Reflections and transitions

Although I am writing this in August 2025, it is my final message as President of the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC). I was asked to share reflections about my presidency and to look toward the future.

When I started my role in November 2024, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the CFPC, Dr Michael Allan, was beginning to hit his stride, having taken the reins of the CFPC in May 2024. He arrived at a time of great turmoil and economic uncertainty both for the CFPC, and eventually the world around us. The work ahead of him was daunting but needed—rebuilding relationships, modernizing the CFPC, and advocating for family physicians, all while addressing the need for fiscal stability. It soon became apparent Dr Allan was the right leader for the CFPC at the right time, with the qualities we needed and continue to need: clear communication skills, a willingness to listen, and a commitment to transparency and to the work of the CFPC.

Over the past year Dr Allan made difficult decisions, reached out to some of the CFPC’s most ardent critics, worked on rebuilding relationships, and responded to requests for renewed advocacy by our members within a climate of shrinking resources. He brought much-needed stability, and his open, transparent attitude invited feedback and collaboration. We are on a good trajectory, and I feel proud of the work done by Dr Allan and the entire CFPC team.

While stability is neither exciting nor sexy, it is necessary for strategic foresight to occur and creativity to flourish. This is where we find ourselves as I prepare to transition out of my role as President of the CFPC. Our newly formed Governance Committee is setting the stage for strategic planning as we imagine what we want from the CFPC over the next 5 years, and as we are expanding our advocacy work following some successes at the federal level.

The CFPC is partnering with external organizations as we work together to address the family medicine crisis while we ensure our organization continues to be a strong professional home for all family physicians in Canada. I am ending my term at an exciting time, which is both humbling and a bit poignant. The CFPC presidency is intense and all-consuming, but it flies by in a heartbeat. It can be challenging to transition away from this most exciting leadership role.

My focus on servant leadership¹ and my longstanding Buddhist meditation practice have helped me to see the transition in a nurturing and positive light, as I focus on maintaining continuity, supporting the incoming CFPC president, and ensuring the collective progress we made as the CFPC Board of Directors is documented and regularly reviewed. Leading with compassion, recognizing the impermanence of all things, and focusing on what needs to be done while letting go of roles and titles connects me more deeply to the work itself and to those with whom I serve.

I am looking forward to what comes next! Good leaders help those transitioning into new roles and as Past President of the CFPC, I will support Dr Sarah Cook, the CFPC’s first president from Canada’s Northwest Territories. Dr Cook is a community-based family physician and leader in Yellowknife and has been on the CFPC Board of Directors since 2020.

I have confidence Dr Cook will lead the CFPC with poise and generosity, and it will be an honour to support her and the CFPC throughout 2026.

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