAs will become a separate class of registrants under CPSO’s regulatory authority. This exciting change is in line with the CPSO’s commitment to safe quality care for Ontario patients. Please read more about this in Dr. Judith Plante’s President’s message. We will keep you posted over the next several months as we draft the required regulatory framework.

In this issue of eDialogue, and in honour of Pride Month, we are featuring the important topic of trans health as our cover story. This article provides valuable information for health care providers on how to ensure their transgender patients receive the quality, affirming care they deserve. This article serves as an excellent reminder that members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community continue to face discrimination and still experience health-care disparities compared to others

One year into our Quality Improvement (QI) program, I am thrilled to share the positive feedback on the program – In a recent survey of QI participants, 86 percent reported that completing the Practice Improvement Plan was a valuable part of their QI effort. Please read the two articles to learn more about how the QI program appears to be re-energizing your physician colleagues’ approach to their practice.

The CPSO continues making progress in establishing the Ontario Physicians and Surgeons Discipline Tribunal (OPSDT). A central purpose of the change is to signal the independence of the Tribunal from the College, while enhancing the quality of tribunal hearings. Council approved the appointment of five highly experienced adjudicators, who will contribute to a more efficient and effective process that will result in fewer delays for both physicians and the public. Council also approved new branding that further enhances the Tribunal’s independence and neutrality. You can read more about the OPSDT on CPSO’s website.

With the pandemic also came a rise in misinformation and disinformation, which is running rampant through society via social media and other outlets. Author and Law Professor Timothy Caulfield calls it an ‘infodemic.’ I strongly encourage you to read, “Rise of Infodemics” in this issue of eDialogue to learn more about the prognosis.

After more than a year of extraordinary challenges facing the world’s population, there is hopefully some relief coming our way and a return to a more ‘normal’ life. The post-COVID-19 recovery period will bring a new set of challenges with large volumes of care needed to tackle the health system backlog. I encourage you to be mindful of your own well-being and to take care of yourself when moving through this recovery phase.

And finally, please remember you can now choose your delivery preference for Dialogue! To opt out of receiving the print version, please log in to the Member Portal, go to the “Profile” section and select “Practice” in the left sidebar. Select “Yes” in the dropdown menu at the top of the page to be automatically enrolled to receive the digital version and be removed from the print mailing list.

Warm regards,
Nancy