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Greetings from your new President, Dr. Rachel KassnerI had thought that I’d start with a complete Dog & Pony show on the positive aspects of Cerner and the CIS project. Maybe 45minutes with a power point presentation…a slide show…some interactive exercises. You know, the usual stuff. Nothing couldbe more memorable to begin my term as President than a bun fight at my inauguration. Luckily for all of us, I came to my sensesand shelved that idea….so you can all rest easy.Paul, thank you for the time and effort you’ve devoted to your year as President. I can already tell that it’s a lot of hard work.

Let me first say that I am honoured to be your new President. I follow a long list of distinguished colleagues who’ve heldthis position with many, a hard act to follow. I assure you that I will give this my all. Sandy tells me that my dad and I are thefirst father/daughter team to hold this position. I was very proud of my father. I know that he would be pleased to know that I’mfollowing in his footsteps. I only hope that I set such a good example for my son.

If you had told me two years ago that I’d be assuming the presidency, I would have laughed. So why did I accept the role?Well, Sandy dangled that big carrot in front of my nose. He knows my weakness for jewelry. He told me that I could wear this“bling” whenever I wanted… how could a girl resist?

But I think that the real reason is that… and hopefully I’m not being either naive or egotistical… I hoped that I could bringsome value to the profession.

As many of you know, I’ve had about 18 years on the fee-for-service side of medicine.. mostly in Toronto, and almost9 years in a salaried position here in PEI. I want to thank (Dr.) Doug Meek for enticing me back to the Island. It’s great to be back..we love it here. I’ve been the head of Family Practice for 6 years, and for the last 2 years I’ve been the physician liaison for theCIS project at the QEH. I hope that with this background I can bring a broad perspective to my role as President.

To me there are two pressing issues that I hope I can have a positive influence on. The first is the state of physical fitness

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Dr. Kassner & “the bling” CMA President - Dr. Jeff Turnbull September 11, 2010 - Annual Meeting

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Kassner speech continuedin our children. I’m concerned that “electronics” are creating a generation of children who spend more hours in front of TV,computers, gameboys, PSP’s, X-Boxes, telephone texting… and the list goes on and on… than they do in any form ofphysical activity. Other than developing some good hand/eye co-ordination and tremendous thumb muscles, there’s littleother physical benefit. I know that the Active Living Alliance is advocating for more physical activity and the MedicalSociety has as well. However, I think that we doctors have to mount a PR campaign. We have to press the school boardsto do more. We have to press the Department of Education to adopt new physical activity guidelines for our schools. Thirtyto 40 minutes of activity 2 to 3 times a week just doesn’t cut it. And if they don’t set the standard, then who will?

We have to get the word out so that parents will understand that there is a direct correlation between physicalfitness and good health… and studies have shown that regular exercise can promote the learning process.

(Dr.) Jenni Zelin gave an excellent presentation this morning promoting Active Transportation. This should be agood catalyst to getting our youth and adults motivated. I hope that I can enlist your support to push this initiative with me.

The second issue that is important to me is to try to reignite interest and participation in Medical Society mattersand to renew collegiality among our colleagues. When I came back to PEI almost 9 years ago, an air of collegiality andengagement was apparent. Now, however, I sense disenchantment among my colleagues. Morale in our profession - in factin the entire medical community - seems to be low.

We, as doctors, are used to having a significant guiding role in the direction of delivery of health services. We havealways had the privilege of being self-governing. Now it appears that our position is being eroded. We are faced with:

• The challenges of the new Health PEI bylaws;• The impact of the HAY Report;• A Zero-tolerance attitude from media and the public whenever anything goes awry;• And, of course an environment of monetary restraint.

Physicians have always provided a reality-check for government, and sometimes, and certainly recently, it appears ourviews are either ignored or not wanted. For example, the Health Services Act specifically prohibits any doctor practicingon the Island from being a member of the Board of Health PEI. I would have thought that the government would havewanted the Medical Society to recommend one of its members to sit on the Board. We could make a valuable contribution.In spite of government’s position on this and other issues, we must continue to advocate for what we think is best for thehealth care system.

What we (doctors) have in common is our commitment to providing the best possible care to our patients. Althoughit’s important to recognize our differences, I think that now, more than ever, we have to recognize our similarities, and worktogether to bring about change.

We have many talented individuals who do so much outside the practice of medicine. Just think about the recent artexhibition displaying the works of some of our colleagues. It was very impressive. And speaking of impressive, I just returnedfrom the CMA Annual Meeting. It was a wonderful opportunity to meet so many multi-talented individuals—many of whomwere from PEI. I was particularly impressed by the number of students and residents who attended, and the valuableperspective and contribution they made to the meeting. I can tell you that it was a stimulating event. If you’ve ever givenany thought to getting involved, I highly recommend it. I think that you’ll find that not only the profession, but you yourselfwill benefit. And now is the time to do it. Although we have issues unique to our province, it’s amazing how many issuewe have in common with physicians across the country. The face of medicine is changing, and it’s always better to beproactive than reactive.

I’m unsure of what would be needed to get more doctors involved. We have such a talented and interesting group ofpeople. Even if we only achieved more participation at social occasions where we can have fun together and share ourcommon and diverse interests, it would be a great first step. It’s amazing how when you get to know your colleagues on amore personal basis, your differences seem more easily resolved.

It’s up to all of us to let the Society know what we want. We’re a bright, talented group. We should be able to figurethis out. I’m open to suggestions and I hope you make them.

I look forward to taking on these challenges, whatever the coming year brings, and to meet with you and hear allyour concerns. I know that I can count on your support. I thank you for this opportunity.

I also feel very fortunate to the resource and assistance of Sandy and all the staff at the Medical Society. They area talented bunch. Already, they have been very supportive and helpful, and I’m grateful to know that they are there to assistme.

Finally, I want to thank my loving husband, Joel, my secretary, bookkeeper, social co-coordinator, and go-for, andtaxi for our son Kass - getting him to all his music lessons and sports activities. Without his strength and support I wouldnot be able to undertake this task. Throughout everything he maintains his sense of humor that made me fall in love withand marry him.

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Annual Meeting 2010

MSPEI Executive Director, Sandy Irwin and CMAAssistant Secretary General, Corporate Affairs,

Bruce Squires

Dr. Rachel Kassner and CMA President, Dr. Jeff TurnbullPEI Minister of Health, Carolyn Bertram

at Member Luncheon

Dr. Beth Barbrick and Doctors NS,President, Dr. Jane Brooks - Former Classmates!

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Executive Director’s Report mspei staff

the board

contact us:

mspei staff

the board

contact us:

Sandy IrwinExecutive Directorairwin@mspei.org

Kathy Maher,CommunicationsDirectorkathy@mspei.org

Janet MacFadyen,Administrative Assistantjanet@mspei.org

Marlene Guignon,Accounting Technicianmarlene@mspei.org

Heather Mullen,ProfessionalDevelopment Officerheather@mspei.org

Executive CommitteeChairman of Board:Dr. Roland ChiassonPresident:Dr. Rachel KassnerVice President:VacantTreasurer:Dr. Pat BerginPast President:Dr. Paul Schaefer

Board MembersDr. Elizabeth BarbrickDr. Ed WhiteDr. Terry MagennisDr. Baldev SethiDr. Mitchell Zelman

2 Mytle StreetStraford, PEC1B 2W2902-368-7303 ph1-888-368-7303 toll free902-566-3934 fax

The past year has been challenging and extremely busy. Over the last 12 months,there have been numerous items addressed by the Board of Directors. Theseincluded meeting with naturopaths to discuss naturopathic medicine legislation,getting advice from a tax lawyer regarding salaried physicians and corporations,LNA licensing requirements, and awards and committee members.

The 2010 Canadian Medical Association General Council was held in NiagaraFalls in August. Delegates from PEI were: Drs. Scott Cameron, Billy Scantlebury,Paul Schaefer, Frank MacDonald, Rachel Kassner and Rolly Chiasson. I alsoattended November’s national negotiations conference. Dr. Schaefer and Iattended an Eastern Conference and numerous Presidents/CEOs forums.

The Society continues to contact and assist students. In partnership with theDepartment of Health, the Society provides all Island 1st year students with amedical kit, and through social events in the summer and winter breaks offersstudents and residents opportunities to network with future colleagues. Over thewinter holidays, the Society hosted a highly attended concert featuring TimChaisson and Morningfold for students and members. June’s annual MedicalStudent Bursary Golf Tournament was a success again.

The creative side of MSPEI’s physicians, residents, students, and staff rearedits head in March, when the Society hosted the first ever art exhibit Right BrainReleased. This highly attended exhibit saw the Society offices transformed intoa chic gallery with walls and filing cabinets adorned with pieces composed ofvarious mediums. Thanks to all those who lent their talents, both in art and inorganizing the event.

The Society hosted PEI’s first Physician Management Institute course in June.The PMI is a department of the Canadian Medical Association with a mandateto develop leadership and management skills in physicians. It was well attendedand those who participated had great reviews for the three-day course.

In conclusion, I would like to thank the office staff and the Board for theirsupport, assistance and optimism over the past year.

Respectfully submitted,

Sandy IrwinExecutive Director

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MSPEI Life MembershipEnglish born and educated, Dr.Benjamin Spears received hisundergraduate medical educationat the University of London andcompleted Psychiatric residenciesat the Westminister and St. ThomasHospitals in London, England.Shortly thereafter, in 1972, Dr.Spears immigrated to Canadawhere he began a privatepsychiatric practice in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario. A move east toPrince Edward Island took placein June 1973 with his commencingwork wi th the provincia lgovernment psychiatric service andhe later served as PEI’s actingDirector of Mental Health at a timeof considerable change.

Tasked with writing MinisterialAdvisory Committee reports onMental Health and Addictions, Dr.Spears was able to make a particularcontribution to the future evolutionof these services in his adoptedprovince. However grateful for the opportunity, Dr. Spears felt unsuitedto administration, and in 1980, thanks to the Government of PEI, heattended McGill University in Montreal for a year’s Fellowship atthe Montreal General Hospital in a specialized form of psychoanalyticalpsychotherapy. Dr. Spears returned to Prince Edward Island to enterthe private practice of general adult psychiatry, including a periodwith the Charlottetown Clinic until it closed. Since then he hasworked in a solo practice.

Professionally, Dr. Spears held a number of offices. Elected Presidentof the Medical Society of PEI in June 1984, he also served as thefirst Psychiatry department head at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, adirector of the Schizophrenia Society of PEI, President of the PEI Psychiatric Associationand three, one-year terms as President of Atlantic Provinces Psychiatric Association.

Dr. Spears continues to work while attempting a reduction in hours and a shift in direction to a predominantly psychotherapypractice. As to when he will retire, Dr. Spears notes, “when I stop enjoying work, I’ll quit it altogether.”

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Mark your Calenders!!!

Looking for work?Whisperwood & MacMillan Lodge

Prince Edward Home

To make a list: Medical Examiners

Board MeetingOctober 5, 5:30pm Canceaux Boardroom, Delta Charlottetown

General MeetingOctober 5, 7pm - Elfin Room, Delta Charlottetown

Osteoporosis Clinical DayMonday, November 8, Credit Union Place, SummersideSpeaker: Dr. Diane ThÈriault is a rheumatologist and the medical director of the DOME Program.She is a consultant for the Scientific Advisory Council of Osteoporosis Canada.

CAEP CME event - ED StatWednesday, November 24, Best Western, Charlottetown

Medical Student & Resident Holiday ReceptionJoin our local Medical Students and Residents for an”informal hello” over the holidays.December 22 (Storm date, December 29)Featuring “English Words” at Mavors, Confederation Centre of the Art, Charlottetown

House Physician needed for Whisperwood Villa and MacMillan Lodge as of September 30, 2010.Please contact Marion Younker at Whisperwood Villa, or Sandy Irwin

Dr. Rob Kelly is looking for someone to assist him in providing services at Prince Edward Home. For more informationcontact him directly, or contact Sandy Irwin. Payment modes are outlined in the Master Agreement.

INTERESTED IN BEING AN INDEPENDENT MEDICAL EXAMINER?From time to time the Society is contacted by insurance companies, employees and employers seeking a physician toprovide physicals. You might not be aware, but usually these private physicals are required by law or company policy. Ifthe patient is not able to access this service in many cases they can no longer work.

If you are interested in providing this third party work, the Society is compiling a list of physicians willing toprovide this service.

Please contact Sandy Irwin for more information. airwin@mspei.org

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Meconium Tells A Tale: Maternal Drinking in Pregnancy

Harry Callaghan Golf Tournament

A subgroup of the PEI Perinatal Research Group Team, under the leadership of Dr. Janet Bryanton from the UPEISchool of Nursing, is planning to start the PEI Meconium Study later this year. Through this surveillance study,we will attempt to understand the potential magnitude of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder in PEI by determiningthe prevalence of maternal drinking during pregnancy. A secondary research purpose will involve assessing howwell our current prenatal assessment for alcohol use correlates with actual use of alcohol in pregnancy.

The study will involve collecting samples of meconium from the diaper of every live PEI newborn for a year, andanalyzing the samples for alcohol metabolites. The assay being used has been developed by the MotheriskLaboratory of the Toronto Sick Kids Hospital and is one that has been shown to correlate well with moderate toheavy and binge alcohol consumption drinking in mid to late pregnancy, after the fetus starts to make meconium.The samples will be anonymous; once the sample has been collected, there is no way to link it back to theinfant/mother. The study will be advertised to new mothers and their families. Because the study is anonymous,consent is not required We will not be asking for consent, however, if a family feels that they do not want to havea meconium sample taken, they can opt out. Our hope is that families will understand that the testing is totallyanonymous and will not have concerns about the study.

We will be using the PEI Reproductive Care Programís PEI Perinatal Database to determine self-reported alcoholuse in pregnancy and compare it to the prevalence in our study.

Study results will provide a baseline for an integrated approach to prevention, early identification, and interventionfor FASD and for future research and policy initiatives.

We appreciate the support of PEI physicians in this project. If you have questions, please contact Janet Bryantonat jbryanton@upei.ca, Brigit Freeman at atlantismedical1@aol.com or me at kmbigsby@ihis.org

Kathy Bigsby

Drive for Dreams 2010The Dr. Harry Callaghan Pediatric Foundation is dedicatedto supporting Island children and their families during theircourageous battles against acute and chronic illnesses. The funds from this foundation are used not only to supplymuch needed pediatric equipment to the QEH, but also providepackages to help with travel expenses for the families ofcritically ill children who must be sent off-Island. Added tothis is the need to assist Island children who are physicallyand mentally challenged in obtaining rehabilitation equipmentthat will enable them to enhance their independence andquality of life.

MSPEI & MD Physician Services Team 2010Dr. Billy Scantlebury, Lucie Boucher,

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Welcome Breakfastnew PEI Residents!

on PEI October 11SADnomore.caJust a note that an Alberta physician will be running and cycling across Canada this fall to raise money for and awarenessof mental health issues, in particular Seasonal Affective Disorder. Please note that he is looking for billeting possibilitiesas well as he crosses our beautiful country. If you are interested in seeing the tour schedule and/or think you may wish toshare the story with your members, please visit:

http://www.sadnomore.ca/SAD_no_more/SAD_no_more_TOUR.html

Dr. Ted Jablonski can be reached at 1.403.208.3230 or dr.t.jablonski@telus.net

Welcome breakfasts continue to be popular as a chance to meet-and-greet. July 5th Breakfast gave medicalresidents an opportunity to interact with QEH physicians and share some wonderful breakfast fare, blueberry

waffles, with the help of Mary Driscoll and Carrie Barlow from the Family Medicine Residency Program.

Welcome breakfasts throughout the year are sponsored by MD Physician Services and hosted by MSPEI-basedSenior Financial Consultant, Doug Lefurgey assisted by MSPEI’s Heather Mullen.

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2nd Annual Bursary Golf Tournament

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Winning Team: Dr. TerryM a g e n n i s , D o r e e nMagennis, Mike Oxner(MD Physician Services) &Alan Andreasan

Mrs. Susan Cameron andDr. Murray Mundle getready to feast!

Dr. Alf Morais, AnneMorais, Pam Large-Moran,Alban Moran (OMAInsurance)...best dressedteam!

Emcee, Heather Mullenwith “assistant” RoisinMullen

Fun night attendess fit inm o r e physical activitydancing to the The Countand the Cuban Cocktail.

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Summer Student & Residents BBQ

Resident Dr. Sarah Tennat chatting with Dr.Huy Nguyen & Dr. Larry Pan

Dr. Trevor Jain delivers a “thumbs up” toJohanne Irwin, Manager Physician Servies- another BBQ Success!

Dr. Kathie McNally joins several of oursummer students at the Annual BBQ.

Be sure to join us next year - guaranteed thenicest day of summer!

Dr. Jennifer Ashby & sonSebastien - a seasoned

regular at all MSPEI events!

Summer StudentPamela Aresenault fills out

her paperwork.

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Change of Face

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Living a Healthy Life - Classes

It is getting closer to the date where Heather Mullenmust focus her event-planning expertise and other skillsets to matters closer to home. Heather begins a 12-month maternity leave November 12. Returning to fillHeather’s position as Professional Development Officeris Robin Jenkins. Robin filled in for Heather during herlast maternity leave. Best wishes to both as they begintheir new ventures!

Contact Robin atrobin@mspei.org

The Living a Healthy Life program originally scheduled to begin on Thursday, September 23 at the Central Queens FamilyHealth Centre in Hunter River will be delayed by one week. The program will now begin on Thursday, September 30 atthe same time and location (1:00-3:30pm). There is still space available.

LIVING A HEALTHY LIFE is a fun and practical program that helps people with ongoing health conditions overcomedaily challenges and maintain active, fulfilling lives. Topics covered include managing symptoms, healthy eating, exercise,better communication, and how to make daily tasks easier.

Sessions are held once a week for 2.5 hours over a six week period. The program costs $10 and participants receive a copyof the book: Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions.

The full fall schedule includes:- Mondays beginning September 27 in Summerside at the Harbourside Family Health Centre 1:00-3:30pm- Thursdays beginning September 30 in Hunter River at the Central Queens Family Health Centre 9:00-11:30am- Mondays beginning September 27 in Montague at the Public Health Boardroom 9:00-11:30am- Thursdays beginning October 7 in Souris 1:30-4:00pm (exact location to be determined )- Tuesdays beginning October 12 in Montague at the Public Health Boardroom 6:00-8:30pm- Wednesdays beginning October 13 in O'Leary at the new Community Health Centre 1:00-3:30pm- Mondays beginning October 18 in Wellington at d'hÈbergement le Bel ¬ge 1:30-4:00pm ( in French )- Tuesdays beginning October 19 in Charlottetown at the Four Neighbourhoods Community Health Centre 6:00-8:30pm- Wednesdays beginning October 20 in Summerside at the Summerside Regional Development Corporation Boardroom inthe Holman Centre 6:00-8:30pm

Mary Acorn, Healthy Living Coordinator West, Tel 902-368-6523 [Charlottetown office]

Kathy Maher & Heather Mullen

at Annual Meeting.