News and Updates

• NBMS discourages employers from requiring sick notes during COVID-19 pandemic
  03/19/2020
  "The New Brunswick Medical Society is discouraging private employers from requiring sick notes from their employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. Physicians are seeing unnecessary visits from patients whose employers are demanding a sick note. Employees are also presenting at emergency departments.

• CLARIFICATION: Physicians urge united approach to COVID-19
  03/12/2020
  The New Brunswick Medical Society would like to clarify its position with respect to government decisions regarding COVID-19.

• Physicians disappointed with Department of Education and Early Childhood Development decision
  03/11/2020
  Physicians across New Brunswick are concerned that the recent announcement by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development requiring students, staff, and other travellers to avoid public schools and early learning facilities is not rooted in evidence-based public health policy.

• NBMS encouraged by provincial budget
  03/10/2020
  "The New Brunswick Medical Society is pleased to see that health care spending will increase 3.9% increase over 2019. The budget issued today is positive news for our challenged health system. We are particularly pleased to see $5 million investment in rural incentives for physicians, $5.5 million investment in mental...

• Statement on cancellation of emergency department changes
  02/16/2020
  "The New Brunswick Medical Society acknowledges the need for the provincial government to halt the reforms announced last week to emergency departments in six communities. There were many unanswered questions with government’s previously announced plan that concerned physicians and community leaders.

• Statement on overnight emergency department closures
  02/11/2020
  “The New Brunswick Medical Society recognizes that the design of our province’s health system must evolve and modernize to reflect today’s and tomorrow’s population needs. The impact of substantial changes to our health system are always a source of concern for physicians.

• Statement on nurse practitioners
  01/27/2020
  “The New Brunswick Medical Society supports initiatives that will improve primary care access for New Brunswickers. We are encouraged to hear that the Department of Health and regional health authorities are adding 32 nurse practitioners in emergency departments and health clinics in the province.

• Statement on hospital security challenges
  01/16/2020
  “The New Brunswick Medical Society is extremely concerned by the failure of government, the regional health authorities, and a third-party security firm to provide adequate security in New Brunswick hospitals. There has been growing evidence for many months that our hospitals are woefully unprepared for security incidents; this is simply unacceptable.

• Statement on Campbellton Regional Hospital
  11/21/2019
  “The New Brunswick Medical Society is concerned about the capacity issues and closure of services at the Campbellton Regional Hospital. New Brunswick has the largest proportion of seniors in the country; without a clear plan to address their health-care needs outside of hospital, these unfortunate circumstances will continue to occur...

• Physicians caution public about edible cannabis
  10/16/2019
  New Brunswick Medical Society relaunches Legal, Not Safe campaign as federal government legalizes edible cannabis, cannabis extracts, and cannabis topicals

• Statement on the closure of Clinic 554 in Fredericton
  10/15/2019
  “New Brunswick physicians are concerned about the news of Clinic 554’s impending closure. The New Brunswick Medical Society has reached out to government concerning this and will be engaging in conversation with the Department of Health immediately.

• Health system requires a shakeup
  10/07/2019
  In nearly two decades of practising medicine in New Brunswick, I have watched the health-care challenges in our province worsen.

• NBMS applauds end of billing numbers
  09/28/2019
  The New Brunswick Medical Society applauds the provincial government’s announcement today to end the billing number system for family physicians and specialists as of Dec. 15. The billing number system has not proven effective in recruiting physicians to any region of the province, rural or urban, and its restrictive nature...

• Statement on end of New Brunswick measles outbreak
  07/10/2019
  The New Brunswick Medical Society is pleased to hear the measles outbreak has been declared over. We thank the dedicated physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and Public Health officials for their diligent work and professionalism through this challenging outbreak.

• Statement on proposed changes to exemptions from provincial immunization requirements
  06/08/2019
  The New Brunswick Medical Society supports the provincial government's proposed changes to the Education and Public Health Acts that would remove non-medical exemptions from the mandatory immunization requirements for public school and licensed early learning and child care admissions.

• New Brunswick’s 2019 medical school graduates
  05/31/2019
  Congratulations to New Brunswick’s 2019 medical school graduates from Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick in Saint John, le Centre de formation médicale du Nouveau-Brunswick in Moncton, Memorial University in Newfoundland, and Laval University and University of Montreal in Quebec.

• Statement on virtual care
  05/29/2019
  The New Brunswick Medical Society is pleased to be working with our colleagues across Atlantic Canada to enhance virtual health care in eastern Canada. In May 2019, our four medical associations, along with the Canadian Medical Association, signed a joint statement to call attention to the need for increased use...

• Statement on New Brunswick measles outbreak
  05/26/2019
  Today we learned of two additional cases of measles confirmed at Kennebecasis Valley High School, bringing the total number of measles cases in the Saint John area to five.

• We're hiring: Marketing and Communications Coordinator
  03/22/2019
  Our team is growing! We’re hiring a Marketing & Communications Coordinator. Interested? Get the details here: https://bit.ly/2FrLvzE

• Statement of congratulations to Dr. Ann Collins, CMA president-elect nominee
  02/28/2019
  “On behalf of the physicians of New Brunswick, I would like to sincerely congratulate Dr. Ann Collins, elected as president-elect nominee of the Canadian Medical Association today. Dr. Collins has been involved in various health-care improvement initiatives throughout the course of her career, most notably as a member of the...

• Statement from NBMS regarding opioid use in New Brunswick
  01/09/2019
  There has been increasing public and media attention recently regarding opioid use in New Brunswick. This is an important issue, and one the New Brunswick Medical Society takes seriously.

• NBMS statement on new measures to reduce drug-impaired driving
  12/14/2018
  As an emergency physician, I see an alarming number of accidents related to impaired driving, despite the increased awareness and education. Therefore, the New Brunswick Medical Society (NBMS) is pleased to see that the government is introducing new measures to prevent drug-impaired driving.

• NBMS statement on updated school nutrition policy
  12/07/2018
  The New Brunswick Medical Society is concerned with the unhealthy lifestyle choices among children that are contributing to the obesity epidemic. Obesity and diabetes in children have been on the rise over the last 10 years, prompting physicians to be concerned with the unhealthy diets and a lack of physical...

• Statement on Speech from the Throne
  11/21/2018
  The New Brunswick Medical Society (NBMS) is pleased that the provincial government’s throne speech made several important commitments to health care, including working with physicians to find an alternative to the billing number system that controls where, and how many, physicians can work in the province.

• Statement on changes to Ambulance New Brunswick
  11/20/2018
  The New Brunswick Medical Society (NBMS) applauds the initiative proposed by the provincial government to reduce ambulance response times across the province.

• The Obesity Epidemic - New Brunswick needs a strategy!
  08/09/2018
  The evidence is overwhelming. Over the past several years New Brunswick has experienced an alarming increase in obesity rates among adults, children, and its youth. And while obesity itself may often be overlooked as a chronic condition, Health Canada cautions that obesity is directly linked to many chronic diseases, like...

• Statement on government legal action against pharmaceutical companies
  07/24/2018
  The New Brunswick Medical Society is pleased to see the provincial government considering legal action against pharmaceutical companies and distributors for their role in the opioids crisis. Opioids are important therapeutic tools and serve legitimate purposes, but they need to be prescribed in an appropriate manner, with appropriate assessment and...

• Physicians to politicians: New Brunswick deserves smarter health care in Election 2018
  07/05/2018
  New Brunswick physicians are calling on political parties and candidates to make changes for smarter health care in their 2018 provincial election platforms.

• Healthy Seniors Pilot Project in N.B. a good step forward, but Canada’s seniors deserve a national plan
  06/25/2018
  Ottawa (ON)/Fredericton (NB) - The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) and the New Brunswick Medical Society (NBMS) welcome the launch today of the Healthy Seniors Pilot Project in Moncton. With New Brunswick having the highest proportion of seniors in Canada, this $75 million initiative represents an opportunity to address and better...

• Statement from Dr. Dharm Singh on World No Tobacco Day
  05/31/2018
  “As we mark World No Tobacco Day, we should be proud of how far we have come, and use this progress as motivation to continue lowering tobacco use in New Brunswick. Though we have come a long way, there is no doubt that tobacco use impacts many people in the province.

• Celebration of Medicine to honour excellence among New Brunswick physicians
  05/26/2018
  SAINT JOHN – Twenty-seven physicians will be honoured during the New Brunswick Medical Society’s Celebration of Medicine event on May 26th in Saint John. The event is held annually to recognize excellence in the medical profession and celebrate the achievements of physicians in New Brunswick.

• Ten new family doctors coming to Fredericton over the next two years
  05/10/2018
  Ten new family doctors will work in Fredericton under the Family Medicine New Brunswick model, a program intended to provide patients with enhanced access to family doctors.

• Province’s Family Medicine Model adds team in Saint John
  03/27/2018
  A group of six doctors in Saint John has become the second team to work under the Family Medicine New Brunswick (FMNB) model, a program intended to provide patients with enhanced access to family doctors.

• Investment to accelerate adoption of electronic medical record system
  03/23/2018
  The provincial government is investing in a renewed partnership with the New Brunswick Medical Society to support and accelerate the adoption of the Provincial Electronic Medical Record system by doctors.

• It’s time for NB Recreation Facilities to up their food and beverage game
  02/27/2018
  A report released today by the New Brunswick Healthy Eating in Recreation Settings Working Group revealed that the majority of foods and beverages being sold in recreation facilities are unhealthy.

• First team begins work under province’s new Family Medicine model
  01/16/2018
  A group of four doctors in Oromocto has become the first team to work under a new Family Medicine New Brunswick model which is intended to provide patients with enhanced access to family physicians.

• Statement on Report of the Standing Senate Committee on National Finance
  12/13/2017
  “The New Brunswick Medical Society (NBMS) is pleased that, in its report, the Standing Senate Committee on National Finance recognises that the Minister of Finance’s proposed changes to the Income Tax Act related to private corporations have many problematic elements.

• The NBMS is hiring a Member Engagement Officer and a Physician Recruitment Specialist
  12/12/2017
  Based in the provincial capital, the New Brunswick Medical Society (NBMS) is the voice of the medical profession in New Brunswick, providing province-wide representation and advocacy for physicians in New Brunswick. As the provincial division of the Canadian Medical Association, the NBMS exists to represent physicians and advocate for the...

• Government of New Brunswick Primary Care Integration Initiative Worth Trying
  11/29/2017
  We are all keenly aware of the precarious state of New Brunswick’s health care system. The province has been struggling for years with a growing demand for health services and often overburdened hospitals. Insufficient nursing home capacity continues to result in many seniors having to spend months in a hospital...

• NB Health Providers Discourage Unnecessary Use of Antibiotics
  11/14/2017
  New Brunswick health care providers are working together this cold and flu season to reduce the unnecessary use of antibiotics.

• New Brunswick Medical Society Promoting Use of Winter Tires
  11/06/2017
  As winter approaches and New Brunswick roads are increasingly affected by dropping temperatures and uncertain conditions, the New Brunswick Medical Society (NBMS) is encouraging drivers to choose winter tires over all-seasons.

• Statement on An Act to Amend the Public Health Act
  10/25/2017
  “In 2014, the New Brunswick Medical Society called on the provincial government to enact legislation to ensure the independence of medical officers of health and we are encouraged to see the introduction of such legislation today.

• Statement on the Federal Finance Minister announcement related to private corporations
  10/19/2017
  “The New Brunswick Medical Society is pleased that the Federal Finance Minister is open to adjusting his proposal related to private corporations. We look forward to continuing the dialogue on the tax proposal with the Federal government.

• Statement on the grouping of primary health care resources
  10/18/2017
  “The New Brunswick Medical Society supports the New Brunswick government’s general goal of strengthening the primary health care system in the community. However, for the Medical Society, it is too early to comment formally on the project of grouping primary health care resources under the management of Medavie Health Services...

• Choosing Wisely New Brunswick: Taking action against unnecessary tests and treatments
  10/05/2017
  The New Brunswick Medical Society has officially launched Choosing Wisely New Brunswick, a campaign to help clinicians and patients engage in conversations about unnecessary tests and treatments, and make smart and effective care choices.

• Statement on Federal government approach to communications in tax debate
  10/03/2017
  The New Brunswick Medical Society believes in healthy debates on public policy issues. The Society also believes in tax fairness. However, as an organization, we are very disappointed with the communications strategy being used by the Federal government on the issue of tax planning using private corporations.

• Physicians express continued concern about proposed federal tax changes
  09/29/2017
  New Brunswick doctors met today at the New Brunswick Medical Society’s (NBMS) Annual General Meeting to discuss the proposed federal tax changes and how they will affect their ability to practice in the province.

• Statement on payment for plasma donation
  09/11/2017
  “The main concern of the New Brunswick Medical Society is that Health Canada and Canadian Blood Services continue to ensure the safety and quality of blood and plasma products for Canadian patients.

• Proposed federal tax measures could seriously impact healthcare delivery in NB
  09/06/2017
  New Brunswick doctors continue to have significant concerns regarding the proposed federal tax measures affecting private corporations.

• New Brunswick Medical Society Launches Public Education Campaign to Highlight Health Risks of Marijuana
  07/24/2017
  In less than a year, marijuana will be legally available in New Brunswick and throughout Canada. In advance of legalization, the New Brunswick Medical Society is launching a new public education campaign to highlight the health risks that come with consuming marijuana.

• Medical Society presents sculpture to New Brunswickers in honour of 150th anniversary
  07/19/2017
  The New Brunswick Medical Society (NBMS) officially presented a sculpture to the City of Fredericton today.

• Statement on the release of physician billings
  06/26/2017
  The members of the New Brunswick Medical Society are supportive of the release of billing information by government for all physicians in the province. Doctors believe it is important for New Brunswickers to be informed about how health care dollars are spent, and support the government’s goals of transparency and accountability.

• Province and New Brunswick Medical Society ratify new four-year agreement
  06/22/2017
  The provincial government and the New Brunswick Medical Society have signed a new four-year physician services master agreement which is intended to enhance access to primary health care in the province.

• Family Medicine New Brunswick aims to transform primary care
  06/13/2017
  The New Brunswick Medical Society (NBMS) has partnered with the Government of New Brunswick to introduce a new program that will change the way certain family physicians practice.

• Doctors release advice on marijuana legalisation to government
  06/09/2017
  New Brunswick’s doctors have issued a comprehensive series of recommendations to government, which aim to minimise the harm to the public from the coming legalisation of marijuana.

• NBMS Celebration of Medicine honours New Brunswick physicians
  05/26/2017
  Twenty-four physicians will be recognized during the New Brunswick Medical Society’s (NBMS) Celebration of Medicine this weekend in Saint Andrews. This year marks the 11th edition of the event, held annually to honour excellence in the medical profession and to recognize dedicated physicians who have served their communities for decades.

• Fitness program to improve learning comes to Capital Region
  05/08/2017
  Over 85 per cent of children aged 5-11 fail to get the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity. With compelling research about the positive effect exercise has on learning, a group of doctors and other health care professionals in the Capital Region are on a mission to encourage more...

• Statement on the New Brunswick Family Plan
  04/27/2017
  The New Brunswick Medical Society supports a Family Plan that promotes an integrated approach to the provision of health and social care to help New Brunswickers, including the most vulnerable in society, achieve healthy and productive lives.

• Statement on the new federal bill on recreational marijuana
  04/13/2017
  While we appreciate the emphasis the new federal bill on recreational marijuana legalization has placed on protecting youth, we are disappointed the government has set the legal minimum age at 18 years. Though people may be legally recognized as adults on their 18th birthday, in medical terms their brain continues...

• New Brunswick doctors look to bridge the gap between poverty and assistance
  04/06/2017
  FREDERICTON – As the provincial government holds consultations to develop the New Brunswick Family Plan, and with 13.8% of New Brunswick families living in poverty, the province’s doctors are drawing attention to the issue of poverty and its effects on health.

• New Brunswick’s doctors welcome acclaimed physician Dr. Danielle Martin
  02/22/2017
  FREDERICTON – With health care still a key concern for many, New Brunswick’s doctors welcomed Dr. Danielle Martin in advance of her lecture on her new book Better Now: Six Big Ideas to Improve Health Care for all Canadians.

• Seven changes to make New Brunswick one of the healthiest provinces in Canada
  01/23/2017
  FREDERICTON – Following a months-long call for New Brunswickers to share their ideas on how to make the province’s residents healthier, New Brunswick’s doctors are releasing their findings to the public.

• Statement from New Brunswick's Doctors on Ellen's Law
  01/03/2017
  New Brunswick doctors have long been supporters of cycling safety.

• Statement on the Canada – New Brunswick Health Accord
  12/22/2016
  Fredericton - We are pleased that the Government of New Brunswick has reached a 10-year agreement with the Government of Canada on Federal Health-care funding. This is a positive step for New Brunswick patients, and reflects an important focus on increasing access to home care and mental-health care in the Province.

• Tentative agreement reached with Department of Health
  11/16/2016
  FREDERICTON (GNB) -- A tentative Physician Services Master Agreement has been reached between the Department of Health and the New Brunswick Medical Society.

• Statement on the 2016 Speech from the Throne
  11/03/2016
  We are very pleased the Government of New Brunswick has now committed to our challenge to become one of the top three healthiest provinces in Canada in ten years. This is a credible shift in government’s support for a healthier society, and much work needs to be done to accomplish...

• New Brunswick Medical Society announces new President from Moncton
  10/04/2016
  FREDERICTON – The New Brunswick Medical Society named Dr. Lynn Murphy-Kaulbeck as their new President for 2016-2017 on Saturday at their Annual General Meeting in Saint John.

• NB physicians prescribe reading to benefit learning and health
  09/22/2016
  The New Brunswick Medical Society and Elementary Literacy Inc. are partnering to promote literacy through physician offices in New Brunswick.

• New Brunswick’s doctors launch photo series to lead conversation on healthy weights
  09/20/2016
  After hosting a Forum on Healthy Weights and launching a province-wide conversation about how New Brunswickers can be supported to achieve their best health – including an ambitious goal to make the province one of the top three healthiest in 10 years – New Brunswick’s doctors are now continuing the...

• Doctors to New Brunswickers: Let’s make our province one of the top three healthiest in 10 years
  09/12/2016
  FREDERICTON – With New Brunswick continuing to rank among the highest in Canada for obesity and among the lowest for fruit and vegetable consumption, the province’s doctors are calling on New Brunswickers to join them in setting an ambitious goal – making New Brunswick one of the top three healthiest...

• Update from the CMA: Nine in 10 doctors agree federal legislation needed on medical assistance in dying
  06/16/2016
  Only one-quarter believe provincial medical guidelines provide sufficient guidance for them to provide service

• Statement on the provincial directives on no criminal prosecution in respect of a physician-assisted death
  06/13/2016
  The issues around physician-assisted death are no clearer than they were yesterday. We have no legislation from provincial or federal governments, and doctors are left with a vague ruling from the Supreme Court of Canada to guide their clinical decisions – a ruling intended for the courtroom rather than the clinic.

• Small Strides, Healthy Lives partnership continues to encourage youth physical activity
  06/08/2016
  The New Brunswick Medical Society (NBMS) and Run New Brunswick (RunNB) have renewed their partnership to once again deliver the popular Small Strides, Healthy Lives program, which encourages youth participation in Run NB youth events.

• Statement on the new provincial cabinet
  06/06/2016
  On behalf of the province’s doctors, I’d like to congratulate the province’s new and returning ministers.

• Statement on today's announcement about gender-confirming surgery
  06/03/2016
  Today’s announcement from the provincial government brings New Brunswick in line with the rest of Canada’s provinces to insure gender-confirming surgery by Medicare. Issues related to gender identity are increasingly common in New Brunswick and in Canada, and Medicare insurance for this service will make it more accessible for people...

• Doctors to government: don’t delay Bill C-14
  06/01/2016
  With last night’s passage of Bill C-14 passed in the House of Commons, New Brunswick’s doctors are calling on the Senate to also pass the legislation, focused on medical aid in dying. Without this legislation by June 6, doctors and patients will be left without clear government direction on the procedure.

• NBMS Celebration of Medicine honours New Brunswick physicians
  05/26/2016
  Thirty-seven physicians will be recognized during the New Brunswick Medical Society’s (NBMS) Celebration of Medicine this weekend in Fredericton. This year marks the 10th edition of the event, held annually to honour excellence in the medical profession and to recognize dedicated physicians who have served their communities for decades.

• Statement on the new federal bill on assisted death
  04/15/2016
  New Brunswick’s doctors are pleased to see that the new federal bill on assisted death takes into account the recommendations and concerns of physicians. The new bill provides essential framework for determining eligibility for assisted death and defines grievous and irremediable medical conditions.

• NBMS applauds Council on Aging announcement
  02/23/2016
  New Brunswick doctors are congratulating the New Brunswick government for establishing a Council on Aging, with the mandate to develop an aging strategy for the province. The Council will be co-chaired by Ken McGeorge, interim executive director of the Alzheimer Society of New Brunswick, and Suzanne Dupuis-Blanchard, associate professor of...

• Medical Society applauds new family medicine agreement with government
  02/02/2016
  Today, the President of the New Brunswick Medical Society hailed the creation of a new Memorandum of Understanding with the provincial government, which outlined a plan to modernise family medicine in New Brunswick.

• Doctors applaud New Brunswick ski industry leadership
  01/27/2016
  The New Brunswick Medical Society is applauding the mandatory helmet policies put in place by three New Brunswick ski hills: Poley Mountain (Sussex), Sugarloaf Park (Campbellton) and Mont Farlagne (Edmundston). All three policies were implemented voluntarily and require helmets to be worn by all skiers and snowboarders.

• Statement on the agreement between the former Chief Medical Officer of Health and the government
  01/18/2016
  We are pleased that the former Chief Medical Officer of Health and the government have been able to reach a resolution to this long-standing matter.

• New Brunswick doctors call for change after new report points to ‘skyrocketing’ wait times
  12/11/2015
  On the heels of a new report showing that New Brunswickers have among the longest wait times in Canada for surgery, the President of the New Brunswick Medical Society is calling for a change to halt the steady rise in wait times.

• Statement on the termination of the former Chief Medical Officer of Health
  12/08/2015
  Today, we find ourselves without a Chief Medical Officer of Health in New Brunswick. I have written an open letter to the Minister of Health to express New Brunswick’s doctors’ serious concern with the termination of the former Chief.

• Statement on the Edmundston nursing home agreement
  11/23/2015
  We are pleased that Edmundston physicians and the Province have been able to come to an agreement to ensure good care for residents of the new Domaine des Bâtisseurs nursing home. The events of recent weeks have highlighted the need for seniors care improvements, particularly strategies to keep seniors out...

• Statement on the on-call program
  10/30/2015
  The current on-call program funds one on-call rotation for each nursing home in NB. This arrangement has been in place since the inception of the on-call program in 2003. The formula used to determine how many hours per week a physician will spend visiting the nursing home is quite dated.

• Statement on today's announcement from Edmundston physicians
  10/29/2015
  The New Brunswick Medical Society has called for the construction of new nursing homes as part of the solution to better care for Alternate Level of Care patients waiting in hospital. We are pleased that the opening of the new Domaine des Bâtisseurs nursing home in Edmundston will increase the...

• Statement on the new nursing home in Edmundston
  10/28/2015
  New Brunswick’s doctors believe in the importance of caring for seniors where they live. We are also strong supporters of the creation of new nursing homes and are pleased with those investments.

• New Brunswick Medical Society announces new President from Saint John
  10/06/2015
  FREDERICTON – The New Brunswick Medical Society named Dr. John Whelan as their new President for 2015-2016 on Saturday at their Annual General Meeting in Miramichi.

• New Brunswick Medical Society recognizes Dr. Camille Haddad’s presidential accomplishments
  10/05/2015
  FREDERICTON – The New Brunswick Medical Society bid farewell to Dr. Camille Haddad as his presidential term concluded Saturday in his hometown of Miramichi, during the Society’s Annual General Meeting. He will be replaced by Dr. John Whelan, a diagnostic radiologist in Saint John.

• New Brunswick health professionals, patients, and government lead national conversation on seniors care
  09/22/2015
  FREDERICTON – With the two-day Roundtable on Seniors Care wrapped up, Dr. Camille Haddad, President of the New Brunswick Medical Society and Dr Chris Simpson, Past President of the Canadian Medical Association, thanked those who had attended and contributed solutions.

• Physician groups release ‘Voices on Seniors Care’ compilation
  09/18/2015
  FREDERICTON – Against the backdrop of a federal election and frustration from health providers, politicians, and families about seniors care options, the New Brunswick Medical Society and the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) have partnered to release Voices on Seniors Care.

• Panelists for Patient Dialogue on Seniors Care announced, event registration now open
  09/17/2015
  FREDERICTON – Dr. Chris Simpson, Past President of the Canadian Medical Association; Suzanne Dupuis-Blanchard, PhD; and Dr. Ben Hoyt, Chief of Surgery in Fredericton, will feature September 21 at “A Patient Dialogue on Seniors Care in New Brunswick.” The New Brunswick Medical Society and the Canadian Medical Association will co-host...

• New co-ordinated physician recruitment approach announced
  09/16/2015
  FREDERICTON (GNB) – A new co-ordinated physician recruitment approach is being established in New Brunswick.

• New Brunswick doctors head to Canada’s “Parliament of Medicine” with call for improved seniors care
  08/24/2015
  In a show of national unity, the President of the New Brunswick Medical Society will join colleagues from Alberta to make motions related to seniors care at Canada’s “Parliament of Medicine.”

• Doctors invite government, health leaders, patients to Seniors Care Roundtable in September
  06/29/2015
  FREDERICTON - The President of the Canadian Medical Association was joined by the President of the New Brunswick Medical Society today to announce a plan for a Roundtable on Seniors Care, to be held in September.

• The NBMS is looking for a Digital Communications Officer!
  06/19/2015
  The New Brunswick Medical Society is seeking a Digital Communications Officer for a one-year term position.

• Statement on Tobacco Control Legislative Updates, May 27 2015
  05/27/2015
  We are very pleased the government has moved forward on the next phases of policy changes to improve tobacco control, help smokers quit, and limit exposure of smoke to children. There’s a reason why smoking is one of the first things doctors inquire about in our work – patients who...

• New Brunswick doctors taking the conversation to patients about overuse of medical tests, treatments
  05/21/2015
  New Brunswick’s doctors are publicly throwing their weight behind a national campaign which encourages patients to have more informed conversations about health services with their doctor. Choosing Wisely Canada encourages a dialogue between patients and doctors about the overuse of medical tests, treatments, and procedures.

• Small Strides, Healthy Lives looking to set record in 2015, encourage 3,000 youth to get active
  05/08/2015
  FREDERICTON – Strengthening a partnership that has already seen thousands of youth get active over the last two years, RunNB announced today that it is partnering with the New Brunswick Medical Society on the 2015 partnership for the popular Run NB children’s running program.

• Changes to physician recruitment, primary care access announced
  04/21/2015
  FREDERICTON (NB) – The President of the New Brunswick Medical Society welcomed changes designed to improve patient access to care announced today by Health Minister Victor Boudreau.

• The NBMS is looking for a Director of Corporate Services!
  03/11/2015
  The New Brunswick Medical Society (NBMS) is the most important voice for doctors in New Brunswick, providing province-wide representation and advocacy for physicians in every sector of practice. NBMS is where physicians come together to advise and negotiate decisions of government, put their collective weight behind important advocacy issues for...

• New Brunswick doctors, dietitians recognize exceptional school food with ‘Where to Eat’ guide
  02/06/2015
  A week after releasing an in-depth analysis of school cafeteria menus from around the province, New Brunswick’s doctors and dietitians are recognizing schools serving exceptional food with a “Where to Eat” guide. The guide is the final component of this year’s Make Menus Matter project, undertaken jointly by the New...

• Make Menus Matter - Menu Assessments
  01/26/2015
  A project of the NB Dietitians in Action and the New Brunswick Medical Society.

• New Brunswick doctors, dietitians release school menu analysis
  01/25/2015
  After compiling and analyzing the contents of over one hundred school menus from around the province as part of their second Make Menus Matter project, New Brunswick’s doctors and dietitians are releasing their findings to the public.

• New Brunswick doctors, dietitians to expand analysis of school menus, ask parents for help
  01/19/2015
  New Brunswick’s doctors and dietitians are giving school menus their annual check-up – this time with a much more in-depth examination.

• Statement on today's announcement from the Premier
  11/26/2014
  New Brunswick's doctors believe that today's announcement from the Premier means that more doctors can perform abortions at more sites, which will enhance patient access to the procedure.

• New Brunswick’s doctors and local dietitians seeking input for new menu initiative
  11/19/2014
  Building on the success of last year’s Make Menus Matter campaign which looked at the kinds of food served in school cafeterias, New Brunswick’s doctors and the New Brunswick Dietitians in Action are once again asking the public for input for a new project to examine menu options.

• New Brunswick Medical Society President visits Campbellton
  11/06/2014
  The recently-elected President of the New Brunswick Medical Society visited with a number of physicians from the Restigouche region on Tuesday night as part of his tour around New Brunswick.

• New Brunswick doctors welcome new specialties and recommendations to Choosing Wisely Canada
  10/29/2014
  New Brunswick doctors, their colleagues across the country, and the Canadian Medical Association are pleased to welcome 12 additional medical specialty societies to the Choosing Wisely Canada campaign. The campaign, initially launched in April, encourages a conversation between patients and doctors about the overuse of medical tests and treatments.

• Statement on new Cabinet
  10/07/2014
  On behalf of New Brunswick's doctors, I'd like to welcome our new Minister of Health.

• New Brunswick Medical Society names new president from Miramichi
  10/06/2014
  The New Brunswick Medical Society announced a new president Saturday, following the conclusion of their Annual General Meeting in Fredericton.

• Provincial Electronic Medical Record Program now open for Wave 2 of physician enrolments
  09/24/2014
  The President of the New Brunswick Medical Society has announced that fee-for-service doctors will have two new opportunities to enrol for the Provincial Electronic Medical Records program with the benefit of government funding.

• Statement on New Brunswick Election
  09/23/2014
  New Brunswick's doctors congratulate the new provincial government under Premier-Elect Brian Gallant. The Liberal Party platform contained several elements suggested by the New Brunswick Medical Society and we look forward to building a strong relationship with a new Premier, Cabinet, and leadership team.

• We need more family doctors in New Brunswick
  09/12/2014
  Here's a closer look at why New Brunswick needs more family doctors.

• New Brunswick’s doctors welcome NDP commitments on health care
  09/05/2014
  New Brunswick’s doctors are welcoming the New Democratic Party’s commitments on health care, released yesterday in Fredericton.

• New Brunswick’s doctors welcome release of Progressive Conservative platform
  09/05/2014
  New Brunswick’s doctors are welcoming the Progressive Conservative Party’s commitment to implement several plans for health care.

• Statement from the New Brunswick Medical Society concerning the release of the Green Party of New Brunswick’s Electoral Platform
  09/04/2014
  New Brunswick’s doctors appreciate the Green Party’s focus on preventive and mental health, and the examination of environmental determinants of health. Their approach is holistic in that it examines advertising to children, taxation on junk food, and municipal planning in their health platform.

• No senior should have to live in a hospital
  09/04/2014
  Here's a closer look at how the lack of nursing home beds is affecting seniors.

• New Brunswick’s doctors welcome Liberal Party commitments on health care
  08/22/2014
  Just one day into the provincial election campaign, New Brunswick’s doctors are already welcoming a political party’s commitments on health care.

• New Brunswick’s doctors 'incredibly proud' of New Brunswicker’s election to CMA President
  08/20/2014
  Native New Brunswicker Dr Chris Simpson has taken the helm of the Canadian Medical Association, the national organisation that represents more than 80,000 doctors.

• New Brunswick’s doctors make final call to parties: listen to patients and professionals during Election 2014
  08/19/2014
  With a provincial election being formally announced on Thursday, New Brunswick’s doctors are making a final plea to politicians: listen to patients and professionals during the election period.

• National Report Card on Health Care “hammers home” lessons for New Brunswick
  08/18/2014
  Today’s release of a national survey that shows 95% of Canadians agree a national strategy on seniors’ health care is needed has special lessons for New Brunswick, the President of the province’s Medical Society says.

• New Brunswick’s doctors take provincial ideas to Canada’s “Parliament of Medicine”
  08/17/2014
  New Brunswick’s doctors are in Ottawa today to represent the province at Canada’s “Parliament of Medicine” and take provincial ideas to a national audience.

• Doctors to politicians: focus on patient priorities during Election 2014
  07/31/2014
  “Doctors have heard the message from our patients– they want politicians to fix three big problems in the health system,” said Dr Lynn Hansen, President of the New Brunswick Medical Society. “Doctors are going directly to the public with our solutions to these problems. We want patients to ask their...

• Statement on New Drug Coverage
  07/29/2014
  We're pleased the government is moving forward with drug coverage for New Brunswickers who are unable to afford the high cost of what doctors call 'orphan drugs.' These drugs are designed for extremely rare diseases and have incredibly high costs.

• New Brunswick doctors embrace exercise prescriptions
  06/20/2014
  Doctors around the province are prescribing physical activity to their patients, an initiative which has seen thousands of prescriptions handed out across the province so far.

• Doctors to politicians: increase the independence of New Brunswick’s Medical Officers of Health
  05/29/2014
  The New Brunswick Medical Society sent a letter to all provincial political parties this morning, asking them to support legislative change to ensure Medical Officers of Health have a legislatively defined responsibility to speak to their patients – all New Brunswickers.

• Doctors planning to increase prescriptions of 'ancient wonder drug' to New Brunswickers
  05/13/2014
  In advance of the Provincial Wellness Conference this week in Moncton, the President of the New Brunswick Medical Society announced today that dozens of doctors around the province are planning to increase their prescribing of a drug that reduces anxiety and stress, improves mood and healthy sleep habits, and lowers...

• Doctors vote in favour of tentative agreement with government
  05/07/2014
  The Minister of Health and President of the New Brunswick Medical Society have announced that the Province of New Brunswick and New Brunswick Medical Society will sign a new fee-for-service agreement, effective April 1, 2014 and extending to March 31, 2016.

• Small Strides, Healthy Lives extended between RunNB and the New Brunswick Medical Society
  04/25/2014
  FREDERICTON (RUN NB) – RunNB is partnering again for a second-consecutive year with the New Brunswick Medical Society on an exclusive partnership for the popular Run NB children’s running program.

• “Make Menus Matter” visits Magnetic Hill School
  04/23/2014
  MONCTON (NB) – As the winners of the provincial Make Menus Matter campaign, students in Magnetic Hill School enjoyed a healthy lunch and a visit from a doctor and a dietitian today.

• Hundreds of thousands of patients to benefit from New Brunswick’s Provincial Electronic Medical Record Program
  04/03/2014
  Hundreds of thousands of New Brunswick patients will soon be covered by electronic medical records under the provincial Electronic Medical Record program.

• New Brunswick doctors, Canadian Medical Association launch conversation with Choosing Wisely Canada
  04/02/2014
  New Brunswick’s doctors, together with the Canadian Medical Association and physicians across the country, are starting a conversation for better medicine.

• Tentative agreement reached between New Brunswick Medical Society, government
  03/18/2014
  FREDERICTON (GNB) - The Government of New Brunswick has reached a tentative agreement with the New Brunswick Medical Society.

• New Provincial Electronic Medical Record connecting doctors and patients across New Brunswick
  02/25/2014
  Physicians across the province are operating and adopting electronic medical records (EMR) for their practice, and the New Brunswick Medical Society is pleased with the response.

• Statement on the announcement of the Provincial Perinatal Health Program
  02/20/2014
  We are very pleased to note the launch of the New Brunswick Perinatal Health Program. This program was envisioned some timea go by a number of health professionals and we are very pleased that government and health professionals, working together, are on the road to achieving better care for mothers...

• “Make Menus Matter” finds everything from salads to soda in New Brunswick schools
  12/12/2013
  FREDERICTON (NB) – Dr Lynn Hansen and Vanessa MacLellan thanked parents today for their outstanding contributions to a campaign from doctors and dietitians called Make Menus Matter, an initiative borne out of the New Brunswick Medical Society’s ‘Care First’ plan.

• New Brunswick's doctors, dietitians calling for school menu check-up
  11/25/2013
  New Brunswick’s doctors and dietitians are asking parents, teachers, and education administrators to take a closer look at what their school cafeterias are serving. As part of the New Brunswick Medical Society’s “Care First” health plan, parents are asked to share their school menus to see how much food is...

• Children's running program has record-breaking year
  11/14/2013
  FREDERICTON (NB) – More than 2,600 children participated in "Small Strides, Healthy Lives”, the New Brunswick Medical Society's & RunNB's popular children’s running program during the 2013 road racing season.

• New Brunswick Medical Society names new president
  09/30/2013
  The New Brunswick Medical Society announced a new president Saturday, following the conclusion of their Annual General Meeting in Moncton.

• Care First
  09/26/2013
  Are you walking further than your fridge? Are we hard at work in our province, training the next generation of Alberta’s doctors? And isn’t our health care system really just a sick care system? These are the questions doctors are thinking about right now.

• NBMS Statement on Salaried Physician increase
  09/23/2013
  The government's Board of Management has approved a 4-year pay review for the Medical Services Pay Plan. The NBMS received notice on Friday that salaried physicians will receive a 4% increase over four years: two years of zero as planned, and two years of 2% increases.

• Don’t spend more health dollars on “Liberation Therapy”: New Brunswick’s doctors
  07/12/2013
  New Brunswick’s doctors have written to the Province, asking them to divert funding from “liberation therapy” to other clinically effective methods of treating multiple sclerosis (MS).

• Small Strides, Healthy Lives, a new partnership between RunNB and the New Brunswick Medical Society
  07/03/2013
  FREDERICTON (RUN NB) – RunNB is partnering with the New Brunswick Medical Society on an exclusive partnership package for the popular Run NB children’s running program.

• New Brunswick’s doctors applaud the passage of new law on indoor tanning
  06/24/2013
  The President of the New Brunswick Medical Society thanked the Minister of Health and the Chief Medical Officer of Health today as a law banning underage indoor ultraviolet tanning was recently passed in the Legislature.

• Statement on court decision
  06/13/2013
  We are surprised by how quickly the judge came to her decision. In less than 24 hours, she came to the conclusion that was evident: the agreement between the Province and Medical Society is binding and must be respected. She also awarded the Medical Society costs.

• Let’s care for patients for their whole lives, not for fiscal years
  06/12/2013
  Three years ago, the Alward Government team promised that “doctors would never have to sue them for attention and respect.” Today, Attorney General lawyers will defend the Alward Government’s recent attempts to cut and cap patient services.

• Poll: 1 in 10 New Brunswickers agree Alward Government is managing health system well
  06/10/2013
  The President of the New Brunswick Medical Society released a poll today from Corporate Research Associates that reviewed New Brunswickers’ views on the health system.

• New Brunswick’s doctors seek more details on “efficiencies” from hospitals
  05/31/2013
  The President of the New Brunswick Medical Society is seeking details from the Alward Government on the recently announced plan to save $236 million in “efficiencies”.

• New Brunswick’s doctors recognise new provincial patient registry
  05/29/2013
  The President of the New Brunswick Medical Society recognised the launch of a new provincial patient registry yesterday.

• New Brunswick's doctors await Alward Government's response
  05/24/2013
  New Brunswick's doctors are waiting on the Alward Government's response to our letter. We believe most New Brunswickers would expect the Alward Government to speak to us directly, rather than have doctors learn what the government thinks from the headlines.

• New Brunswickers deserve better
  05/24/2013
  The doctors of this province are tired of having to read the paper to understand the Alward Government's latest attempt to salvage their reputation on negotiations with doctors. Our patients would be very surprised if we tried to talk to them through headlines.

• New Brunswick’s doctors recognise new Bill banning underage tanning
  05/23/2013
  The President of the New Brunswick Medical Society recognised the Chief Medical Officer of Health and Minister of Health on the first reading of a new Bill banning underage tanning.

• Statement on Residents' Open Letter
  05/22/2013
  Most of these residents are homegrown New Brunswick doctors. We have doctors who want to stay, we have tens of thousands of New Brunswickers who need them, the only problem is the bureaucratic government limits on the numbers of doctors who can practice here.

• Doctors’ court challenge to be heard on June 12
  05/08/2013
  The President of the New Brunswick Medical Society advised the public today that an application to the court has officially been filed with the Court of Queen’s Bench in Fredericton. It is scheduled to be heard on June 12.

• Globe & Mail weighs in on doctors' dispute with Alward Government
  05/07/2013
  "Making a mockery of collective bargaining and refusing to negotiate in good faith is not leadership and it’s not good governance. It’s lazy and it’s a travesty of public policy-making."

• Canada’s doctors to Alward Government: “respect agreements negotiated in good faith”
  05/01/2013
  The Presidents of the Canadian Medical Association and every provincial medical association in the country sent a letter to New Brunswick Premier David Alward on Wednesday.

• New Brunswick’s doctors seek court ruling
  04/24/2013
  The President of the New Brunswick Medical Society advised the public today that doctors in New Brunswick will challenge the Alward Government’s cut to Medicare in court.

• CMA and NBMS welcome statement by federal minister: Time to talk about health care
  04/12/2013
  Ottawa, April 11, 2013 - The presidents of the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) and the New Brunswick Medical Society (NBMS) today welcomed comments by Keith Ashfield, the federal fisheries and oceans minister and regional minister for New Brunswick, who is calling for a national discussion on health care.

• New Brunswick needs a long-term plan for health
  04/08/2013
  Health care sustainability is one of the top issues across the country. New Brunswick is no different from other provinces in that respect. New Brunswick’s doctors are part of a movement led by the Canadian Medical Association and the Canadian Nurses Association, launched years ago, calling for transformational change in...

• Alward Government axes Medical Student Summer Program
  04/02/2013
  The Alward Government formally advised physicians across the province late last week that they have decided to cancel a program designed to encourage medical students to stay in New Brunswick after they graduate.

• Statement on the Provincial Budget
  03/26/2013
  Today's Provincial Budget cut medical services, or Medicare, by $20 million in the coming fiscal year. It is then capped at that level for the next two years. Cabinet approved this cut while still at the negotiating table with doctors.

• Attention, south-bound New Brunswickers!
  03/05/2013
  For many New Brunswickers staring out their windows and cringing at weather forecasts, the allure of heading South for a week is very attractive.

• An open letter to our patients
  01/25/2013
  Dear Patient,

• Doctors Ask Government to Explain Comments
  01/18/2013
  New Brunswick's doctors formally invited the Alward Government to attend their Board meeting on Saturday, January 26. The Premier and Minister of Health will be asked to explain recent comments made to reporters about physicians.

• New Brunswick physicians announce successful EMR vendor
  01/17/2013
  Fredericton, NB (01/17/2013): The New Brunswick Medical Society is pleased to announce the selection of Intrahealth as its provider of electronic medical records under a new program supported by the federal and provincial governments. This selection follows a rigorous procurement process conducted by Velante, a subsidiary of the Medical Society.

• Another look at health care costs
  01/17/2013
  In past months, we’ve heard a lot about how much our health care system costs, and the facts are the facts. Health care costs more per capita in New Brunswick than the national average. The government has set a price tag on this discrepancy: over $200 million could be saved...

• Statement on Medicare audit process
  01/15/2013
  New Brunswick's doctors were disappointed by the Minister of Health's recent comments concerning the Medicare audit process. The Medicare Fee Schedule is 253 pages long, is very complex, and is often subject to interpretation. We work daily with Medicare to ensure that our 21st-century care is interpreted correctly in this...

• Statement from the NBMS on the Auditor General's Report
  12/04/2012
  The Auditor General published her Annual Report today, which focused to a large extent on payments to physicians. We welcome public scrutiny of physician payments, particularly when they are provided in context.

• NBMS Statement on RHA By-laws
  12/03/2012
  The New Brunswick Medical Society wrote the leadership of both Regional Health Authorities late last week to advise them that after months of work, we still cannot support their revised by-law documents. We have reached this impasse because of our concerns about required documents which affect physicians, our rights to...

• Statement from the New Brunswick Medical Society - PET Scans
  11/30/2012
  We have recently learned that the two positron emission tomography (PET) scanners in New Brunswick are both rationing scans to save money. Saint John is running a waitlist for patients in an attempt to not exceed their 'quota'; Moncton has already reached their limit for the province's fiscal year.

• Statement on the action plan for equitable health services
  11/30/2012
  Today, the Minister of Health announced the government's plan to improve access to health care for New Brunswickers. The creation of a number of provincial programs, the integration of several existing but disparate services, and the addition of several others is good news for patients.

• NBMS and Canadian Cancer Society call for legislation banning youth from using tanning beds
  10/30/2012
  The New Brunswick Medical Society is joining the Canadian Cancer Society New Brunswick in calling for a provincial ban on indoor tanning for youth.

• Dr. Jean Soucie's call for moderation in the language debate
  10/24/2012
  Dear Editor:

• Statement about the release of Dr. Cleary's recommendations concerning the shale gas industry
  10/16/2012
  New Brunswick's doctors welcome the public release of our Chief Medical Officer of Health’s recommendations concerning shale gas development in our province. We hope that this report stimulates government thinking on the regulation of shale gas development and the concerns of New Brunswickers about our water, air, and land.

• New Brunswick doctors elect new leader
  10/01/2012
  (09/30/2012)—New Brunswick physicians named a new president on Saturday, confirming the nomination of Dr. Robert Desjardins of Bathurst at their annual general meeting in Saint John, New Brunswick. Dr. Desjardins takes over from out-going president Dr. Robert Rae, an ear nose and throat surgeon from Saint John, who has completed...

• Statement from New Brunswick's doctors on the September 26 Cabinet shuffle
  09/27/2012
  New Brunswick's doctors note the Cabinet shuffle of September 26, 2012. We congratulate the Honourable Ted Flemming on his appointment as Minister of Health. We also look forward to working with the Honourable Dorothy Shephard in her new portfolio of Healthy and Inclusive Communities.

• NBMS Statement on the dismissal of Dr Jim Parrott from the Progressive Conservative Caucus
  09/21/2012
  On September 20, Dr. Jim Parrott was removed from the government caucus for speaking out about a variety of health issues. We believe his opinions were prompted in part by the release of our submission to the Minister of Health on the next four year health plan.

• New Brunswick’s health care system is about to be hit by a perfect storm
  09/05/2012
  Our health care budget has doubled in the last ten years. In the time it takes to read my words, taxpayers will spend $10,000 on health care. And while this is happening, the federal government is committed to a plan that will see health transfers to New Brunswick decrease in...

• NB PharmaCheck™ medication review program
  08/20/2012
  The New Brunswick Prescription Drug Program (NBPDP) will begin accepting claims for the NB PharmaCheck™ medication review program beginning June 1, 2012. The program’s goal and objectives are as follows:

• Primary Care Renewal Good News for Patients: New Brunswick’s doctors
  08/08/2012
  (Fredericton, NB) - The President of the New Brunswick Medical Society participated in a major announcement today about primary care renewal, calling it good news for patients.

• Call For Applications For Diabetes Strategy Innovation Fund
  08/02/2012
  A Comprehensive Diabetes Strategy for New Brunswickers was released in June 2011. The New Brunswick government has created an innovation fund to support healthcare providers to improve care to persons living with diabetes. This fund provides seed money, or start-up money, to initiate practical, quality improvement projects that directly improve...

• Statement on the Voluntary Suspension of New Brunswick's Organ Donation Program
  07/12/2012
  

• Whooping Cough in NB
  06/29/2012
  New Brunswick is currently experiencing an outbreak of whooping cough (Pertussis). Those who have not been vaccinated during the last five years and are in close, regular contact with children younger than one are encouraged to contact their usual immunization provider and arrange for the vaccine to be administered.

• The New Brunswick Medical Society regarding the New Brunswick Health Plan
  06/20/2012
  On June 13, the Minister of Health announced a series of public consultations around the province to inform the creation of the next provincial health plan.

• An open letter from the medical associations of Canada to Premier Dalton McGuinty
  05/16/2012
  Dalton McGuintyPremier of OntarioLegislative BuildingQueen's ParkToronto, ON M7A 1A1

• Patients: Make Health Care a Budget Priority
  03/22/2012
  (Fredericton, NB) - New Brunswick patients believe that their doctor is working hard and that recruiting more physicians should take priority over health care cutbacks in the next provincial budget. These are the results of a survey of New Brunswick patients conducted earlier this month by the New Brunswick Medical Society.