The New Brunswick Medical Society (NBMS) welcomed 160 physicians—both in-person and virtually—to Miramichi on October 4-5 for its 2024 Physician Summit and 157th Annual General Meeting (AGM).
A Collaborative Start
The event kicked off on Friday with a series of meetings for the Family Medicine Specialty Council, the Specialty Council, the Salaried Physicians group, and the Ambassador Program. Later that evening, attendees gathered for a Maritime Kitchen Party, a lively social event hosted by the Miramichi District Medical Society.
Governance and Leadership Updates
Saturday began with Tim Ross, NBMS General Counsel, delivering a comprehensive review of a proposed Governance Model, setting the stage for a significant vote later in the day.
During the AGM, the Nominations and Appointments Committee confirmed the NBMS Board of Governors for 2024-2025:
President: Dr. Lise Babin (Dieppe)
President-Elect: Dr. Carl Boucher (Caraquet)
Past-President: Dr. Paula Keating (Miramichi)
Treasurer: Dr. Mark MacMillan (Fredericton)
Board Chair: Dr. Chris Goodyear (Fredericton)
Motions and Milestones
Attendees reviewed the 2023 Disposition of Resolutions, noting that 13 motions were addressed, with nine requiring ongoing work.
Nine advance motions were passed during the 2024 AGM, focusing on updates to membership fee structures, governance reforms, and committee frameworks. Highlights included:
- Revising NBMS bylaws to simplify governance.
- Discontinuing Board observer and proxy appointments.
- Restructuring the NBMS Board to align with the eight zones of the New Brunswick Health Council.
- Four member-driven motions were also approved, addressing topics such as:
- Increasing billing units for family medicine consultations and allergy testing.
- Expanding EMR reimbursement options under the Physician Services Master Agreement.
- Advocating for payment to physicians treating patients without New Brunswick health insurance.
Looking Back and Ahead
NBMS President Dr. Paula Keating and CEO René Boudreau reflected on achievements from 2023-2024, highlighting progress in advocacy and member engagement.
Keynote with Visionary Leadership
The Summit’s keynote address, Constructing the Future of Health Care, was delivered by the Honourable Dr. Jane Philpott, a trailblazer in health-care policy and leadership. Drawing on her experiences as a family doctor, Cabinet Minister, and academic, Dr. Philpott inspired attendees to embrace innovation in health-care delivery.
The 2024 NBMS Physician Summit underscored the strength of collaboration within New Brunswick’s medical community, paving the way for a future-focused approach to healthcare in the province.
The recording of the Summit and AGM can be viewed here.
Exciting Changes for 2025
NBMS announced that next year’s event will be rebranded as NBMS Connect and held in May at The Algonquin Resort in St. Andrews. The timing and location promise to bring a fresh energy to the annual gathering, set against the scenic backdrop of spring in New Brunswick. Click here to learn more.
Nora Lacey, Chief of Physician and Patient Engagement
