Canadian Society of Physician Leaders

Founded in 1998, the Canadian Society of Physician Leaders (CSPL) provides a support and development network to the growing cadre of Canadian physician managers. The CSPL seeks out opportunities and partnerships to increase members' exposure to quality professional development programs, either by promoting existing programs or developing new initiatives. The Canadian Society of Physician Executives (CSPE -- now known as CSPL) was founded in 1998 and incorporated in 2000 by Dr. Chris Carruthers (Ontario) and co-founder, Dr. Dennis Kendel (Saskatchewan) plus six physicians and one CMA Director. From 2002-2015 the CSPL office resided at CMA House in Ottawa. The CMA and CSPL established a formal Memorandum of Agreement and the CSPL applied for CMA affiliate status which was granted in 2002. In 2015, the CSPL not only moved locations and became a fully independent organization but had a name change from Canadian Society of Physician Executives (CCPE) to the Canadian Society of Physician Leaders (CSPL). The CSPL currently employs two part-time staff -- Executive Director and Program Manager. The CSPL is a relatively small organization of just 600 members, but continues to offer members such benefits as the Canadian Journal of Physician Leadership, a biweekly e-newsletter, job opportunity postings, mentorship program, the Canadian Certified Physician Executive (CCPE) designation program, and an excellent rated annual conference.