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Ontario Governor's Newsletter June 2024

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Khalid M. Azzam, MBBS, CPE, MS-HQSMi, FACP, ACP Governor

Khalid M. Azzam, MBBS, CPE, MS-HQSMi, FACP, ACP Governor

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GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE

Celebrating Diversity and Advancing Inclusivity

June is a month of celebration and reflection as we recognize National Indigenous History Month and Pride Month. These observances remind us of the ongoing journey toward Indigenous Rights, justice, equity, inclusion, decolonization, and respecting all identities and histories. As we celebrate our community's diverse voices and stories, we also commit to learning and actions that support these values meaningfully.

This month, we spotlight Dr. Masina Wright, Chair of our DEI Committee. Dr. Wright's leadership is pivotal in steering our chapter toward greater inclusivity and understanding. Under her guidance, our JEDI initiatives are gaining momentum, fostering a culture where every member feels valued and heard. You will find a call for members to join our DEI Committee in this newsletter. You can learn more about Dr. Wright's inspiring work at

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Reflections from the ACP Board of Governors Meeting and Internal Medicine Meeting 2024

April was a busy month. I was in Boston for the ACP Board of Governors Meeting and the Internal Medicine Meeting. Seeing many of you and networking during the Canadian reception was amazing. This gathering was a chance to discuss the future of internal medicine and an excellent opportunity for collaborative work among the Canadian chapters and other US and international Chapters. Our discussions with ACP National were especially fruitful, focusing on refining our chapter by-laws as we move towards incorporating.

Celebrating Our Fellows and Masters

One of the highlights of the IM Meeting is the Convocation ceremony, where we celebrated the achievements of our Ontario and Canadian fellows. Congratulations to Dr. Ameen Patel, who was honored as a Master of the ACP. This recognition is a testament to his longstanding and profound impact on the field of Internal Medicine, the community, and our chapter.

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Dr. Ameen Patel (centre), MACP, Professor of Medicine at McMaster University.
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awardees
Dr. Khalid Azzam with Dr. Jerry Maniate, FACP, Assistant Professor University of Ottawa, celebrating his ACP Fellowship.

Strengthening Support for IMGs and IMS

Our commitment to supporting International Medical Graduates (IMGs) and International Medical Students (IMS) was underscored by the successful 2024 IMG Meet & Greet Event in Boston. This event, a collaborative effort with over 20 US and international chapters, provided a vital networking platform for IMGs and IMS.

Additionally, I am proud to announce that the Board of Governors passed the resolution, put forward by my Governors Class of 2027, to improve the experience of IMS and IMGs seeking clinical observerships and letters of recommendation. This resolution also condemns the exploitative practices of for-profit observerships and letters of recommendation, marking a significant step forward in our advocacy efforts.

As we continue to support IMS and IMGs, we plan to establish a new committee within our council dedicated to these efforts. This committee will play a crucial role in developing strategies and initiatives that provide tangible support to IMS and IMG. If you are passionate about helping us make a difference in the professional lives of IMGs, please connect with me to chat about opportunities azzamacp@gmail.com

Moving Forward Together

As we continue to move forward, let us continue to embrace the values of participation, collaboration, diversity, and inclusion. Your involvement and feedback are invaluable as we strive to make our chapter an example of progress and support within our Internal Medicine community.

I look forward to seeing you all in Hamilton for the ACP Ontario Chapter and CSIM Annual Meeting on October 16-19, 2024.

Together, we can make a lasting impact.

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FUNDING AVAILABLE!

  • Are you planning a journal club or lunch & learn?
  • An IMIG event or GIM career night?
  • Are you offering a physician wellness activity or a session on equity, diversity, inclusion?

The ACP Ontario Chapter is pleased to help support your educational and wellness activities!

For details and the application form, please see the attached or email acpcanada@outlook.com

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REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

The ACP Ontario Chapter's 2024 Annual Meeting will be held with the Canadian Society of Internal Medicine
October 16-19, 2024
Hamilton, ON
Be sure to attend our Town Hall Saturday, October 19th at Noon!

ACP Doctor's Dilemma® - Calling Canadian Teams!
October 18, 2024 in Hamilton.

Open to residents enrolled in a Canadian university in an internal medicine program.

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DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION – Join Us!

Dr. Masina Wright, Chair, DEI Committee

The ACP Ontario Chapter has a new Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, and we would love you to join us!

Are you Latina, Black, Indigenous or Transgender? Please consider joining!! You are the least represented in the physician population and yet comprise a large number of our patients. As a white, nonbinary lesbian, I consider my leadership role a placeholder for future BIPOC Leadership.

Our chapter will also be creating a JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion) subcommittee for IM residents and IM-interested medical students as part of our DEI initiative to address and improve inequities and intersections in the medical training environment. Stay tuned for more information about resident minority scholarships!

We welcome ALL Internal Medicine physicians in all levels of training – click here to email me directly and be part of our committee! Masina

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CALLING ALL RESIDENTS-FELLOW MEMBERS!

Dr. Muneeb Ahmed, Chair, Resident-Fellows Council

Under the leadership of Dr. Khalid Azzam, ACP Ontario Governor, we have established a Resident/Fellow Members Council. The council's purpose is to actively involve residents and fellows in planning and implementing activities and programs that cater to their unique needs and interests. The council serves as an advisory body to the Governor and the Board of Directors on matters pertinent to residents and physicians-in-training.

Join us! We are currently inviting GIM fellows from any university and residents from uOttawa and NOSM to join our council.

We look forward to welcoming you – RSVP your participation by emailing acpcanada@outlook.com

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS/EDUCATION

ACP Ohio Chapter
Webinar: IMGs: Visa and Immigration Pathways
June 27, 2024 at 7:00pm EST

ACP Ontario Chapter Annual Meeting
October 16-19, 2024
Hamilton, ON
Be sure to attend our Town Hall Saturday, October 19th at Noon!
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ACP Doctor's Dilemma® - Calling Canadian Teams!
October 18, 2024 in Hamilton.
Open to residents enrolled in a Canadian university in an internal medicine program.

ACP Atlantic Provinces Chapter Meeting
November 1-2, 2024
Memorial University, St. John's
Call for Abstracts – Deadline July 16, 2024
For information, email acpcanada@outlook.com

British Columbia and Prairie Provinces Chapters Annual Meeting with Rocky Mountain IM Conference
November 14-15, 2024
Canmore, AB

ACP Internal Medicine Meeting 2025
April 3-5 2025
New Orleans, LA
Click for information

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Thank you for being an ACP Member!

Our fiscal year-end is June 30th – please renew your membership to maintain your access to quality education and member-exclusive benefits.

Ìýto easily renew your dues online!

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Physician Well-Being: Time to Take Care of Our Own

The ACP offers many excellent resources for physician well-being. For example,

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ACP Canadian Chapters Website

Follow us!

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