Governance

The SEAMO Governing Committee establishes policies to enable the delivery of clinical service, health education and research under the Alternate Funding Plan (AFP) agreement.

• Terms of Reference
• Membership
• Chair: Mr. John Sheridan

April 2024: Please check your emails for a link to vote in the election for a clinical Department Head to sit on the SEAMO Governing Committee. Read the statements of the candidates below:



Dr. Stephanie Baxter, Department Head, Ophthalmology



Currently the Head of the Department of Ophthalmology, I have also served as the Residency Program Director and the Director of Undergraduate Medical Education for our Department. While in each of those roles, I also served on various committees within the faculty, including as the education rep on the SEAMO Accountability Committee. I enjoy representing members and the organizations we serve; in particular, reflecting on the intersection of the needs of each in relation to the others. I have been a SEAMO member for 20 years and understand much of the historic context, as well as many of the current challenges that face SEAMO. It would be an honour to serve in the clinical Department Head position on the SEAMO Governing Committee.



Dr. Shawna Johnston, Department Head, Obstetrics & Gynecology



I have been a full-time member of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Queen’s University since 1997. I continue to provide clinical care at KHSC including on-call Obstetrics and ambulatory and surgical urogynaecologic care in the tertiary care setting (KGH and HDH) and in the community (Lennox and Addington General Hospital) so I have perspective and experience in different care models. I was a Postgraduate Program Director for ten years and have sat on both the Educational Advisory Board and University Appeals Board, so I can add my experience as an educational leader in the School of Medicine to the Governing Committee. I have been a Program Medical Director for the Women and Childrens Program at KHSC since 2013 and thus understand quality care initiatives and resource allocation. I now have the additional role of Department Head. I think my years and experience have given me a deep understanding of the opportunities, needs and challenges of academic medicine at Queen’s. I am seeking election because I really want to help lead the meaningful change and innovation at SEAMO and at the School of Medicine that we now need. I will provide a balanced, representative voice of broad experience and promise to work hard on behalf of all SEAMO members.

The Accountability Committee oversees departmental accountability in the clinical, research and education domains and advises the Governing Committee regarding strategic metrics and departmental indicators.

• Terms of Reference
• Membership
• Chair: Dr. Diane Lougheed

The Executive Committee acts as a facilitator for an effective Governing Committee and conducts specific functions as directed.

The NGDC advises the Governing Committee with respect to standing committee and task group appointments and is responsible for overseeing board education.

• Terms of Reference
• Membership
• Chair: Ms. Susan Fitzpatrick

The Resources and Audit Committee advises the Governing Committee with respect to the allocation of resources in accordance with policies adopted by SEAMO. It also advises on the drafting of policies related to the finances of SEAMO. Furthermore, the Resources and Audit Committee also assists the Governing Committee in the oversight of the financial reporting process to ensure transparency and integrity of financial reports, the effectiveness of SEAMO's risk management environment and the independent audit process.

The SPRC advises the Governing Committee on the development of priorities that align with, and support, the strategic plans and operational objectives of its partners. It is also responsible for the establishment and implementation of a centre-wide physician staffing and recruitment plan.

• Terms of Reference
• Membership
• Chair: Dr. Jane Philpott