Dr. Margot Burnell, a seasoned oncologist at the Saint John Regional Hospital, has been appointed as the new president of the Canadian Medical Association (CMA). Dr. Burnell has more than 30 years of experience in the field of oncology. She’s focused her career on making the cancer care available in the Greater Saint John area more effective and founded a cancer support program that has helped hundreds of area patients.
In her inaugural remarks following the appointment, Dr. Burnell expressed her enthusiasm for leading the CMA. She reinforced the importance of urgency on their part to advocate for physicians and excellence in health care on the national stage. “The CMA is committed to improving patient care and supporting healthcare professionals,” Dr. Burnell stated, outlining her vision for her presidency.
Dr. Burnell further stressed some immediate issues now threatening healthcare delivery in Saint John. She noted that the area is known for not having very many resources. All the while, increasing demand for services stretches the already existing healthcare infrastructure thin. “It is imperative that we address these challenges head-on to ensure that our community receives the care it deserves,” she remarked.
On a national level, Dr. Burnell did concede that all healthcare systems in Canada are experiencing this type of pressure. She noted how many areas now have staffing shortages, long wait times, and a lack of access to subspecialty care. “These issues are not unique to Saint John; they are a reflection of broader systemic problems that require urgent attention and innovative solutions,” she explained.
Throughout her tenure at the CMA, Dr. Burnell intends to advocate for policy changes that prioritize patient care and support healthcare providers. Her goal is to encourage, connect and convene all stakeholders to meet today’s changing and growing needs of our healthcare environment. “Together, we can work towards a more resilient healthcare system that meets the needs of all Canadians,” she affirmed.
