Author: Tim Holman

The Ontario Association of Cardiologists (OAC) extends its sincere congratulations to Premier Doug Ford and the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party on their re-election in the provincial election held on February 27, 2025.

We also congratulate the members of Cabinet appointed on March 19, and in particular the Honourable Sylvia Jones on her re-appointment as Deputy Premier and Minister of Health.

The OAC looks forward to working with Premier Ford, Minister Jones and their Cabinet colleagues to continue building a modern, connected, and sustainable healthcare system for all Ontarians. We remain committed to supporting the government’s efforts to strengthen public health care, reduce wait times, and expand access to innovative services and technologies.

For more information, please contact:
Tim Holman, Executive Director
Ontario Association of Cardiologists
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.ontarioheartdoctors.ca
📍 410-250A Eglinton Ave. East, Toronto, ON M4P 1K2
📞 416-487-0054 | 1-877-504-1239 (toll-free)

The most important conversations in Ontario cardiology are happening on Saturday, April 26, 2025—and you’re invited.

From billing and accreditation to practice growth, regulatory affairs, and retirement planning, the OAC’s 2025 Cardiology Clinical Practice and Financial Management Seminar brings the whole picture together.

In just over a minute, Dr. Rakesh Bhargava, 2025 OAC Cardiology Seminar Chair and fellow cardiologist, shares why this event matters to your practice and your future:

https://youtu.be/9vfA-RpG6Ww?si=sLKr2rD7GMYrnyEG.

What to Expect:

Gain practical, actionable insights on:

• Optimizing OHIP billing through proven best practices
• Achieving and maintaining echocardiography accreditation
• Advancing your practice and career through innovation, strategy, and financial planning
• Staying ahead of evolving regulatory changes

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025
Time: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Venue: Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael’s Hospital
2nd Floor, 209 Victoria Street, Toronto, ON

View Seminar Agenda

Post-Event Reception:

Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Pantages Hotel Downtown Toronto
3rd Floor, 200 Victoria Street (across from the venue)

Registration Rates:

• OAC Members: $125
• OAC Member Practice Managers: $125
• Non-OAC Members: $175
• Non-OAC Practice Managers: $175
• Residents & Fellows: $50

👉To register, click here 2025 Cardiology Clinical Practice and Financial Management Seminar.

Planning to stay overnight? Register by April 1 to access our discounted group rate at the Pantages Hotel.

For more information, contact:

Tim Holman, Executive Director
Ontario Association of Cardiologists
410 – 250A Eglinton Ave. East, Toronto, ON M4P 1K2
416-487-0054 | Toll-Free: 1-877-504-1239
✉️ [email protected]
🌐 www.ontarioheartdoctors.ca

The OAC is a proud sponsor of the 27th annual Canadian Society of Echocardiography Hybrid Echo Weekend, taking place from May 1-3, 2025, at the Marriott Downtown at CF Toronto Eaton Centre.

Early bird rates are in effect until Saturday, March 22, 2025.

The CSE Weekend is YOUR BEST OPPORTUNITY to engage with echocardiography experts from across the country, to share knowledge and strengthen collaborations, benefitting patients and healthcare providers in Canada and globally. International echo experts will also join us to share their expertise!

For more information, including registration details, click here: Registration Information.

The Ontario Association of Cardiologists (OAC) is holding its 2nd Annual Cardiology Clinical Practice and Financial Management Seminar on Saturday, April 26, 2025.

Building on the success of last year’s event, this exciting seminar is designed to inform and equip Ontario’s cardiologists with the tools and insights they need to succeed at every stage of their careers— from launching a practice to managing growth, and eventually transitioning toward retirement.  Attendees will hear from OAC Board members and outside financial, accounting, and legal experts who will offer valuable advice for running a successful practice and achieving your professional and personal financial objectives. Key topics for this year’s seminar include:

• Optimizing Your OHIP Billing Potential
• Navigating Ontario’s New Echocardiography Standards and Accreditation Requirements
• Strategic Career Planning: From Early Success to Retirement Readiness
• Proactive Solutions to Medico-Legal Challenges

When:    Saturday, April 26, 2025
Where:  Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON

Mark your calendars and stay tuned for registration details coming soon!

For more information, contact:
Tim Holman, Executive Director
Ontario Association of Cardiologists
Tel: 416-487-0054
E-mail: [email protected]

The Ontario Association of Cardiologists is excited to share an incredible learning opportunity. The International Arrhythmia School 2025 will take place from February 7-9, 2025, in the picturesque town of Collingwood, Ontario.

This renowned conference offers an exceptional program designed for cardiologists and the broader EP community. Attendees will gain insights from world-class experts in arrhythmia management while enjoying the serene winter backdrop of Collingwood.

Registration and OAC Member Discount

OAC members are eligible for an exclusive discounted registration fee:

• Regular Registration: $950 CAD
• OAC Member Registration: $850 CAD

To learn more about the conference and redeem your discount:

1. Visit the conference website for registration details and a complete program outline.
2. Email Meeting Pulse at [email protected] to receive your personalized discount code.

Take advantage of this special offer and join your colleagues at one of the premier events in arrhythmia education.

Register now and save!

For further details, consult the IAS 2025 flyer or contact us directly.

Ontario Association of Cardiologists
410 – 250A Eglinton Ave. East
Toronto, Ontario M4P 1K2
Tel: 416-487-0054
Toll-Free: 1-877-504-1239
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.ontarioheartdoctors.ca

On November 27, 2024, the OAC, in collaboration with Accreditation Canada, hosted an informative and well-attended webinar on the Echocardiography Quality Improvement (EQI) Program. This session provided valuable insights into recent updates and upcoming changes to the program, which will take effect in 2025.

The webinar reinforced the OAC’s commitment to maintaining high echocardiography standards and supporting our members as they navigate evolving accreditation requirements. Attendees gained key takeaways on new assessment processes, updates to accreditation standards, and what to expect in the coming year.

We appreciate the participation of our expert panelists and all those who attended. The OAC remains dedicated to ensuring that cardiologists across Ontario are well-prepared for these changes and continue to deliver high-quality cardiac care.

For more updates and advocacy initiatives, contact:

Tim Holman, Executive Director
Ontario Association of Cardiologists
410 – 250A Eglinton Ave. East
Toronto, Ontario M4P 1K2
Tel: 416-487-0054
Toll-Free: 1-877-504-1239
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.ontarioheartdoctors.ca

The OAC is holding the 2024 annual general meeting for members on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at 8:00pm for the following purposes:

• to approve the minutes of the previous members’ meeting (September 27, 2023);
• to approve the financial statements of the Corporation for the year ended June 30, 2024;
• to confirm the directors of the Corporation;
• to appoint the accountants and authorize the directors to fix their remuneration;
• to transact such further and other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment or adjournments thereof.

In addition to the above, the following items will be addressed on the agenda:

1. Board Report
   • Membership Update
   • 2021 Physician Services Agreement (Year 3 Allocation)
   • 2024 Physician Services Agreement (Year 1 Award)
   • Income Relativity
   • EQI Program
   • Other Key Initiatives (e.g. OAC Clinical Practice and Financial Management Seminar, Government Advocacy, Member Discounts)
2. New Business
3. Adjournment

OAC members may register their attendance by clicking here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7931967483342044766.

Members who are not able to be present are requested to sign, date and return the proxy form electronically to [email protected].

If you have any questions or comments, please contact the OAC office at:

Ontario Association of Cardiologists
410 – 250A Eglinton Ave. East
Toronto, Ontario M4P 1K2
Tel: 416-487-0054
Toll-Free: 1-877-504-1239
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.ontarioheartdoctors.ca

The OAC’s Fall 2024 Information Webinar schedule has been announced. These members-only meetings will be held on:

• Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at 8:00pm. Note: This will also be the 2024 Annual General Meeting.  For more details, consult the Official Notice. Registration link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7931967483342044766.
• Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at 8:00pm. Registration link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5297068131725779805.
• Wednesday, November 27, 2024  at 8:00pm. Registration link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6100077757374353502.

We invite all OAC members to join us for these meetings to learn more about the Association’s advocacy initiatives and provide feedback on our activities.

For more information, please contact the OAC office at:

Ontario Association of Cardiologists
410 – 250A Eglinton Ave. East
Toronto, Ontario M4P 1K2
Tel: 416-487-0054
Toll-Free: 1-877-504-1239
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.ontarioheartdoctors.ca

The next OAC Information Webinar will be held on Wednesday, June 19, 2024 at 8:00pm, via GoTo Webinar. OAC Board members will provide updates on the following topics:

1. 2024 PSA Year 1 arbitration process
2. OMA Section on Cardiology executive
3. Income relativity
4. Government funding for NP testing in the community
5. Renewed OAC-Lantheus pricing agreement
6. 2024 Cardiology Clinical Practice & Financial Management Seminar follow-up

To register your attendance, click: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4627604087485155161.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

We hope you can join us. If you have any questions that you would like addressed during the webinar, please send them to us at: [email protected].

Sincerely,

Tim Holman, Executive Director
Ontario Association of Cardiologists
410 – 250A Eglinton Ave. East
Toronto, Ontario M4P 1K2
Tel: 416-487-0054
Toll-free: 1-877-504-1239
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.ontarioheartdoctors.ca

This program has been designed to educate practitioners providing care to the cardiology patient from the Greater Toronto Area on contemporary cardiology topics, along with showcasing the services offered by Southlake Regional Hospital.

The event will commence with a Welcome Reception on Friday, May 24, followed by scientific sessions running until 14:30 on Saturday, May 25. For more information and registration details, click here: https://www.xpertize.com/meeting/southlake2024/.

The OAC’s 2024 Cardiology Clinical Practice & Financial Management Seminar will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute in Toronto, Ontario.

The impressive line-up of topics and speakers includes:

TOPICS

Roundtable Discussion: Establishing and managing a successful cardiology practice
(OAC Board members)

Incorporating technology in your practice
(Dr. Mukesh Bhargava, Northumberland Hills Hospital)

Mapping your financial future: tax strategies, investments, and retirement options
(Mr. Amin Kanji, CIBC Private Wealth/Mr. Andrew Pyle, CIBC Wood Gundy)

Tips and advice for building wealth and achieving your long-term financial goals
(Ms. Deanna Cregg, Baker Tilly KDN LLP/Mr. Gary Kaye, GPK Advisory Services Inc.)

Navigating challenging clinical encounters with patients and families
(Dr. Evelyn Constantin, CMPA Advisor)

OHIP billing audits and CPSO complaints/investigations: The Joy of It All – Not
(Mr. Neil Abramson, Torkin Manes LLP)

Practice management and business support solutions
(Mr. Michael Black, Specialty Medical Partners)

Opportunities and investment landscape in India
(Mr. Vikash Sharma, ICICI Bank Canada)

To register CLICK HERE or scan the QR code below:

Scan to register

Sponsored By:

For more information, please contact:

Ontario Association of Cardiologists
410 – 250A Eglinton Ave. East
Toronto, Ontario M4P 1K2
Tel: 416-487-0054
Toll-Free: 1-877-504-1239
E-mail:[email protected]
Web: www.ontarioheartdoctors.ca

Following up on its pre-budget consultations presentation to the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs last week, the Ontario Association of Cardiologists welcomed the opportunity to provide the Ontario government with fiscal recommendations for enhancing cardiac patient care in the 2024 Ontario Budget through its written submission to the committee.

Our recommendations include:

1. Increase support for Ontario’s infrastructure for outpatient cardiac care in general and, in particular, improved support for independent outpatient facilities that provide consultations and follow up care for cardiac patients and for which there is no other external support to maintain the infrastructure (rent, capital expenses and staffing) to support these patient visits.

2. Provide permanent funding for Natriuretic Peptide testing in community laboratories for patients with suspected or established congestive heart failure.

3. Remove restrictions on telephone-based care that negatively impact seniors, patients with limited economic resources, and those who live in rural and remote parts of the province without access to video conferencing facilities.

We look forward to working with the provincial government to implement these recommendations in 2024.

Click here to read the OAC’s 2024 Ontario Budget submission.

For more information, contact:

Tim Holman, Executive Director
Ontario Association of Cardiologists
410 – 250A Eglinton Ave. East
Toronto, Ontario M4P 1K2
Tel: 416-487-0054
Toll-Free: 1-877-504-1239
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.ontarioheartdoctors.ca