Message from the President – May 2025
As I write this newsletter, the results of the federal election will be released in a few hours, starting in Atlantic Canada and moving across this country. This federal election has felt different than others that I have had the privilege to vote in. The focus on the threats to our sovereignty and the economy has been front and centre. Health care has been almost an afterthought and women’s issues have received little attention – although it was heartening to see that some of the priorities that the SOGC advocated for did show up in some of the main party platforms.
Regardless of which party wins or loses, the SOGC will be ready. When cabinet ministers are chosen and the work begins, we will be reaching out to meet with the Health Minister and hopefully, a Minister of Women and Gender Equality, as well as the official opposition and others. We will continue to lobby for expanded access to care and investment in women’s health research, continued protection for sexual and reproductive rights and strengthening Canadian data collection on women’s health. Regardless of the party in power, women’s health and sexual and reproductive access and rights need to be a priority.
Women’s Health Week is May 5 to 11 this year. This week is designed to raise awareness and engagement about lived experiences in women’s health. The SOGC will be recognizing this week through a press release and social media posts and engagements highlighting the issues affecting women in Canada, including the right to choice and autonomy over their bodies and health.
May 1st was National Physicians’ Day, and I hope you were able to take the time to celebrate and reflect on your role and the impact you have on the lives of your patients. With the challenges in health care, such as lack of access to resources, wait times and increasing levels of burnout and moral distress in physicians, nurses and other health care colleagues, it can be really difficult to see the impact we have on the lives of our patients and celebrate what we do every day. Remember: you make a difference in the lives of many. Thank you!
Lastly, I want to thank the staff of the SOGC for the work they do on our behalf and their commitment to the SOGC and our members. As President, I have the privilege of interacting with staff and I get to see a bit of what occurs “behind the scenes”. Whether it is planning CME events, organizing schedules and meetings, overseeing research and grant proposals, writing media releases or assisting with IT issues, the staff are always there, working to continue to make the SOGC a strong and vibrant organization that supports its members and women’s health. They work for you, as members, and deserve to be treated with respect. If you are attending the ACSC, which I hope you will, when you meet and interact with staff, take the time to say thank you for the work they do.
I look forward to seeing many of you in June in Whistler. I look forward to feedback, comments and suggestions and can be reached at president@sogc.com.
Dr. Lynn Murphy-Kaulbeck
SOGC President