| Dear Friends and Colleagues,
I hope that this newsletter finds you well and that you have had a pleasant winter thus far.
As things start to return to normal following the pandemic restrictions, I cannot help but to notice the ‘hustle and bustle’ that once again fills institutional halls. While the scenes on campus begin to look more similar to what they use to, (with the exception of the odd mask tucked neatly under layers of toques and scarves), there is also a renewed excitement. People and communities are reconnecting with each other and there is palpable enthusiasm about a fresh start. This energy also extends to our genetics community. The CCMG remained strong throughout the pandemic, and even flourished. Although we recognize that there are significant stresses and pressures that continue to impact health care centers across the country, I cannot help but to feel excited for new possibilities and opportunities that may exist for our College.
In the spirit of new beginnings, I would like to extend a special welcome to the new members of the CCMG community. In addition to those members who successfully completed examinations and credentialing in 2022, we have also been fortunate to welcome affiliate members to the College. A list of new members is available in this newsletter. Please take the time to review the list and join me in welcoming our new colleagues!
The new winter season also brings with it a period of transition for many of our CCMG committees as retiring committee members step down and new volunteers are welcomed. I would like to extend a special thank you to all of those who contribute to the various committees and working groups in our organization. The CCMG relies heavily on our volunteers; we truly appreciate your commitment to our missions and values. All of our committees and working groups continue to be busy. We look forward to being able to provide updates of their activities when we meet virtually in the Spring at the annual general meeting. In the interim, please watch our website and social media for committee updates, calendar events and seminars, as well as the publication of new guidelines.
Those of you looking through our website may also recognize a revised mission station with updates to our “Values”. The CCMG is committed to promoting the highest standards of care in Medical Genetics and Genomics clinical and laboratory practice. We recognize that the field of genetics and genomics has not always been equitable or inclusive, but commit to doing better. As such, our value statement “We strive for Excellence in all we do” has been revised to “We strive for Excellence and uphold the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging in all we do”. I thank the E2P2 committee for considering this values statement and providing guidance. As an organization, we will continue to work towards better recognizing and honoring these values.
As we look forward to warmer weather, I am thrilled for the opportunity to see many of you in person once again. I hope that you will be able to join us for our Annual Scientific Meeting, which will occur June 18-21 in Winnipeg! This year’s theme, “Coming Together in the Centre”, celebrates this chance for members to come together in a central location, rekindle old friendships and start new ones. The Scientific Committee has been working closely with the Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists (CSCC) and colleagues in Winnipeg to plan this joint event. There are a number of exceptional speakers and social events planned. We are also looking forward to a joint workshop with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). Please watch the website and your emails for more information.
Take care of yourselves and each other.
With best wishes,
Elizabeth (Liz) McCready, PhD, FCCMG |
