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FALL 2006 |
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Online
Only
G
e n e r a l C o u n c i l
Collins-Nakai
reflects on a busy year
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CMA Photo |
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Dr. Ruth Collins-Nakai |
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The 371 days that Dr. Ruth
Collins-Nakai spent as president of the CMA contained many highlights,
but the presence of numerous military uniforms during her valedictory
speech during the CMA’s August annual meeting made clear which one made
the most lasting impression.
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By CMA Staff |
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The 371 days that Dr. Ruth
Collins-Nakai spent as president of the CMA contained many
highlights, but the presence of numerous military uniforms during
her valedictory speech during the CMA’s August annual meeting made
clear which one made the most lasting impression.
In May, Collins-Nakai paid a four-day
visit to Canadian medical personnel serving in Afghanistan, where she
witnessed physicians from a half-dozen nations working to save the lives
of both military personnel and Afghan civilians.
Upon her return she met with General Rick
Hillier, the chief of defence staff, and Defence Minister Gordon
O’Connor to discuss problems the armed forces face recruiting
physicians. And she also made a point of inviting medical personnel she
had met in Afghanistan and at bases in Canada to be present during her
valedictory address, and close to a dozen attended.
“Among the greatest experiences during my
time as president was the chance to visit our talented and committed
health care colleagues at field hospitals in Afghanistan,” she said. “It
was a moving reminder of the spirit of service that lies at the heart of
our professional ethic. And I was reminded again last week of that
spirit with the death of Corporal Andrew Eykelenboom.” (In August he
became the first Canadian medic killed in action since the Korean
conflict.)
Collins-Nakai also discussed the medical
treatment available to children in Afghanistan, and this was fitting
given another major highlight of her term — the CMA’s decision to pursue
major improvements in children’s health. She said the need for action is
based upon more than altruism. “Much has been said of our need to
improve productivity. There are few surer ways to fail at that than to
leave our children open to the effects of ill health and poor
nutrition.”
Collins-Nakai is particularly concerned
that political pressure from “aging boomers” will take precedence over
children’s needs. “That neglect will extract a price,” she warned. She
began her speech by referring to the “Legacy of Leadership” that has
existed throughout the CMA’s 139-year history, and she returned to this
theme as she ended. “I’d like to thank you, the members. I have
appreciated your support, your guidance, your concern and, yes,
sometimes your criticism. It has been an honour to serve as your
president.”
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