Newfoundland set to vote for next CMA president

It's a new year, so that must mean it's time to elect a new Canadian Medical Association president.

This year it's Newfoundland and Labrador's turn to choose a nominee for the national organization's top job for the 2011-12 term, to follow the current president, Saskatchewan's Anne Doig, and then the current president-elect, Ontario's Jeffrey Turnbull.

There are four candidates in the running.

Dr John Haggie, surgeon
Born in England, Dr Haggie moved to Newfoundland in 1996. He was president of the NLMA from '02-'03, when the province's physicians engaged in their only strike ever. He's since worked with the CMA extensively.

Dr Lydia Hatcher, family physician
Dr Hatcher is a professor of family medicine and pediatrics at Memorial University. She was also a president of the NLMA and has also served in multiple CMA board roles.


Dr Susan King, family physician
Another former NLMA president, Dr King was chair of the association's board during the 2002 doctors' strike. She's served in other NLMA positions as well and is now on the CMA's board of directors. Plus, she's now a black belt in tae kwon do.

Dr Brendan Lewis, orthopedic surgeon
Former president of multiple surgery societies, Dr Lewis is an accomplished orthopedic surgeon and now an assistant prof of surgery at Memorial. He helped introduce clerkships and residencies to the rural western part of Newfoundland.

More information about the candidates is available on the main election website.

Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association members will get their voting info mailed out to them this week, and will have until February 25 to submit their ballot. The winner will be announced on February 26.

Photos: NLMA

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