I am thrilled to write my first blog post as CAHSPR’s new Executive Director. As I join you in advancing the mission and vision of the Association, I can’t help but feel energized and excited about what lies ahead.
Especially during these first months, my priority is to spend time getting to know members, stakeholders and partners. To do that, I will be undertaking an exercise in “Listening for Direction.” It’s important for me to fully understand the needs of members and stakeholders, the initiatives and opportunities at CAHSPR and to hear from you about what we are doing well and what things you would like to see changed or improved. I will be arranging ways to communicate with you and for you to share your views over the coming months. In the meantime I encourage you to reach out to me at executive-director@box2282.temp.domains. I look forward to meeting all of you in person at the CAHSPR conference in Saskatoon, May 26-29, where we will focus our attention on the theme of ADVANCING HEALTH EQUITY: IDENTIFYING BARRIERS AND SOLUTIONS. Registration will be open soon and I encourage you to watch for announcements, then sign up quickly – Saskatoon is going to be the “place to be” for what promises to be a great conference.
We will get to know each other as time goes on, but to give you a glimpse of my background, my career to date has been spent pursuing various aspects of health services and policy research, analyses, program development and implementation, with a focus on health system co-design and emerging models of care. I have watched as CAHSPR has evolved to its current position as the nexus for health services and policy research in Canada and beyond. I am honoured to be a part of this Association.
I have an ardent interest in the role of caregivers, patients and citizens in the health system, as I provide care for a relative with complex needs. I could write an entire book on what I have learned about healthcare in my role as caregiver. These are things I never learned before, despite a long career in healthcare!
I enjoy the debate, discussion and spread of ideas on social media (twitter specifically) and would love to engage with you there @MaggieKeresteci. More importantly, we are building our Association’s social media presence, so please follow and keep an eye on @CAHSPR for developments. We’d love to hear how you want to interact with CAHSPR on social media.
CAHSPR Connects will be a regular place for dialogue and we will be asking members to contribute to it. The blog will provide a forum for you to share ideas, insights, and emerging issues or trends in health services and policy research. Start thinking about what you might like to share on CAHSPR Connects!
There is much for me to learn and I thank you in advance for your willingness to share your insights with me and your patience with my questions. I am delighted to take on this role and I am keen to see what we can accomplish together that benefits members, our health system, the dedicated professionals who work in and for the system, and the Canadians who are served by it. This is your Association and my goal will be to work with the CAHSPR Board and our team to ensure it meets your needs.
Yes indeed, 2020 promises to be an exciting year!
Maggie
