Heather Scott *

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Candidate statement

As an Obstetrician and Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist, I have cared for people during the most joyful time in their lives, as well as the most difficult. Bad outcomes are devastating and often have long term impacts. Individuals we care for often need to explore if appropriate care was given. When this happens, it is important for clinicians to know that the CMPA is there to provide guidance. I have experienced this support firsthand.

As a council member since 2023, I have brought both experience and expertise to the CMPA. For many years I was the Obstetrical lead for the Reproductive Care Program of Nova Scotia and have now returned to that role. RCP collects provincial data on perinatal outcomes, meets with care providers and performs quality reviews that inform evidence-based practice changes. This has helped me understand the challenges faced by practitioners in non-urban communities with limited support and demanding call schedules. I have also served as the Head of Obstetrics at the IWK Health Center where tertiary care services are provided to families in NS. As Head, I was often asked to review adverse maternal/perinatal outcomes and identify gaps in care and opportunities for learning.
Nationally I have been involved in reviewing outcomes with an emphasis on severe morbidity/mortality. As Chair of the Advisory Committee for the Canadian Perinatal Surveillance System housed within PHAC, I have worked with clinicians, epidemiologists and researchers to determine how best to collect data nationally and use it to enhance data-informed changes in practice. Review of maternal mortality is a critical issue. Canada has yet to develop a confidential maternal mortality review process - something I and many others have advocated for.
Finally, as Director of the Global Health Equity and Advocacy Unit in the Department of ObGyn at Dalhousie I have had the opportunity to address health care inequities locally and globally. The Unit advocates for marginalized individuals, coordinating clinics and education for those with limited access to care. I recently completed a yearlong sabbatical working as a Maternal Consultant for the WHO. This work focused on practical guidance for practitioners to ensure that standards of care are met regardless of the practice setting.
During my time on council, this range of experience locally, nationally and internationally has allowed me to contribute positively to the work of the CMPA, work I hope to continue into the future.