The Journey Begins

Hello everyone,

Welcome to The Doctor Is In.  My name is Dr. Rebecca Hicks.  I am a family doctor practicing in Toronto and the president of the Ontario Medical Association (OMA).  When I began my term in May, I asked myself if there were new ways I could reach out to our members and the public- and the idea for this blog was born.  Over the next year, I will be posting to share with you the incredible journey I am undertaking as president of the OMA.  

It feels especially important to start this blog after our AGM continuation meeting that took place on June 23, 2026.  There, an overwhelming vote in favour of improving ways to communicate to members was passed.  I want to be a part of that transformation of communication member to member.

The content of this blog will include the amazing physicians and healthcare stories I learn from travelling the province as well as my thoughts and opinions on challenges that the doctors and patients of Ontario are facing.  It is so important for me to elevate the voices of our members-your efforts deserve to be highlighted and celebrated.

When deciding when to launch this endeavour, July 1 seemed a natural choice.  For anyone not in medicine you will know this day as Canada Day.  But for those of us in the field, July 1 represents the beginning of our residency training.  A day marking the beginning of our journey as physicians.  And a commitment of stepping into the unknown, ready to rise to the challenge.

As president of the OMA, I feel much like a resident does- full of knowledge and passion for the cause but navigating a position that is new to me.  This role is an incredible honour and an incredible responsibility.  And similar to a resident, the role is not about me.  The purpose of being a doctor is to support and care for your patients.  The purpose of the presidency and of the Ontario Medical Association is to support and care for physicians.

If we do not support and advocate on behalf of the doctors of Ontario, they will be less able to care for the patients of Ontario.  Ensuring sustainable work practices and fair payment for care delivered will keep doctors in practice and help the healthcare system be better prepared to care for our growing and aging population.  Caring for the caregivers is an essential part of healthcare sustainability.

So today, on July 1, I honour our medical learners who have chosen this career.  And I also celebrate the physicians who made it through their training and are now practicing across the province.  The challenges and stress that you have been exposed to during your training and your day to day are a testament to your dedication.

And I offer a reminder as well.  Our commitment to our patients must be equally matched by a commitment to ourselves.  We must remember to care for ourselves and for each other.  The job we have chosen is not an easy one.  And all of us require support in order to thrive.  The fact that my job as president allows me to actively care for the wellbeing of every physician in Ontario is quite possibly the greatest privilege I will ever earn.  Thank you all for the opportunity.