Dec. 7, 2021
Five physicians elected to new committee examining SMA governance
Five physicians have been elected to serve on the Saskatchewan Medical Association’s (SMA) Special Committee on SMA Governance Review, which will examine how the SMA governs itself and present recommendations to the 2022 Spring Representative Assembly (RA).
The five members of the Special Committee on SMA Governance Review are:
- Dr. Cecil Hammond
- Dr. Nnamdi Ndubuka
- Dr. Johnmark Opondo
- Dr. M.S. Renuka Prasad
- Dr. Grant Stoneham
The committee’s creation dates to the 2021 Spring RA in on May 7, where delegates supported a resolution calling for an external review of SMA governance. The SMA Board of Directors subsequently considered current processes, models and structures, and reviewed approaches used by other provincial medical associations.
SMA CEO Bonnie Brossart made a presentation to the 2021 Fall RA on November 5 titled: “SMA Governance: Overview, Review and Proposed Next Steps.” RA delegates approved the establishment of the Special Committee on SMA Governance Review, to be comprised of five elected RA delegates.
Delegates were eligible to vote among a list of seven candidates. The vote, which concluded on November 30, was conducted using an electronic platform operated by ElectionBuddy, Inc., which is based in Canada. Sixty-four of the 103 eligible RA delegates voted (64%), a much high turnout compared to past SMA elections that have used paper ballots.
Online election platforms have many benefits. Voting is easier for electors, transparency and security is assured, and results can be tabulated and reported instantly. The SMA plans to use ElectionBuddy’s services in future elections, such as choosing Medical Staff Association executives and positions at other regional levels, selecting RA delegates, and ratifying contracts.
The Special Committee on SMA Governance Review will choose a chair, begin deliberations, and present recommendations to the 2022 Spring RA, which is scheduled for May 6-7, 2022, in Regina.
Physicians can reach out to committee members by emailing SMA president Dr. Eben Strydom at president@sma.sk.ca.