Currently viewing Vol. 11 • Issue 3 • 2024

Message from the President

By Michael Vekasi, AuD, R.Aud, Aud(C), FAAA

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On behalf of the Canadian Academy of Audiology (CAA) Board of Directors, I am sharing a few highlights.

In recent months, CAA has been a key stakeholder at the various tables, supporting and advocating for Ontario audiologists with recent ADP changes. A comprehensive summary message was sent to members. I would like to thank our team for diligently working on this important topic.

Our speaker selection committee for the CAA conference has curated an exceptional lineup of high-quality speakers for the 2024 CAA Conference. Keep an eye on your email for more information about this year’s program in our newsletter. The conference will feature research and industry leaders discussing a wide range of topics to stimulate your thinking and keep you abreast of clinically relevant knowledge. Don't forget to mark your calendars for the 2024 CAA Conference, taking place from October 6th-9th, 2024 in beautiful Kelowna, British Columbia at the Delta Grand Okanagan Resort. We've already opened hotel room bookings due to popular demand.  Registration will open this month, and you'll notice a newly redesigned CAA website.

There is a wealth of work that our dedicated volunteer Board of Directors, Board committees, and administration at CAA have been diligently working on. I am immensely proud of the exceptional work that our teams are doing to support your education, advocacy, and clinical needs. Your support and involvement are invaluable, and I am eagerly looking forward to sharing the results of our collective efforts with you.

May is Better Hearing Month, a time to celebrate and raise awareness for all the important work we do in hearing healthcare. I hope you have an incredible May Month 2024.

Once again, I would like to extend the invitation to reach out to me if you have any questions or comments that you would like me to bring forward to CAA. We appreciate and welcome constructive feedback on the various projects and activities that we do.

Wishing you all the best,

-Michael

Dr. Michael J. Vekasi, R.Aud, Aud(C), FAAA
Doctor of Audiology | Registered Audiologist
President, Canadian Academy of Audiology

About the author

Michael Vekasi, AuD, R.Aud, Aud(C), FAAA

Dr. Vekasi is a Senior Trainer for Allied Health with a province-wide clinical information system implementation at Alberta Health Services. He was previously a clinical audiologist where his caseload focused on vestibular diagnostic assessments as well as a multi-disciplinary vestibular clinic. He is an Adjunct Assistant Professor with A.T. Still University, teaching vestibular assessment and management to post-professional Doctor of Audiology students, and a sessional instructor at MacEwan University.

He is an editor of the “Striking the Right Balance” column in Canadian Audiologist, an executive member of the National Vestibular Special Interest Group, a director (and president-elect) for the Canadian Academy of Audiology (CAA) and also volunteers his time with ACSLPA, SAC, the AAofA (Alberta Association of Audiologists), and TAP (The Audiology Project) Canada.

Dr. Vekasi was recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee medal in 2022 and awarded the 2020 Professional Leadership Award from A.T. Still University.