A Regina physician has been elected the new president of the Saskatchewan Medical Association.

Dr. Barb Konstantynowicz, a family physician, was elected president of the SMA last week, replacing Dr. Allan Woo.

Dr. Konstantynowicz says it’s an honour to have been elected, and she is looking forward to carrying on the legacy of past presidents.

“The President of the Saskatchewan Medical Association, historically, has been a person of vision,” said Dr. Konstantynowicz. “Understanding of the complexity of the lives of physicians and is willing to advocate on behalf of physicians.”

She says that, obviously, there is responsibility that comes with being president, but due to the shift towards virtual conferences, she will only have to be away from her practice for a couple of hours, versus a couple of days at a regular conference.

Dr. Konstantynowicz says that, as a family doctor, she can bring a lot to the presidency.

“With being a generalist, I think, one of the things that allows me to function well is the opportunity and the ability to listen very intently to the needs of the physicians in our province,” said Dr. Konstantynowicz. “And use the skills of others on the board to do some of the deeper dives.”

She says that, despite taking over during a pandemic, she is confident that the province’s doctors are skilled enough to make it through.

Dr. Konstantynowicz adds that one of the first things she is going to focus on as president, is trying to get everyone to work cooperatively.

“Our biggest ask from the members in our profession is to work together, as a unified group, to advance the concerns and needs of the physicians of this province, so that they can provide the best care for the people of this province,” she added.

One of the first big challenges for Dr. Konstantynowicz, beside COVID-19, is to try and negotiate a new contract with the province.