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Fall Newsletter, 2007 President’s Message cont... It takes many people to carry out this work. As this year's President, I am privileged and honoured to work with each of you as we move toward the realization of the goals of the CSOHNS. The editorship of the Journal of Otolaryngology has recently changed. Dr. Dominique Dorion has moved on from that position and Drs. Erin Wright and Hadi Seikaly have assumed the co-editorship. It appears that they will bring a different perspective to the publication. One that reflects the growing number of international submissions it has been receiving. However, I am confident that it will continue to represent well, the research of Canadian otolaryngologists. Council looks forward to the future of the Journal, both in its written and on-line forms. The Society continues to improve communications with its membership by using the website. It is a work in progress and Dr. Mark Samaha, our webmaster, should be complimented on his efforts. Council is revising the website information in an effort to make it more patient oriented. It is hoped that this will provide the Society with external sources of funding. In addition, the sub-specialty groups have been encouraged to submit articles to the site, keeping in mind the end consumer. The Award for Excellence in Education was presented for the first time in Montreal. I would like to extend to Dominique Dorion, it’s first recipient, the Society's appreciation of his accomplishments. It is anticipated that this award will be presented annually, in recognition of those members who make outstanding contributions to otolaryngology education in Canada. With an agreement in principle, Canadian-trained otolaryngologists will, once again become eligible to sit the American Board examinations. While the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada are working with their American colleagues to finalize the agreement, there has, unfortunately, been no specific date announced for the enactment of the change. The CSOHNS continues to play a supportive role in this process. Dr. Neil Longridge is the Physicians Resources Committee Chair, reporting to council. His presentation to council at last year's A.G.M., suggested that there is a significant shortage of otolaryngologists in Canada. With projected population increases, that deficit will only grow. I have undertaken a survey of the training program directors in Canada. To date, their responses have reflected an undersupply of our specialty in Canada. Except for the positions at the new programs in Hamilton and Calgary, there has been no increase in the number of trainees at established centres. There has been a rise in the number of positions at Canadian Medical Schools over the last few years, but not necessarily in the number of specialty postgraduate training positions. The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada is focusing on the subspecialty manpower issue at its A.G.M., in Winnipeg. I plan to attend those sessions and your views on this subject are appreciated. They can be sent to the Society's office. The annual meeting is the highlight of our Society's year. The meeting in Montreal was very successful. Dr. Saul Frenkiel presided over the event with his usual thoughtfulness and efficiency. The Local Arrangement Committee, chaired by Dr. Ted Tewfik, should be congratulated on providing the membership with a wonderful social program. Dr. Andre Tan organized the scientific program to accommodate the podium speakers, workshops, and poster presentations in a way that maximized the education experience for all. The meeting had three guest speakers: Drs. Ellen Friedman, Jonas Johnson, and Antonio de la Cruz, who each gave the members at the meeting, their perspectives on our specialty. The Society recognized Drs. Martin Black, Jean Jacques Dufour,and Melvin Schloss as honoured guests for their lifelong commitment to the specialty. The 2008 Annual Meeting will be held at the Jasper Park Lodge, Jasper, Alberta, hosted by the Edmonton Department of Otolaryngology. The Local Arrangements Committee is being chaired by Dr. Hadi Seikaly. His committee has developed a social program inspired by the unique geography and rich history of the area. The theme for the meeting is “Expanding the Boundaries of Health Care”. The inspirational guest speaker is Dr. Stiglemyer, a captain and surgeon with the Princess Patricia Battalion based in Edmonton. His message will focus on the war theatre in Afghanistan. Honoured guest Dr. Joseph Wong of Toronto will make a presentation on his work with the "Smile China Project". Drs. Derald Oldring and Orest Bykowski from Edmonton will be the other honoured guests. The guest speakers, Dr. Powell, Stanford University, is a recognized authority on sleep disorders, and Dr. Chaplin, New Zealand, is a head & neck surgeon who has significant experience with cutaneous malignancies involving the head and neck. There will be a pre-conference, hands-on course, on transoral laser surgery, instructed by Dr. R.W. Steiner from Germany. Dr. Andre Tan is the Scientific Program Chair. It is anticipated that there will be podium presentations, panels, workshops, as well as poster presentations. The Society has greatly honoured me by giving me the opportunity to serve as this year's President. The CSOHNS is able to accomplish its goals only through the efforts of its membership, and especially those that actively give of their time. I would also like to thank Donna Humphrey for the continuity and professionalism she brings to the Society. Robert Rae, MD President, 2007 / 2008 
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