DENNIS KUNIMOTO

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Candidate statement

Throughout my career at the University of Alberta, I have been privileged to lead initiatives that intersect education, clinical care, governance, and policy. My experience has given me a deep appreciation for the complex challenges faced by the medical profession, the healthcare sector, and by extension, the CMPA in supporting physicians and protecting patients.
As a former Vice Dean Faculty Affairs (11 years), and Acting/Interim Dean (2 years) of the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry at the University of Alberta, I provided oversight for faculty recruitment, professional development, and strategic planning in a large, complex organization. These roles demanded transparent governance, fiscal responsibility, and effective stakeholder engagement: skills that are directly aligned with CMPA Council’s responsibility to provide strategic direction and stewardship of resources.
I also bring a strong academic perspective through my research on tuberculosis, my extensive publication record and international medical education collaborations. These experiences, in addition to my leadership roles, demonstrate my ability to analyze complex data, evaluate risk, and make principled, forward-looking decisions, essential attributes for Council deliberations.
Clinically, I have served for over two decades as Medical Director of the Edmonton Tuberculosis Clinic, ensuring the clinic provides the best evidence-based, equitable care possible, particularly for vulnerable, immigrant and Indigenous populations disproportionately affected by tuberculosis. I am committed to advancing diversity of thought, background, and experience on Council. As a Canadian of Japanese heritage, I bring lived experience of diversity and cultural insights that complement my professional expertise. CMPA’s commitment to EDI is a major reason I would be proud to serve on Council.
CMPA plays a critical role in providing physician medico-legal support systems ensuring that physicians can focus on delivering safe, high-quality care while maintaining public trust. However, I believe the CMPA could strengthen its proactive role towards physician wellness, an approach that should ultimately reduce the need for its reactive medico-legal interventions.
I would be privileged to contribute my leadership, governance experience, and dedication to equitable and evidence-informed decision-making to help CMPA Council fulfill its mandate and continue to serve the membership effectively.