Dr. Françoise Chagnon of Montreal named Royal College President-Elect

Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada

OTTAWA,, Feb. 18, 2016 /CNW/ - Françoise P. Chagnon, MDCM, FRCSC, is poised to become the 44th President of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Her appointment as President-Elect officially began today at the 2016 Royal College Annual Meeting of the Members in Ottawa. A Montreal-based otolaryngologist and voice specialist, Dr. Chagnon is also highly-regarded for her management and leadership capabilities.

"I want Royal College Fellows to understand and recognize the importance of Fellowship," said Dr. Chagnon. "Our profession is evolving towards a competency-based model of medical education and continuous learning. This is an important concept. It will contribute to enhanced skills and assessment from residency to retirement, and ultimately improve patient care. I want the Royal College to be a go-to place for professional guidance and mentorship, as we work with all our partners to introduce and carry out this approach."  

Dr. Chagnon holds appointments at the McGill University Health Centre, St. Mary's Hospital Center, l'Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal and the Douglas Mental Health University Institute. She was the founding director of the Montreal General Hospital Voice Clinic and has held past appointments as director of Professional Services at the McGill University Health Centre and at l'Institut de réadaptation Gingras Lindsay de Montréal. She is currently the director of l'Assurance d'Hospitalisation Canassurance (Québec Blue Cross) and president of Vocalex Inc.

"Dr. Chagnon is highly-respected by her colleagues – and for good reason. You know when she contributes an idea or opinion that it is thoughtful, well-balanced and reflects her vast amount of experience. I know the Royal College will benefit immensely under her guidance," said Kevin Imrie, MD, FRCPC, Royal College President (2015-2017) and physician-in-chief at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto.

"Dr. Chagnon is a credit to the profession and to the Royal College," added Andrew Padmos, MD, FRCPC, Royal College CEO. "She exudes intelligence and strength of character. For years, she's managed the Royal College's Financial Reporting and Risk Oversight Committee, where she's introduced best practices and brought greater awareness to their work. I know she'll bring that same thoughtful and measured approach to her new position as President-Elect."

Dr. Chagnon begins her new role immediately ­— the first step in a two-step process to become President of the Royal College. For one year, she will occupy the role of President-Elect where she will have increased responsibilities in preparation for the presidency. Her appointment to serve as Royal College President for 2017-2019 will then be brought forward for affirmation by Royal College Council in February 2017.

Dr. Chagnon's full biography can be found online at www.royalcollege.ca/about/governance.

The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada is the national, not-for-profit organization that oversees the medical education of specialists in Canada by setting high standards for postgraduate medical education and continuing professional development. In collaboration with health organizations and government agencies, the Royal College also plays a role in developing sound health policy in Canada.

SOURCE Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada

Image with caption: "Dr. Françoise Chagnon of Montreal named Royal College President-Elect (CNW Group/Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160218_C2021_PHOTO_EN_624118.jpg

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