2 minute read
President's Message
As I write this message Saskatchewan is deep into the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a troubling development, but I am confident the physicians of the province and the Saskatchewan Medical Association (SMA) will meet this challenge with the same resolve and determination as they did in previous phases of this unfortunate historic event. The pandemic is not even close to being over, and we need to become used to the idea of living with COVID as a fact of life. Nevertheless, it is often instructive to reflect on where we have been, and this issue of SMA Digest reflects back on the pandemic, and our responses to it, thus far. There are lessons to be learned, and we can draw support and strength from hearing from the front lines.
As a rural physician I know that the pandemic presented a different set of challenges in rural areas. On page 15 you can read about how the town of La Loche, far removed from the buzz of urban medical centres, faced the pandemic head on. The story evokes sadness, but is also inspiring, and one which speaks to the dedication of rural physicians.
Similarly, Highs and lows of practicing in rural, remote areas during the pandemic (on page 28) carries this theme further and explores some of the challenges physicians faced in La Ronge. While these stories offer narratives about the pandemic, they also illustrate some deeper truths about rural medicine.
Wellness is never far from the pages of SMA Digest and it makes sense to reflect on how the pandemic has affected physicians. On page 47 a medical learner shares her experience.
During the last 19 months physician voices – all of them -- have helped in the battle against COVID. The SMA, as an organization, has weighed in many times to speak out for physicians, and to advocate for patients. The pandemic has pushed and pulled and stretched the health-care system, and the wider community, in many difficult ways. The physician voice has been amplified by social media as many doctors took to social platforms to talk about the need for masks, physical distancing and to encourage (and implore) citizens to get vaccinated. I want to thank the physicians profiled in the story on page 22. Their efforts clearly show the importance of these media channels in the time of a pandemic.
I hope you enjoy this issue of SMA Digest. I think it is a great look at the past, while we move steadily and carefully toward a more optimistic future.
Dr. Eben Strydom
President Saskatchewan Medical Association
