Media Alert - Future federal role in health care, a focus of second day of CMA's 145th Annual Meeting in Yellowknife

YELLOWKNIFE, NT, Aug. 14, 2012 /CNW/ - The Canadian Medical Association's (CMA) 145^th annual meeting continues today in Yellowknife with a focus on improving efficiency, engaging physicians in the transformation of the health care system, and the future federal role in health care.

Tuesday will also be the first opportunity for delegates to debate motions. Following this, CMA president Dr. John Haggie will deliver his valedictory address.

Program highlights for Tuesday, Aug. 14:

9 a.m. - 10 a.m. MDT
Strategic Session #2 - Achieving Sustainability by Increasing Efficiency    
The session will address inefficient processes, adverse events, practice variations and cost-effectiveness of medical procedures.

10 a.m. - 11 a.m. MDT
Strategic Session #3 - Engaging Physicians to Lead on Health Care Transformation  
This session will explore what is required to further engage and support physicians in their leadership role in moving the health care transformation agenda forward.

11:30 a.m. - 12:20 p.m. MDT
Delegates' Motions

12:20 p.m. - 12:45 p.m. MDT
CMA president Dr. John Haggie's Valedictory Address

2:15 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. MDT
Strategic Session #4 - Future Federal Role in Health Care
Delegates will discuss the federal role in health care to provide direction on the CMA's future advocacy strategies.

Media availability
A press conference will be held at St. Patrick High School (Room 216) from 1:30 p.m. - 2 p.m. MDT (3:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. ET). CMA president Dr. John Haggie and Dr. Gail Beck, French spokesperson will be available to answer questions.  Media members attending in person are asked to register at the media office upon arrival at St. Patrick High School (Rooms 128-129).

Reporters will also be able to participate by teleconference by dialing 416-340-2217 / 866-696-5910 (pass code: 9322564). Those wishing to take part are asked to register 15 minutes prior to the start of the press conference.

More details on the CMA's 145^th General Council meeting can be found at http://www.cma.ca/media-guide-gc2012.

SOURCE: CANADIAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION

Lucie Boileau
Senior Advisor, Communications and Public Outreach, Canadian Medical Association
Aug 11-15: 867-766-7859  Cell: 613.447.0866
[email protected]

Dominique Jolicoeur
Communications Officer, Canadian Medical Association
613 731-8610 | 800-663-7336 ext. 2038
Aug 11-15: 867-766-7859 Cell: 613.809-5669
[email protected]