Message from the President – June 2025
Another successful Annual Clinical and Scientific Meeting has come to a close. To all who attended—thank you. The scientific content, the calibre of speakers and the depth of discussion were exceptional. Whistler provided a stunning backdrop and warm hospitality throughout the week. I also extend my sincere thanks to the SOGC staff whose hard work and dedication made the conference such a success.
At the Annual General Meeting, members approved a bylaw change extending the terms of the President, President-Elect and Past President to two years. This motion was the subject of thoughtful and robust discussion and had been carefully considered by the Board before being brought to the membership.
As a member-driven, non-profit organization, the SOGC continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of our members. So too has the role of the President. While many may associate the position with external representation, the President’s primary responsibility is serving as Chair of the Board of Directors. This is a significant leadership role requiring time, insight and continuity. Our Board is now a smaller, more agile body, supported by three Board committees, with Directors who bring a diverse range of expertise. There is a clear distinction between governance and operations, and strong governance remains a top priority.
One of the key reasons for extending the term of the President is to ensure continuity and deepen the understanding of the organization and its governance. A one-year term does not allow sufficient time to develop the critical working relationship between the President and CEO, nor does it allow for strategic continuity at the board-level. Moreover, governance best practices for non-profit organizations consistently recommend longer leadership terms for precisely these reasons.
I would also like to clarify a few important points regarding the role of President. First, there is no financial gain from holding this position. A stipend of $45,000 is provided to support the President’s work—this includes administrative support and helps offset the loss of clinical income due to the significant time commitment required. To be absolutely clear: there is no financial benefit to serving as President.
Second, those who take on this role do so not for recognition, prestige or personal gain, but because they believe deeply in the mission of the SOGC. They are committed to ensuring the success of the organization, supporting our members and most importantly, advancing reproductive health, access to care and the rights of women across Canada. That commitment has never wavered — and it will not change.
In closing, I want to sincerely thank the members and SOGC staff for their continued support. I look forward to the year ahead and all that we will accomplish together.
Dr. Lynn Murphy-Kaulbeck
SOGC President