As summer draws to a close and physicians across New Brunswick return to busy fall schedules, it is an appropriate time to reflect on the progress the NBMS has made over the past several months and the important work that continues on behalf of physicians and patients across the province.
Throughout the spring and summer, one of our primary areas of focus has been advancing the implementation of the new Physician Services Agreement. Following the agreement’s signing earlier this year, the Society has been working closely with government and health system partners to help ensure that commitments made at the bargaining table translate into meaningful improvements for physicians and the patients they serve. Implementation work is often less visible than negotiation, but it is critical to realizing the opportunities the agreement creates for strengthening recruitment and retention, supporting collaborative models of care, and improving access to healthcare for New Brunswickers.
The spring was also highlighted by another successful NBMS Health Summit and Celebration of Medicine. The event brought together physicians, health-care leaders, government representatives, learners, and health partners from across the province to discuss some of the most important issues facing the health system. More importantly, it provided an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable achievements of members whose dedication continues to strengthen our profession and improve patient care. The strong participation and engagement demonstrated throughout the event reinforced the value of coming together to learn, collaborate, and shape the future of healthcare in New Brunswick.
Advocacy has remained a constant priority throughout the year. The NBMS has continued to engage with government and stakeholders on health-care funding, physician workforce challenges, rural health services, preventative health initiatives, social media and screen time for youth, and policies that affect the health and well-being of New Brunswickers. We have also been pleased to work alongside numerous partner organizations on shared priorities, recognizing that meaningful health-care improvement requires collaboration across the system.
Looking ahead, the fall will bring more opportunities to engage with physicians across the province. We look forward to meeting with District and MSO Presidents in September; hosting a Summit on Population Health and Well-Being with the Government of New Brunswick in November; touring hospitals throughout the fall; and continuing discussions about how we can keep building a more sustainable health-care system.
On behalf of the Board of Directors and NBMS staff, thank you for the extraordinary work you do every day. Your dedication to patients, communities, and the medical profession continues to inspire and drive the Society’s efforts on your behalf.
Dr. Carl Boucher
President
René Boudreau
