Education
We work to educate health professionals, government leaders, and everyday Canadians about the prevention, assessment, and treatment of substance use disorders in our communities. To this end, we host courses and conferences, encourage and publish Canadian research, and produce definitions and policy statements that support understanding and progress.
Clinical Standards and Certification
CSAM-SMCA participates in the writing of guidelines and policy statements regarding issues in addiction medicine. Since 2000, CSAM-SMCA has awarded the status of Certificant of the Canadian Society of Addiction Medicine (CCSAM) designation to qualified physicians.
Collaboration and Networking
Who We Are
David Martell
BSc, MD, CCFP (AM), FCFP, CCSAM, CISAM
Past President
Term: 2024-2026
History
The Canadian Society of Addiction Medicine was founded in 1989 by a group of physicians, scientists, and researchers who saw a need for a professional association that would represent the medical profession in the area of substance use disorders. Originally called the Canadian Medical Society on Alcohol and Other Drugs, it has evolved into a national organization of medical professionals, allied health workers, and scientists who are committed to helping Canadians understand, endure, and overcome substance use disorders.
1989 – 1991:
Dr. Jim Rankin of Toronto, ON1991 – 1993:
Dr. Juan Negrete of Montreal, QC1993 – 1995:
Dr. Bill Jacyk of Winnipeg, MB1995 – 1997:
Dr. Nady el-Guebaly of Calgary, AB1997 – 2000:
Dr. Raju Hajela of Kingston, ON2000 – 2002:
Dr. Bill Campbell of Calgary, AB2002 – 2004:
Dr. Peter Mezciems of Guelph, ON2004 – 2006:
Dr. David Marsh of Vancouver, BC2006 – 2008:
Dr. Frank Evans of Toronto, ON2008 – 2010:
Dr. Don Ling of Charlottetown, PEI2010 – 2013:
Dr. Brian Fern of Saskatoon, SK2013 – 2015:
Dr. Ron Lim of Calgary, AB2015 – 2018:
Dr. Paul Sobey of New Westminster, BC2018 – 2020:
Dr. Melanie Willows of Ottawa, ON2020 – 2022:
Dr. Jennifer Brasch of Hamilton, ON
2022 – 2024:
Dr. David Martell of Lunenburg, NS
2024 – 2026:
Dr. Erin Knight of Winnipeg, MB