When our team started planning for the 2024 CCHL national conference, we didn’t know with 100% certainty how the theme Come Together! would play out in the sessions and in the atmosphere during the conference. Of course, we knew that coming together and supporting all health professions is essential to the ongoing transformation and performance of our health system.
A few weeks later, as I think back and reflect on our four plenary presentations, it is now clear to me that all our speakers recognized the need for a shift from individual level to organizational level resilience, and likewise a growing need for organizations as a whole to embrace leadership development, support, and community building. Everyone knows we need to come together.
Dr. Alika Lafontaine started us off with a very important take-away. How do we come together to solve big problems and create a new status quo? We need new mental models to drive new behaviours. The time for social cohesion is in the present, during a crisis, not after.
Our own Dr. Jaason Geerts talked about a new concept we are working on, which is leadership integration and CCHL leadership organizations. Leadership for all health professionals, regardless of position or role, is certainly the ultimate expression of coming together.
The fireside chat hosted by Leslee Thompson brought us two important perspectives on addressing the HHR challenge. First, the importance of data so we can have an evidence-informed discussion. Second, the key role of executive leaders bringing a voice from the top to the culture shift needed to create the right environment for all health professionals.
Finally, Dr. Leigh Chapman brought us the perspective of nurses, the largest segment of health professionals across the system. We heard about the national nurse retention toolkit. Closing the loop with our opening session with Dr. Lafontaine, this was a good example of creating new mental models.
We also had the opportunity to come together with our new CHE graduates. With permission, I can share the takeaways of one of our new CHE graduates, Anay Dudhbhate, who is clearly convinced that all health professionals and leaders need to join hands:
“These sessions at the Conference provided invaluable insights into the latest trends and innovations shaping the healthcare landscape. Here are my key takeaways:
- Collaboration is key
- The transformative potential of digital health solutions
- Putting patients at the centre of care remains a top priority
- Achieving health equity requires a concerted effort to address systemic barriers and disparities
Overall, the 2024 CCHL National Conference was a stimulating and enlightening experience, providing valuable insights that will inform my work in healthcare. Looking forward to continuing the conversation and driving positive change in healthcare!”
I also want to share a different aspect of our theme and recognize all the individuals and groups who come together continuously to make the work of the College possible. First, our Board of Directors who provide guidance and support. Second, our chapter chairs who lead the volunteer executive committees who deliver the programming members attend in local communities. And last but not least, our staff who work tirelessly to fulfill our purpose and support all health leaders.
Lastly, a big shoutout to all of you, our members and health leaders across Canada, and in particular the 500 who took the time to travel to Halifax and experience the College community for a few days. Your collective insights are summarized on the knowledge wall that was created during the conference.
We look forward to seeing many of you in Edmonton next year. Until then, let’s come together to provide the best care for our friends, families and loved ones in all our communities.
Check out all of the Conference photo albums! https://bit.ly/CCHL-Photo-Albums
