CMA thanks Dr. Paula Cashin for outstanding leadership and governance service

Press Release

September 12, 2025

The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) extends its deepest thanks to Dr. Paula Cashin as she concludes her tenure on the CMA Board of Directors, having achieved the goals she set out in joining the Board in 2021.

As Vice Chair of the Board, Dr. Cashin was an exceptional leader whose vision, integrity, and dedication have helped shape the future of Canadian medicine. Her thoughtful leadership, collaborative spirit, and unwavering commitment to excellence have left a lasting mark on the CMA and the broader medical community.

In addition to her governance leadership, Dr. Cashin has been a powerful advocate for Indigenous health within the CMA and other national medical organizations. Most notably, she played a central role in the development of the CMA’s Apology to Indigenous Peoples—an historic and necessary step in acknowledging the harms caused by the medical profession and beginning the ongoing work of healing and accountability. Her wisdom and guidance were instrumental in ensuring the apology was grounded in sincerity, humility, and respect.

To honour Dr. Cashin’s remarkable contributions and lifelong commitment to reconciliation and equity in health care, the CMA is proud to establish the Dr. Paula Cashin Scholarship for Indigenous Medical Students at Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador—Dr. Cashin’s alma mater. This annual scholarship will support Indigenous medical students in their education and journey toward becoming leaders in Canadian health care.

A respected physician, tireless advocate, and national leader, Dr. Cashin’s contributions to Canadian medicine have been profound. As she steps away from the CMA Board, we express our deepest appreciation for her principled leadership and her unwavering commitment to building a more inclusive, equitable health system.

We are profoundly grateful for Dr. Cashin’s service and wish her continued success in her leadership journey. Her legacy will live on—not only through her influence—but through the future physicians her scholarship will support.

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