Dr. Cindy Forbes of Nova Scotia New President-Elect at the Canadian Medical Association Annual Meeting

OTTAWA, Aug. 19, 2014 /CNW/ - Dr. Cindy Forbes was acclaimed president-elect of the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) today during the association's 147^th annual meeting in Ottawa. Dr. Forbes takes over the role of president-elect from Dr. Chris Simpson, the new CMA president.

"My goal as president is to identify and promote innovative solutions and positive change for health-care. I'm looking forward to playing an important role in the Canadian Medical Association's health care transformation initiative," said Dr. Forbes 

"I am honoured to have been selected by my peers as CMA's president-elect for 2014-2015 and I will ensure that the CMA focuses on issues that matter most to Canada's doctors and their patients, such as seniors care."

Originally from Dartmouth, N.S., Dr. Forbes has been a practising family physician for more than 28 years. She completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Education at Dalhousie University in 1980 and was a recipient of the Dalhousie University Medal for Academic Achievement.

With a passion for health and wellness, Dr. Forbes decided to pursue a career in medicine. She obtained her MD from Dalhousie University's School of Medicine in 1985 where she was President of her graduating class.

Dr. Forbes went on to practice family medicine in Bedford, N.S., and quickly became actively engaged in the work of Doctors Nova Scotia where she ultimately became President from 1996-1997.

Following her term as Past President, Dr. Forbes moved with her family to North Vancouver, B.C., where she practised as a family physician for three years before returning to Nova Scotia and joining her current family practice in Fall River, N.S.  During her time in British Columbia, she also served on the BCMA's Council on Health Care and Promotion and the Tobacco and Illness Prevention Committee.

Dr. Forbes is a former Sport Nova Scotia spokesperson for the Sports Makes a Difference Campaign, and has served as Chief Medical Officer for the Bluenose Marathon.  She was also previously host of CTV-CMA Medical Minutes health promotion features for CTV news channel.

Recently, she has been actively engaged with the NS College of Physicians and Surgeons, Doctors Nova Scotia and the Dalhousie Medical Alumni Association.

In the past, she has chaired CMA's Council on Health Care and Promotion, and is a former member of CMA's Political Action Committee and is currently a member of the Doctors Nova Scotia's Master Agreement Steering Committee. For the past eight years, she has also served as a medical consultant for Medavie Blue Cross's medication advisory panel.

Today, Dr. Forbes lives in Waverley, N.S., with her husband, Greg, and is the proud mother of two daughters. She is an active paddler and volunteer with the Cheema Aquatic Club.  She is a dedicated runner and an aspiring golfer. 

Dr. Forbes will begin her one-year term as CMA president in August 2015.

The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) is the national voice of Canadian physicians. Founded in 1867, the CMA is a voluntary professional organization representing more than 80,000 of Canada's physicians and comprising 12 provincial and territorial medical associations and 60 national medical organizations. CMA's mission is to serve and unite the physicians of Canada and be the national advocate, in partnership with the people of Canada, for the highest standards of health and health care.

SOURCE: Canadian Medical Association

For further information: Lucie Boileau, Senior Advisor, Communications and Public Outreach, Canadian Medical Association, Tel.: [phone] | 800-663-7336 ext. 1266, Aug. 17-20, 2014: 613-288-9558, Cell: 613.447.0866, [email protected]; Dominique Jolicoeur, Communications Officer, Canadian Medical Association, Tel.: [phone] | 800-663-7336 ext. 2038, Aug. 17-20, 2014: 613-288-9558, Cell: 613.809.5669, [email protected]