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Code of conduct
We are in grave danger, we have taken people out of the picture.
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Dr Z. Essak, MD - Vancouver, BC - October 17, 2022
It’s about learning, knowledge, sharing and understanding so we can make our society and the world better.
We are in grave danger. Soon those with memories of how things were different will be gone. We will be left at risk of believing the way we do things is the only way.
We have taken people out of the picture. We have become leaders of entities, not leaders of people.
Not the only nail in the coffin of democracy at the Canadian Medical Association
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Dr Z. Essak, MD - Vancouver BC - August 11, 2021.
In less than two weeks, on August 22, 2021 the Canadian Medical Association will hold its AGM as a virtual meeting with proposed bylaw amendments that some doctors say will be the end of democracy at the CMA. While the proposed bylaw amendments deserve to be defeated by physician members, it is not the whole story. This is not the only nail in the coffin of democracy in the CMA and in the medical profession throughout the country and the provinces.
Courageous thinking
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There is no definitive history of medicine in BC, there are only perspectives.
For some of us, living and practicing through portions of that history, certain elements may stand out for their significance.
One, that stands out to me, is the loss of courageous thinking. Not simply repeating what has been concluded by others or committee but truly independent thinking. Fresh eyes and a fresh mind.
After all isn't that what doctors learned as students?
Grassroots BC doctors launch petition for BCMA to stop further punitive legal action against Dr Caroline Wang
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Grassroots BC doctors launched a petition for the BCMA to stop further punitive legal actions against Dr. Caroline Wang available online at http://bcdoctors.org and in one week over 180 doctors have signed the petition.
Doctors are being urged to sign the petition, to speak out at the BCMA AGM on May 31, to share the information with their colleagues to stop this injustice.
Some doctors have also added comments to the petition, "Given the context of the Wang story, the chilling effect is absolute".
What are the fiduciary duties of directors of the BC Medical Association?
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Vancouver, BC - Z. Essak, April 22, 2014
The BC Medical Association (BCMA), now rebranding itself as the DoctorsOfBC, is a non-profit Society in BC. It is a voluntary professional association of physicians that purports to represent all BC physicians in negotiations regardless of whether or not physicians choose to be a member.
The 2014 BCMA elections are now underway. Which way are the winds blowing? Are they winds of change? Are they strong enough? Will we see openness, transparency and accountability emerge or continued substitution with opaque communications and marketing?
BC Appeal Court to rule on Qualified Privilege
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Vancouver, BC – Z. Essak, March 5, 2014.
Next week on March 11th and 12th the BC Appeal Court in Vancouver will be hearing the matter in Wang v BC Medical Association and named Defendants.
Why might this Appeal Court hearing be important to people in all walks of life in BC especially those involved as board directors and members of any non-profit Society, Association, Health Authority, Union and even corporations?
When can members of a Board claim qualified privilege as a defense for what they do?
Qualified privilege is a special privilege for those in positions of authority or trust. When does qualified privilege apply and when are actions simply an abuse of privilege, position, or power?
Wang v BC Medical Association Judgment Released March 8, 2013
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2013-04-05 Vancouver, BC – Z. Essak,
Almost a month has passed since the Judgment Wang v BC Medical Association was released on March 8, 2013. The day the Judgment was released the BCMA Board was in session. The BCMA Board will be meeting again on Saturday April 6, 2013.
The Judgment comes a little more than a year after the 24 days at Trial from January 23 to February 24, 2012 and five years have elapsed since the President’s Letter of February 2, 2008.
Some doctors are saying maybe the Judgment could have been more even-handed in it’s delivery. Some doctors are saying “Dr Wang won but she doesn’t get any relief”. Some doctors are saying “it’s a partial victory” and some doctors are saying “it’s a huge win”.
What has emerged from the Judgment?
Court Reserves Judgment in Wang v. BC Medical Association and Individuals
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Vancouver, BC - June 4, 2012 - Z. Essak
Four years after the controversy arose from the BC Medical Association Board meeting of February 2008 and communications of the BCMA President alleged to be defamatory the matter was heard at Trial in the BC Supreme Court in Vancouver.
The Trial began on January 23, 2012 and though originally scheduled for twenty days was extended for an additional week with a total of twenty-four days of hearings. The Trial hearings ended on February 24, 2012 and the Court reserved Judgment. The Court decision may be released anytime in the next several months.
The Court is to consider not only whether the actions were defamatory but also if there was malice and breach of contract.
Trial begins in Wang v BC Medical Association and named individuals
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Vancouver BC - January 29, 2012.
Z. Essak, MD
Almost four years after a dispute erupted between Dr Caroline Wang and other directors of the BC Medical Association at the Board meeting of February 1 and 2, 2008 the matter is now being heard at Trial in the BC Supreme Court.
The Trial, which is a civil matter not a criminal one, began on Monday January 23, 2012. It is scheduled to proceed for twenty days until February 17, 2012. The location is room 43 of the BC Supreme Court, 800 Smithe Street, Vancouver, BC. The Honourable Mr. Justice Grauer presiding.
Now the Trial has begun it is a time to see and learn. How will the Court resolve this matter involving legal expenses likely to exceed $2 million? Will the outcome of the Trial affect the workings of the BC Medical Association? Will it more broadly affect the workings of other Societies incorporated in BC?
Everyone is talking about the BCMA, audio podcasts
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A series of audio podcasts have been posted on the website.
Everyone is talking about the BCMA
Is the 2011 BCMA election valid?
