Ontario Medical Association President visits McMaster

Ontario Medical Association (OMA) president and McMaster University alumna Dr. Rose Zacharias met with representatives from the departments of pathology and molecular medicine, pediatrics and obstetrics and gynecology to discuss opportunities and challenges that they and their communities face. 

After meeting with department representatives, Zacharias said she was struck by the real-life examples being spoken of every day and the need for collaboration to improve delivery of care, as well as the high capacity and compassion of Ontario’s doctors. 

As OMA’s president, she aims to help McMaster Children’s Hospital by developing updated recommendations as part of the OMA’s Prescription for Healthcare, which highlights the most pressing issues in the health–care system right now. 

“Pediatrics provided a very organized and informative presentation, highlighting the large volume and high acuity of patient care they provide at McMaster Children’s Hospital. The Obstetrics and Gynecology department showcased the high-quality work they do meeting the needs of very complex patients. The Pathology department learner program is educating a very valuable sector of the health care work force and their laboratory staff are doing incredible work, despite human health resource challenges.” 

Dr. Angelo Mikrogianakis, chair of pediatrics at McMaster and chief of pediatrics at McMaster Children’s Hospital said that his first meeting with Zacharias was an important step in getting McMaster Children’s Hospital’s voice heard. 

“As a 1999 graduate of the McMaster University School of Medicine, I was incredibly excited to start the 2023 OMA membership tour in Hamilton, a city that played a huge part in my life,” Dr. Zacharias said. 

The OMA represents Ontario’s 43,000-plus physicians, medical students, and retired physicians, advocating for and supporting doctors while strengthening the leadership roles of doctors in caring for patients.