/R E P E A T -- Media Alert - The "Parliament of Canadian Medicine" to Gather in National Capital/

OTTAWA, July 3, 2014 /CNW/ - Physicians from across Canada will converge at the Ottawa Convention Centre this August 17 to 20 for the Canadian Medical Association's (CMA) 147^th Annual Meeting and General Council. The conference is often called the "parliament" of Canadian medicine because it's where many of this country's doctors gather to discuss and debate policies and recommendations to address the health issues and concerns that matter to the nation.

On Monday, August 18 delegates will look at the importance of social responsibility in the medical profession.  Outcomes will ensure physicians are positioned for their appropriate role in a team-based approach and will look at any gaps in perceptions between public and physicians' views on the physician role in the health care system.

Later in the day, they will take part in an interactive presentation on marijuana for medical purposes from patient and physician perspectives – on obstacles, challenges and opportunities. Commentary by a regulator on regulation/licensing issues is also featured, to increase understanding on these aspects of the patient/physician conversation.

On Tuesday, August 19, delegates will continue the debate on end-of-life care issues in Canada. Discussion outcomes will provide direction in forming CMA policy in this area.

The Media Guide to CMA's 2014 General Council is now available online at: http://www.cma.ca/gcmedia2014. It contains details on the program, the media services available, how to register, and more.

The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) is the national voice of Canadian physicians. Founded in 1867, the CMA is a voluntary professional organization representing more than 80,000 of Canada's physicians and comprising 12 provincial and territorial medical associations and 60 national medical organizations. CMA's mission is to serve and unite the physicians of Canada and be the national advocate, in partnership with the people of Canada, for the highest standards of health and health care 

SOURCE: Canadian Medical Association

For more information: Lucie Boileau, Senior Advisor, Communications and Public Outreach, Canadian Medical Association, Tel.: [phone] | 800-663-7336 ext. 1266, Cell: 613.447.0866, [email protected]