Letter of Support
Aug 19, 2006
Canadian Orthopaedic Resident Association
Dear Dr. Ruth Collins-Nakai, Dr. Colin McMillan and Colleagues,
We are writing this letter on behalf of the Canadian Orthopaedic Residents Association (CORA), the organization which represents orthopaedic resident trainees from across Canada, to enthusiastically support Dr. Brian Day’s nomination as President of the Canadian Medical Association.
Dr. Day has two passions. As one of Canada’s most distinguished orthopaedic surgeons, he is passionate about orthopaedics. He has published more than eighty scientific articles and book chapters in the areas of orthopaedics and sports medicine, and has lectured internationally in these areas. He is highly respected as a leader in our specialty around the world. He has served as the President of the Arthroscopy Association of North America, the only Canadian to be elected to this role. Dr. Day is still active in his academic and medical career as an associate professor at the University of British Columbia, continuing to advance the profession and prepare future leaders.
Dr. Day’s “other passion” is what he is most known and respected for around the world, in both medical and political circles, but which makes him a bit of a maverick in Canada. With over 25 articles in the areas of health policy and economics, he is a leader and innovator in the field.
Dr. Brian Day’s health policy views are a breath of fresh air in the current Canadian health care environment. The parties involved in the discussion agree that health reform is urgently needed. Dr. Day has a clear vision on how to revitalize the Canada Health Act without losing the core principles that have come to define Canadian experience and identity.
Dr. Day is openly critical of existing two-tier systems such as those of the US and Britain. Although often accused of trying to Americanize our health care system, he has often spoken and written against the American health care system for its unequal access to care and cost-ineffectiveness. Dr. Day proposes to learn from successful systems as those in Europe and Japan and emphasizes staying clear of the mistakes of the US system. He has proposed innovations which would allow the distribution of the current private/public funding mix in Canada to be changed in a way that increases the accountability, efficiency, quality and access to health care.
At the 2006 annual CORA meeting, we held a debate between Dr. Michael Rachlis, the renowned author and health policy analyst, and Dr. Brian Day. Dr. Day was able to gain the support of over 90% of the orthopaedic delegates toward his vision for health care in Canada. Dr. Day clearly is not only knowledgeable and experienced in health policy at the international level, and is a charismatic leader able to present and unite people with a clear and positive vision for Canada’s future.
The June 2005 Supreme Court ruling in Chaoulli v. Quebec has profound implications for the future of health care in Canada. It highlights the change in the outlook of Canadians in their confidence in the health care system, and the urgency of reforms to reduce wait times and provide reasonable access to health care services. Many have denounced the ruling as the beginning of the end of Medicare. This is the time where clear leadership and vision is paramount in positioning us, the medical profession, at the forefront of the reforms. Unlike the legal or political forces that are isolated from the daily struggles of patient care, we are uniquely positioned to make a difference in our country. It is our duty as patient advocates to assume this leadership role. Dr. Brian Day has the experience, knowledge, integrity and persona to lead our organization through these reforms.
Anna A. Kulidjian MD, MSc
Daniel Penello MD
Co-Presidents,
Canadian Orthopaedic Resident Association
CC: Dr. Brian Day
Dr. Ruth Collins-Nakai (CMA President)
Dr. Colin McMillan (interim CMA President)
Dr. Bill Mackie, Caucus Chair (via the BCMA)
British Columbia Medical Association
Alberta Medical Association
Saskatchewan Medical Association
Manitoba Medical Association
Quebec Medical Association
Doctors Nova Scotia
Medical Society of Prince Edward Island
New Brunswick Medical Society
Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association
Northwest Territories Medical Association
Yukon Medical Association
Canadian Association of Internes and Residents
Professional Association of Residents of British Columbia
Professional Association of Residents of Alberta
Professional Association of Internes and Residents of Saskatchewan
Professional Association of Residents and Interns of Manitoba
Federation of Medical Residents of Quebec
Professional Association of Residents in the Maritime Provinces
Professional Association of Internes and Residents of Newfoundland
Canadian Federation of Medical Students