There is a new president of the Saskatchewan Medical Association. 

Dr. John Gjevre, a respirologist from Saskatoon, was elected to the position Friday. The vote happening during the SMA’s Spring Representative Assembly, which was held virtually. Dr. Gjevre is replacing Dr. Eben Strydom, a physician from Melfort. 

Dr. Gjevre is a professor of respirology, critical care and sleep medicine with the College of Medicine at the University of Saskatchewn. He graduated from Mayo Medical School in 1991, and joined the faculty at USask in 2002. He has also served with the SMA’s Board of Directors since 2017. 

One of the goals for Dr. Gjevre during his one-year term will be to re-establish connections among physicians after the two years of the COVID-19 pandemic.  

“It’s important that we start to re-engage with each other, see each other, within pandemic boundaries,” Dr. Gjevre said in a written release. “Some physicians are feeling isolated. Some are feeling disconnected because of the pandemic. The SMA needs to rebuild relationships among its members. We need to reach out and see people face to face and to hear their concerns. We need to rebuild collegiality, networks, and a sense of community among physicians.” 

The Representative Assembly also heard from Health Minister Paul Merriman, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, Seniors and Rural and Remote Health Everett Hindley with a question-and-answer session. The president of the Canadian Medical Association, Katharine Smart, also addressed the Assembly.