Web Site

The Hamilton Academy of Medicine Web site www.hamiltondoctors.ca (launched June 2001) allows members to access a directory of physicians according to specialty and subspecialty, clinical interests, surgical and referral wait as well as accessibility and languages are spoken.

Provided resources exclusive to members:

  • Fees for Third-Party & Uninsured Services
  • Communication announcements to physicians in Hamilton and surrounding areas through fax and e-newsletter (Slice)
  • Hamilton Med Reps Association Directory
  • Hamilton Pharmacy Directory
  • General Assessment Records
  • Cumulative Patient Profile Forms
  • An array of pertinent information and reference material

Communication

The Hamilton Academy of Medicine provides a liaison for its members with many organizations by virtue of our active representation. These include:

  • The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario
  • The Ontario Medical Association
  • The Hamilton Medical Legal Society
  • The Physicians’ Services Incorporated (PSI) Foundation (research grants)
  • The Canadian Medical Association and its subsidiary MD Management Limite

We liaise with:

  • Area Hospital CEO’s & Board Chairs
  • Area Hospital Foundations
  • The Public Health Department
  • Elected Federal & Provincial Government Representatives (MPs & MPPs)
  • The Hamilton & District Pharmacists’ Association
  • Municipal Government Representatives
  • The Community Care Access Centre
  • Branch Societies Province Wide

Members are informed of activities with these organizations through memos from the President, the Annual Reports to Council, fax updates and monthly Executive Report

Mediation

We act as a mediator for minor physician/patient disputes. This member-only service allows for disputes to be resolved at a local level.

Education

The Hamilton Academy of Medicine features a number of member and public educational opportunities, including:

Annual Clinical Day
Our premier member event featuring a number of speakers and a variety of topics current in medicine and related medical care. (MainPro accredited)

Branch Society Meetings
Meetings on pertinent political and fee-schedule issues held at the call of the OMA District 4 Chair and the Hamilton Academy President.

Annual Meeting
Dinner Meeting held in June for members of Council to hear and review all Annual Reports. Dinner and Evening Award Presentation for all members and spouses/partners.

Educational Meetings
Meetings of individual sections held at varying intervals featuring topics and speakers relevant to specific areas of practice and medicine.

Dr. Elizabeth Bagshaw Memorial Lectureship
Dr. Elizabeth Bagshaw (1881-1982) was a family physician who was a pioneer in planned parenthood/contraception and women’s health issues. The lectureship fund was established by the Hamilton Academy of Medicine in 1981 from the proceeds from a testimonial dinner held to honour Dr. Elizabeth Bagshaw’s 100th birthday. This lecture is free to the general public and concentrates on current popular health issues.

Practice Management and Maintenance

Mailing labels of all Academy members are available at no charge to assist new members distribute new practice opening announcements. For other announcements, labels are available to members at no charge provided that the announcement will be used for educational purposes only and has been approved by the President of the Hamilton Academy of Medicine.

Meeting Facilities

Members have the use of our W.B. Spaulding Executive Boardroom (capacity 20) for business and social functions at no charge.

Political

Hamilton Academy members are represented by delegates and the Executive Committee for all Ontario Medical Association meetings, as well as at local provincial political meetings and functions. The Hamilton Academy Executive Committee liaises closely with our local provincial politicians to assist them with keeping up-to-date on current medical issues, crises and problems.

Social Events

Our events provide unique opportunities for physicians and their families from all hospitals and areas of medicine to meet and socialize in an informal atmosphere.

Events include:

  • Spring Golf Days
  • Annual Christmas Cocktail Parties
  • Individual Sections host a variety of Social Events geared toward their own individual members
  • Family Hike/BBQ and Family Skating Party
  • Dragon Boat Racing

Honours & Awards

We present our Distinguished Service Award annually to a member who has provided outstanding service to the community.

25-Year Pins and Certificates are presented to members who have achieved 25 years’ membership with our Organization.

Members are eligible for Honourary Life Membership with The Hamilton Academy of Medicine.

The Dr. Ben Finkelstein Family Medicine Award is presented annually to a final-year McMaster University Family Practice Resident who demonstrates a kind, compassionate nature and possesses a strong interest in family counseling and therapy.

The Kim Harper Service Award is presented to an individual who has rendered significant service to the Hamilton Academy of Medicine, the medical profession or the local community.

The Resident Award is presented a Resident who has advocated for the medical profession on a national, political or local level.

The Medical Student Award is present to a Medical Student who has advocated for the medical profession on a national, political and local level.

History of Medicine

Ambrose McGhie Medical Museum

The Museum has an archival collection (medical instruments, artefacts, photographs, books, journals and newsclippings) that provides a record of more than 100 years of medical history in the Greater Hamilton and surrounding area. In 1995 an illustrated history of the early years and development of organized medicine and the Hamilton Academy of Medicine was written and published and a sequel followed in 2004.

Hamilton’s Doctors 1932 to 1982, by Dr. Ted Smith. Books can be purchased by contacting the Academy. $25 per copy and $5 postage & handling.

Hamiton’s Doctors 1863 – 1935 – Guardians of the City’s Health, by Dr. R.M. Stott Out of Print but available on CD-ROM. $20 per cd and $5 postage & handling.

The Ambrose McGhie Medical Museum is housed by the Academy and maintained by the members of our History and Archives Committee and the Board of Directors of the Museum.

Contributions to the museum are welcome and tax-deductible receipts are issued for donations that qualify under the regulations of the Charities Division of Revenue Canada.