Dr. Janet Shannon considers it a privilege to have served for nine years as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Saskatchewan Medical Association (SMA). Dr. Shannon is retiring at the end of May.

“Working with the SMA has provided me an opportunity to give back to the profession,” Dr. Shannon said. “I have had the opportunity to see firsthand the dedication of physicians across the province and the importance of having a strong, thoughtful voice for our profession.”

Dr. Shannon’s involvement with the SMA Board spans almost two decades. She was a Board member from 2008 to 2014, including a term as president in 2012–13. She served on numerous SMA committees and as anesthesia section rep to the Representative Assembly and to Intersectional Council. She took in-house PLI courses offered by the SMA and pursued other leadership training opportunities, receiving the Canadian Certified Physician Executive designation in 2012.

Known for her strong grasp of governance, she helped build and refine the structures that guide board operations today — strengthening policies, procedures and decision-making processes. Her leadership style balanced precision and organization with warmth and approachability, creating an environment where thoughtful discussion and effective action could coexist.

Colleagues describe her as steady, insightful and generous with her time, qualities that have shaped the board into a more cohesive and effective body.

“Over my years at the SMA, I’ve had the privilege of meeting and working alongside incredible colleagues, mentors, learners, and friends. Whatever contributions I’ve made, they were always part of a much larger team effort,” she said.

Dr. Shannon also thanked the hard-working staff at the SMA for their dedication to making physicians’ lives better. 

Originally from southern Ontario, Dr. Shannon earned her medical degree from the University of Ottawa before moving west to complete a general surgery residency in Saskatchewan. During her training, she discovered her passion for anesthesia, ultimately changing specialties.

As a member of the Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Medicine and Pain Management, she combined clinical excellence with a commitment to teaching, later becoming a clinical professor at the University of Saskatchewan. Her work included mentoring residents and supporting the next generation of physicians until her retirement from clinical practice in 2022.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Shannon was president of her hamlet association for years and coached and managed her twin’s sports teams. She lives on an acreage with her husband Don, where she enjoys working in the yard and their big garden. In retirement she hopes to continue spending time with family and travelling more, including finding locations to go scuba diving.