With great honour and enthusiasm, I assume the role of President of our esteemed organization, the CAOMS. Stepping into the shoes of my friend and well-respected colleague, Dr. Robert Wagner, is both a privilege and a responsibility that I embrace with dedication.
I consider myself fortunate to be surrounded by an exceptional executive team. Working alongside Dr. Wagner, our past president; Dr. Ray Grewal, the president-elect; Dr. Mathieu Lenis, our treasurer; and our executive director, Dr. Pierre-Eric Landry, has been nothing short of inspiring. Their commitment to excellence and collaborative spirit make every meeting a pleasure. The strength of our executive team is a mere reflection of the collegiality that permeates our entire association.
Participating in our meetings, where hard work meets camaraderie, has been a source of immense satisfaction. The warmth and dedication exhibited by our executive team are mirrored throughout our association, a testament to the harmonious environment we’ve cultivated together.
I extend an earnest invitation to each one of you to become actively involved in our association, in whatever capacity you can. As we navigate the post-COVID era, my aspiration as president is to foster reconnections – with colleagues, provincial associations, and referrals.
Our association boasts a powerful online presence thanks to our exceptional website. It has played a pivotal role in disseminating information about Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery to our dental and medical colleagues and the wider public. Notably, our collaboration with OSOMS in Ontario has taken the form of a promising annual meeting, enhancing our bonds and knowledge exchange.
We envision expanding our reach beyond provincial borders and visiting other provinces and regions to strengthen our network. The goal is to establish a comprehensive database accessible to all OMFS practitioners across the country. Through CAOMS, we aim to serve as a sounding board and liaison, bridging the gap between global advancements and Canadian perspectives.
A heartfelt nod of appreciation to those who stood shoulder to shoulder with our American colleagues during our Day on the Hill. Your advocacy efforts are invaluable. In a world where AI advances and economic pressures loom, CAOMS is a vital link connecting us all. From coast to coast, our association fosters collaboration, enabling us to share knowledge and support one another. Together, we are stronger and united in our commitment to serve our patients and advance the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery.
Our upcoming annual meeting in Saskatoon, slated for June 17-19, 2024, promises to be an event to remember. With a packed agenda boasting educational gems like the pre-conference Difficult Airway course and the post-conference Fish and Learn fly-in-fishing trip, it’s shaping up to be a treat for the mind and soul. Be ready for an unforgettable experience!
Now, for the pièce de résistance – our next meeting, in collaboration with our esteemed friends from AAOMS, will be held in none other than the bustling metropolis of Washington DC, from September 15-20, 2025. Having had the pleasure of previewing the program as a scientific committee member alongside Drs. Julia Pompura and Pierre-Eric Landry, it’s an event you won’t want to miss. So, mark your calendars and dust off your best PowerPoint slides – as you never know when you might be called on stage to dazzle your peers with your expertise!
In this era of technological marvels and complex healthcare landscapes, let us never lose sight of our core mission – to serve our patients with unwavering dedication and compassion. Through our commitment to this noble cause, we honor the legacy of our profession and earn the trust of those who entrust us with their care.
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for the privilege of serving as your president. Let’s continue to raise the bar of professionalism and excellence in oral and maxillofacial surgery, one patient, one procedure, and one heartfelt smile at a time. 
Oral Health welcomes this original article.
About the Author
Dr. Daisy Chemaly is an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon practicing the full scope of her specialty in Toronto. She received her Doctorat en Médecine Dentaire from Laval University and pursued her surgical residency at the University of Manitoba. Her Master of Dentistry thesis is on Oral Cancer. She then elected to further her knowledge in jaw surgery as well as cleft lip and palate and completed a fellowship at the Centre Hospitalier de Nantes, France. After working in Peterborough and Sault-Ste-Marie, she settled in Toronto. In her spare time, Dr. Chemaly enjoys swimming, playing tennis, and spending time outdoors with her family.
