The Health Law Student Association (HLSA) at the University of Ottawa brings together people who have a common interest in the area of Health Law.
However, when questioned, most members of the HLSA (myself included) will probably struggle for some kind of coherent definition. The more I plunge into the depths of Health Law, the more I realize that a definitive scope of what Health Law entails is just not a reality.
Instead, the ebb and flow of the Health Law stream seems highly dependent on the particular lawyer or health practitioner you ask, on the particular law firm, organization, or hospital you’re involved with, or simply on the whim of the funding allocation decisions of the government of the day.
On the one hand, this frustrates the neurotic law student searching desperately for some kind of taxonomy. On the other hand, this is precisely what makes Health Law so very interesting and exciting!
The HLSA is attuned to this struggle for clarity and is committed in its inaugural year to increasing the knowledge and understanding of Health Law in the student body, while at the same time helping to support important Health-related initiatives in the community. To this end, the HLSA continues to host several great events in the winter term.
Career Speaker Series
On February 11th the HLSA is hosting the second instalment of our Career Speaker Series entitled Practitioners in Residence Speaker Series: Your Career as a Health Law Lawyer.
This panel is geared towards students who are interested in learning more about careers and opportunities in the dynamic field of Health Law. It is being moderated by David Scott, Q.C., Co-Chair of Borden Ladner Gervais LLP.
Speakers include:
Kenneth Evans, Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP. His practice includes health law, medical malpractice and professional negligence. He acts as General Counsel for the Canadian Medical Protective Association, the Medical Council of Canada and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
Peter Hagen, Soloway Wright LLP. Mr. Hagen practices Personal Injury and Medical Negligence and assists physicians in matters involving hospital privileges. He is named in “Best Lawyers in Canada” 2008 in the area of Personal Injury Litigation.
Kirsten Crain, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP. Ms. Crain practices in the areas of health sector litigation, commercial litigation and regulatory proceedings before administrative tribunals, including the Patented Medicine Price Review Board.
Global Generations Conference: Human Rights and Health Law at a Crossroads
On February 13th the HLSA, in conjunction with Canadian Lawyers for International Human Rights (CLAIHR) is hosting the 5th Annual Global Generations Conference: Human Rights and Health Law at a Crossroads.
This exciting conference features 8 students chosen from across North America to present their innovative research on current international human rights and Health Law issues. The keynote address will be presented by Dr. Amir Attaran.
OutCare Charity Event
During our Charity Bake Sale in January, we raised some much-needed funds for the OutCare Foundation.
The OutCare Foundation seeks to raise funds and public awareness for the urgent and escalating need to support non-profit organizations that deliver out-of-hospital healthcare; and to provide them with the much needed funding so they can continue caring for individuals and their families in our community.
Our next Charity event to benefit the OutCare Foundation will be taking place on Thursday, February 26th. We will be looking for prize donations from shops, organizations, and restaurants to auction off. This will be a fun night to socialize and do some networking!
I am constantly learning about what Health Law encompasses through my involvement with The Ottawa Hospital, Canadian Blood Services, and the Public Health Agency of Canada.
I am certain that this particular area of law will offer continuous challenge and interest whether I work in a law firm, a non-profit organization, or a health-care setting; whether on the front lines with clients or patients; or whether behind the scenes developing Health Law related policy or legislation.
Join the HLSA as we continue on our journey to finally answer (or at least ask): What is Health Law anyways??
If you’d like to get involved in the HLSA or have any questions, please contact me.