After an emotional week, it’s not too late to uncover some of Canada’s best-kept secrets… treat yourself!
You might be wondering why you should consider attending the SOGC’s 2025 Annual Clinical and Scientific Conference (ACSC). The answer is simple: we have so much to share with you! Our small but incredibly dedicated team has worked hard alongside your President and your representatives on the planning committee to bring you an outstanding program! In addition to our many Canadian colleagues who are experts in their fields, we are thrilled to welcome several prominent international guests: the President of ACOG, the President-Elect of FIGO, the President of FEMECOG (Mexico), and our collaborators from Rwanda and Ghana. They will join us for an international panel discussion focused on the challenges women face, women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights and the influence of politics in these areas.
With a new government in place, now is the time to draw inspiration from global practices – for example, re-learning how to safely deliver breech babies, as is done in Germany, with Dr. Louwen. On the topic of reflection and learning, did you know that compensation in the field of obstetrics and gynaecology differs depending on whether you’re a man or a woman? Or that testicular surgery is significantly better compensated than ovarian surgery? The President of the Association des Obstétriciens-Gynécologues du Québec (AOGQ) will present their extensive data on this issue at ACSC. It’s time to wake up…
A lot will be happening during this exciting week. We’ll start with the final meeting of the 2024–2025 Board of Directors and officially begin the mandate of our new 2025–2026 Board. I warmly invite you to come meet our board members and thank them for their incredible work. (2024-2025 Board of Directors) We’ll also be holding our Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the very beginning of the week, on Tuesday, June 17. Proposed changes to the bylaws will be presented and voted on. Voting members will receive all motions in advance, along with the annual reports and financial statements. We’ve completed a thorough review of our policies and processes, and our next major milestone will be that of the Guideline Management Oversight Committee (GMOC). All of this will be shared at the AGM. We’ll also present our new three-year strategic plan. Come discuss this with the board and team in person! Our organization is constantly evolving, and we are committed to continuously improving our services and strategies. It’s challenging for everyone to navigate the dissatisfaction and changes we’re experiencing in hospitals, as well as the effects of social media and misinformation. It’s a lot to carry. The ACSC offers a valuable opportunity to come together with colleagues and friends, because we’re all in the same boat. In that spirit, Whistler is the perfect place to disconnect, relax and enjoy the outdoors. Some of you have expressed concern about transportation from Vancouver to Whistler. Rest assured, everything is taken care of! (SOGC discount on Skylynx shuttle)
Finally, we’ve secured significant funding for the menopause education project, and we plan to do the same with the new government. We’re currently preparing the list of committee participants for FIGO 2025, as well as FIGO 2027. Many of our best decisions and brightest ideas are sparked by spontaneous conversations at these member gatherings; they’re true gold mines of insight and inspiration. The deadline to book your hotel room for ACSC at the SOGC’s special rate is May 10 — don’t wait!
Come have a coffee with us and share your passion!
Dr. Diane Francoeur
FRCSC, MHCM, ICD.D
Chief Executive Officer