The New Brunswick Medical Society (NBMS) was pleased to host, in partnership with the New Brunswick College of Family Physicians (NBCFP), the first NBMS Health Summit on May 30th and 31st, featuring a diverse and engaging lineup of speakers who helped guide discussions around the weekend’s overarching themes of population health and preventive care.
The NBMS welcomed over 400 attendees, including physicians, family members, and various health stakeholders to the Algonquin Resort in St. Andrews by-the-Sea 2025 Health Summit and 158th Annual General Meeting (AGM).
The weekend kicked off on Friday with the NBMS Board meeting and Ambassador Program, followed by the 2025 AGM in the afternoon and a physician and family dinner and social event later that evening.
During the AGM, the Nominations and Appointments Committee confirmed the NBMS Board of Directors for 2025-2026:
- President: Dr. Lise Babin (Dieppe)
- President-Elect: Dr. Carl Boucher (Caraquet)
- Past-President: Dr. Paula Keating (Miramichi)
- Board Chair: Dr. Chris Goodyear (Fredericton)
Participants in the AGM also reviewed the 2024 Disposition of Resolutions and voted on two advanced motions regarding maintaining the NBMS membership fee structure and amending bylaws to expand the definition of “Section” to include “Areas of Focused Competence” (as defined by the Royal College).
Saturday’s busy agenda began with nearly 50 Summit attendees participating in the 5K Fun Run. Other highlights from Saturday included an address from the Hon. Susan Holt, Premier of New Brunswick and stirring keynote addresses from André Picard and Dr. David Katz.
An award-winning national health columnist, Mr. Picard’s engaging presentation, “Impact of Population Health Strategies on Healthcare Systems” delved into the transformational potential of population health strategies.
Meanwhile, a renowned physician, nutritionist and writer, as well as a global authority on preventive and lifestyle medicine, Dr. Katz’s “Feet Forks and Fingers” explored practical approaches to building healthier systems and communities. Dr. Katz summed up the central theme of his talk succinctly: “Eat real food. Mostly plants. Not too much.”
The day also included a panel discussion entitled “Collaborating for a Healthier New Brunswick,” moderated by Dr. Jules Cormier and featuring Dr. Jennifer Russell, Dr. Yves Leger, Dr. Natalie Banville, Dr. Susan Brien and Hon. Claire Johnson, Minster of Education discussing collaborative efforts across sectors to promote health and prevent chronic diseases. This was followed by several research spotlights from leading experts on topics such as “Encouraging Physical Activity”, “Nutrition as Preventive Medicine”, and “Mental Health & Wellness”.
“Population health challenges us to look beyond individual symptoms and consider the broader factors – social, economic, environmental, et cetera – that influence outcomes across communities. It requires us to think big, collaborate widely, and act with purpose”, summarized NBMS President, Dr. Lise Babin. “Preventive care reminds us that many of the most pressing health issues we face, such as diabetes, heart disease, obesity, mental health challenges, can be significantly reduced with the appropriate investments, policies, and programs in place.”
To see a photo gallery of the Health Summit, click here.
The weekend’s festivities concluded with the annual Celebration of Medicine Awards Gala, recognizing the accomplishments of 27 physicians, followed by a bravura performance from Dr. Frank Soucie’s talented and energetic band, Excel & the Spreadsheets.
The NBMS appreciates the NBCFP and all participants for their active engagement and valuable contributions throughout the Summit. The Society looks forward to finding additional opportunities to work together, to learn from one another, to challenge assumptions, and ultimately, to improve health outcomes for New Brunswickers.
Jim Johnson, Communications Specialist
