Summary

Name Christopher C. Carruthers, BSc MD MBA FRCS FAAOS ICD.D
Languages English
Office Address 3540 Paul Anka Dr
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
K1V 9K8
Telephone +1-613-883-3540
Home +1-613-738-1222
Email chriscarruthersmd@gmail.com
Web page www.chriscarruthersmd.com
Current Activities Health care consultant,
Director of Boards
Current Appointment(s) Assistant,The Ottawa Hospital, Department of Surgery, Division of Orthopedic Surgery
Assistant Professor, University of Ottawa, Department of Surgery, Division of Orthopedic Surgery
  • Health care consultant
  • Experience as a director of not-for-profit boards
  • During career, director on 19 different not-for-profit boards
  • Presently an active member of 7 not-for-profit boards
  • Experienced in senior hospital medical positions
  • Experienced in medical legal issues, risk management, quality care assessment
  • Experienced in managing of complex health organizations and systems
  • Experienced in dealing with hospital physician issues
  • Experienced in management training for physicians
  • Experienced in introducing clinical programs to third world countries (Africa)
  • Experienced public speaker and presentations
  • Past surveyor for Accreditation Canada (presently board member)
  • Founder and first President of the Canadian Society of Physician Executives
  • Orthopedic Surgeon – experienced in adult joint replacement
  • Holds Master in Business Administration
  • Professional Certification- Institute Corporate Directors

Education and Qualifications

Degrees and Diplomas

2007 ICD.D Professional Certification, Institute of Corporate Directors
1991 – 1992 MBA (Executive), Concordia University, Montreal
1991 CHE (Certified Health Executive)
1964 – 1968 MD, University of Ottawa
1960 – 1964 BSc, Carleton University

Qualifications, Licensures and Certifications

1980 – present (emeritus) American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery, Fellow
1969 – present Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, Fellow
1973 – present College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario

Other Specialized Training

1969 – 1973 University of Ottawa, Faculty of Medicine, Resident Orthopaedic Surgery

Board Appointments

Present director appointments

  1. Accreditation Canada
  2. Ottawa International Airport Authority
  3. Carleton University
  4. Canadian Blood Services
  5. Ashbury College Board (life Governor)
  6. Ashbury College Foundation
  7. Mach-Gaensslen Foundation, Board Member

Previous appointments

  1. Board of Councilors, American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons
  2. The Ottawa Hospital
  3. The Ottawa Hospital Foundation
  4. The University of Ottawa Heart Institute
  5. EXTRA Advisory Board – Canadian Health Services Research Foundation
  6. The Ontario Hospital Association
  7. The Canadian Orthopedic Foundation
  8. The Ottawa Civic Hospital Board
  9. The Ottawa Civic Hospital Foundation
  10. The Ottawa Flying Club
  11. The Carruthers Foundation
  12. Board of Councilors, American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons

Recent Continuing Professional Development

May 2011 Canadian Society of Physician Executives Annual Meeting - Vancouver
April 2010 Canadian Society of Physician Executives - Toronto
April 2009 Canadian Society of Physician Executives - Vancouver
May 2008 American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery Leadership Institute, Washington, D.C.
May 2008 Canadian Society of Physician Executives annual meeting – Ottawa
October 2007 AAOS Board of Councilor’s Fall Retreat Washington State
February 2007 American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery Meeting, San Diego
February 2007 Total Joint Course- Whistler British Columbia
October 2006 Board of Councilors, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery, Santa Fe, New Mexico
October 2006 Directors Education Program, Institute Corporate Directors, Toronto
May 2006 Canadian Society of Physician Executives, Ottawa
May 2006 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery Leadership Institute, Washington, D.C.
May 2006 Canadian Society of Physician Executives, Ottawa, Ontario
April 2006 EXTRA Advisory Committee (CHSRF), Ottawa, Ontario
March 2006 American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery Annual Meeting, Chicago
June 2005 Canadian Orthopaedic Association Meeting, Montreal, Quebec
February 2005 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery Leadership Institute, Washington, D.C.
February 2005 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Annual Meeting, Washington, D.C.
January 2005 Canadian Society of Physician Executives, Ottawa, Ontario
January 2005 Canadian Medical Association Leaders Forum, Ottawa
January 2005 EXTRA Advisory Committee, Banff, Alberta
January 2003 Three Faces of Quality, American College of Physician Executives, Tucson, Arizona
September 2002 Program on Negotiation, Harvard Law School
April 2002 Orthopaedic Total Joint Meeting, Key West, Florida

Academic and Professional Experience

Honors and Awards

2011 – Honorary Life-time Founder/Inaugural President membership-Canadian Society of Physician Executives
2009 – Honorary Membership - Academy of Medicine Ottawa (recognition of a member’s distinguished contributions to the practice of medicine in our community)
2008 – The naming of the Chris Carruthers Operating Room at the General Campus, The Ottawa Hospital, in recognition of his career as a leading orthopedic surgeon.
2007 – Division of Orthopedic Surgery University of Ottawa, Dr. Jacques Robichon Award for Exemplary Service to orthopedics
2006 – Recipient of the first Canadian Society of Physician Executives Excellence in Medical Leadership Award, named The Chris Carruthers Award
2002 – National Audit Office, Republic of China, The Professional Medal of Auditing
Listing in Canadian Who’s Who

Positions Held

2009 – present Health care consultant
2008 – 2009 Health care consultant and Advisor to the CEO and President of The Ottawa Hospital
1998 – 2008 Chief of Staff, The Ottawa Hospital
1996 – 1998 President Medical Staff, Ottawa Civic Hospital
1992 – 1993 Acting President and CEO, Ottawa Civic Hospital
1991 – 1995 Vice President of Medical Affairs, Ottawa Civic Hospital
1986 – 1991 Chief of Staff, Ottawa Civic Hospital

University Appointments

1975 – present Assistant Professor, Division of Orthopedic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Ottawa

Hospital Appointments

2010 – Assistant, Division of Orthopedic Surgery, The Ottawa Hospital
1973 – 2010 Active, Division of Orthopedic Surgery, The Ottawa Hospital

Committees and other Boards

Service and Administration

2011 – present Chair Certified Canadian Physician Executive Review Assessment Panel
2011 – present Member OHA Physician Leadership Resource Manual Advisory Panel
1973 – present Member, Canadian Medical Association
1973 – present Member, Ontario Medical Association

2004 – present Member, American College of Physician Executives

1973 – present Member, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada

1973 – present Member, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario
1980 – present Member, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (emeritus)
2004 – 2010 Past Member, Physician Manager Institute Advisory Committee

1996 – 2009 Past Member, Canadian College of Health Service Executives

1973 – 2009 Past Member, Canadian Orthopedic Association

2005 – 2008 Chair, Eastern Ontario Hospitals’ Chiefs of Staff Association
1998 – 2008 Hospital Committee Service, Member, Senior Executive and Board of Governors of The Ottawa Hospital
2004 – 2006 Member, Ontario Hospital Association, Advisory Group on Wait Lists

2003 Ontario Hospital Association, Working Group on Physician Issues
2003 – 2006 Hospital Research or Teaching Administrator, Past Advisory Board Member, EXTRA Program – Canadian Health Services Research Foundation

2001 Member, Provincial Working Group on AFPs

2001 – 2002 Hospital Committee Service, Member, Transition Rehabilitation Institute, Past Board Member

2001 – 2003 Hospital Committee Service, Member, Ontario Hospital Association, Past Board Member

1997 Member, Workers’ Compensation Board of Ontario committee

1996 – 1998 Hospital Committee Service, Member, Ottawa Civic Hospital Board, Trustee

1996 Canadian Medical Association (appointment / re-appointment process) committee

1986 – 1991 Member, Ottawa Civic Hospital Foundation Board

1986 – 1991 Ottawa Civic Hospital Board, Trustee
  Past President, Medical Staff, Ottawa Civic Hospital

  Past Board Member, Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation
  Past Member, OHA Advisory Committee on Wait Times
  Past Chair, Council of Ottawa Medical Staff Executives
  Past representative for the Canadian Orthopaedic Association on CMA Committee of Affiliates
  Past Surveyor, Canadian Council on Health Facilities Accreditation
  Past Member, International Arthroscopy Association (Founding Member)
  Past Member, Medical Director Ottawa National Capital Marathon

Other Appointments and Activities

2009 – Health Care Consultant
2008 – 2009 Advisor to the President and CEO of The Ottawa Hospital. practicing non surgical orthopedic surgery, mentor/sponsor twinning program with Aga Khan University Hospital Nairobi and The Ottawa Hospital; health care consultant; board memberships.
2007 – 2008 Chief of Staff (since 1998) and member of the Senior Executive and Board of Governors of The Ottawa Hospital, reappointed for a second 5-year term in 2003. Practiced orthopedic surgery – emphasis on artificial joint surgery (hip and knee), and knee arthroscopy. Speaker to physicians and others on health care issues.
1973 – Active Staff Member Orthopaedic Surgical Division

Developed skill in use of the arthroscope for knee surgery
Practice was specialized in total joints (hip and knee)
Past special interest in management of back pain
Skilled in Chymopapain injection (disc surgery)

Taught Chymopapain injection technique in United States

Developed a “Back Clinic” at the Ottawa Civic Hospital

Expert witness on medical legal issues, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (physician complaints), and in the past CMPA
1996 – 1998 President Medical Staff, Ottawa Civic Hospital
1991 – 1995 Vice President of Medical Affairs

Direct line management for Radiology, Laboratory services and other departments.
Responsible for negotiating service contracts between physician groups and the hospital.
Coordinated Medical Human Resource Planning.
Implemented a revised annual appointment process, complaints management process, educational program, and orientation program for physicians.
Managed hospital’s resources provided to geographic full-time physicians.
Negotiated and managed relationships of University house staff and hospital.
Developed revised affiliation agreement between hospital and University of Ottawa.
Guided all medical legal issues.
Member of the Senior Management Team.
1992 – 1993 Acting President and CEO, Ottawa Civic Hospital (7 months)

Lead negotiations between Hospital and Heart Institute developing a proposed new management structure.
Organized the development of the hospital’s strategic plan and identification of its centres of excellence.
Successfully managed the hospital despite the sickness of the President and leaving of Chief Operating Officer and one other Vice President.
Developed orientation program for trustees.
Continued orthopaedic surgery practice.
1986 – 1991 Chief of Staff, Ottawa Civic Hospital

Implemented a restructuring and reporting process for Medical Advisory Committee.
Initiated health lectures for the general public.
Chaired medical Department and Division chief’s Selection and Review Committees.
Represented physicians on the Board of Trustees.

International Experience

2010 Workshop Organizer and Presenter, and Consultant Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi
2009 Visiting Consultant Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi
2007 – 2008 Fellow – Dr. Wafula Khamala from Kenya trained at The Ottawa Hospital in total joint surgery
2007 – Aga Khan University Hospital Nairobi, Kenya- Visiting physician and performed total joint procedures as part of establishing a total joint program at the hospital
2005 – Aga Khan Hospital Nairobi, Kenya, and Queen Elizabeth Hospital Maseru Lesotho
1997 – Fiji, Leutoka Hospital, Visiting Consultant
1995 – Mombassa, Kenya – Visiting Consultant

Research and Scholarly Activities

Publications

Books

  1. Editor - Lessons Learned - Reflections of Canadian Physician Leaders
    November 2009 Canadian Medical Association and Canadian Society of Physician Executives

Refereed Journal Articles

  1. INITIAL EXPERIENCE WITH THE OXFORD UNICOMPARTMENTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY.
    Dervin,Geoffrey F. Carruthers,Chris, Feibel,Robert J. Giachion,Alan A.Kim,Paul R. Thurston, Peter R. A. Journal of Arthroplasty.26 (2): 192-7,2011 Feb.
  2. HEALTHCARE AND PHYSICIAN LEADERSHIP.
    Sinclair, Duncan G.Carruthers,Chris. Swettenham, Julie. Healthcare Quarterly. 14 (1):6-8,2011
  3. THE SANDWICH FELLOWSHIP: A SUBSPECIALTY TRAINING MODEL FOR THE DEVELOPING WORLD
    Kassam, Faazil; Damji, Karim F.; Kiage, Dan; Carruthers, Chris; Kollmann, K.H Martin. Academic Medicine. 84(8):1152-1160, August 2009
  4. TRANSMISSION OF HEPATITIS C IN A PHYSIOLOGICAL STUDY.
    Saginur R, Nixon J, Devries, Bruce N, Carruthers Cc, Scully, Berger, Nicolle L, Mackenzie Amr. Infection Control And Hospital Epidemiology Vol 22:11. November, 2001
  5. PHYSICIAN MANAGERS IN THE CANADIAN CONTEXT.
    Carruthers,Chris. Hospital Quarterly. 41(1):43, 2000
  6. BRACHIAL-PLEXUS INJURY AFTER CLAVICULAR FRACTURE.
    Rumball, K.M. Da Silva, VF. Preston, D.N. Carruthers,C.C.
  7. SURGICAL TREATEMENT AFTER CHEMONUCLEOLYSIS FAILURE.
    Carruthers, C.C. Kousaie, K.N. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research. (165) : 172-5,1982 May.
  8. KNEE ARTHROSCOPY: A FOLLOW-UP OF PATIENTS INITIALLY NOT RECOMMENDED FOR FURTHER SURGERY.
    Carruthers, CV.C. Kennedy,M. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research. (147): 275-7,1980 March-April

Invited Editorials

  1. Carruthers CC. Guest Editorial, Leadership in Health Services, The Challenge of the Nineties: Physicians as Team Players. Vol3: 3. May, 1994. Principal author (PA).
  2. Carruthers CC. Book Review Patients First, Healthcare Quarterly, Page 72, Vol.8, Number 1, 2005. Principal author (PA).
  3. Carruthers CC. Sustaining the Wait Time Strategy, Healthcare Papers 7(1), 2006: 51-54. Principal author (PA).

Published Abstract

  1. Saginur R, Mackenzie AMR, Nixon J, Bruce N, Carruthers CC, Nicolle L. Possible Acquisition of Hepatitis C Between Health Volunteers Participating In Physiological Studies. Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy. September, 1995. Co-Principal author (CPA).

Non-refereed Journal

  1. Carruthers CC. Why I like Twitter. Canadian Society of Physician Executives Newsletter. Fall 2010
  2. Carruthers CC. Enough timid steps toward hospital mergers. The Ottawa Citizen. February 2010
  3. Carruthers CC. Lessons learned by physician leaders. Canadian Society of Physician Executives Newsletter. Winter 2009
  4. Carruthers CC. Physicians’ competency and well-being; Increasing responsibility of hospitals. Canadian Society of Physician Executive Newsletter. Summer 2009
  5. Carruthers CC. Canadians Report Results of First Physician Executive Compensation Survey. The Physician Executive. November, 2005. Principal author (PA).
  6. Carruthers CC. The Need For An Integrated Health Care System In Eastern Ontario. Ottawa Citizen. June, 2004. Principal author (PA). 

  7. Carruthers CC. What Young MDs Want. The Medical Post. April, 2003. Principal author (PA). 

  8. Carruthers CC. Hospital On-Call Stipends. Ontario Medical Review Readers Views. February, 2003. Principal author (PA). 

  9. Carruthers CC. Physician Managers in the Canadian Context. Hospital Quarterly. September, 2000. Principal author (PA). 

  10. Carruthers CC. Applying For Medical Administrative Positions: Preparation Is The Key To Success. Ontario Medical Review. October, 1998. Principal author (PA). 

  11. Carruthers CC. Digital Cameras and the Internet. Canadian Medical Association Journal. November, 1997. Principal author (PA). 

  12. Carruthers CC. A Short Stint In A South Pacific Paradise (Fiji). The Medical Post. September, 1997. Principal author (PA). 

  13. Carruthers CC. Hospital Program Management In The Restructuring Era: Examining Physician Role. Ontario Medical Review. September, 1997. Principal author (PA).
  14. Carruthers CC. Physicians’ Hospital Privileges Letter to Editor. FORUM Volume 10, No 1. January, 1997. Principal author (PA).
  15. Carruthers CC. Group Practice: The Next Challenge for Physicians. Ontario Medical Review. June, 1996. Principal author (PA). 

  16. Carruthers CC. A View of Kenya. The Medical Post. April, 1996. Principal author (PA). 

  17. Carruthers CC. Hospital Boards Need Surgery. Ottawa Citizen. September, 1995. Principal author (PA). 

  18. Carruthers CC. Family Physicians Better Beware Or Someone Else Will Take Their Place. The Medical Post. September, 1995. Principal author (PA). 

  19. Carruthers CC. Re-Engineering the Physician Payment System. Ontario Medical Review. May, 1995. Principal author (PA). 

  20. Carruthers CC. Saying Good-Bye to Canada’s Single-Payer System. Canadian Medical Association Journal. March, 1995. Principal author (PA). 

  21. Carruthers CC. Orthopaedic Surgeons and the Changing Healthcare. Environment Bulletin Canadian Orthopaedic Association. February, 1995. Principal author (PA). 

  22. Carruthers CC. The Myth That There’s No Extra-Billing. The Globe and Mail Newspaper. January, 1995. Principal author (PA). 

  23. Carruthers CC. Hospital Strategic Planning: Physicians at the Table. Ontario Medical Review. August, 1994. Principal author (PA). 

  24. Carruthers CC. Physician Participation Essential in Health Reform Process. Ontario Medical Review September 1993. January, 1993. Principal author (PA).

Philanthropy

  1. Chris and Donna Carruthers Legacy Fund for Palliative Care Support, The Ottawa Hospital Foundation
  2. Chris and Donna Carruthers Endowment Fund- Ashbury College Foundation

Other

  1. Former private pilot and plane owner

Recent Invited Presentations and Reports

National and International Meeting Presentations

  1. Physician Leadership workshop, Nairobi May 2010
  2. Queensway Carleton Hospital Board April 2010
  3. Quinte Health Board November 2009
  4. Leeds Grenville Medical Association November 2009
  5. Canadian (TLC) Medical Directors Conjoint Meeting Toronto November 2009
  6. Twentieth Century Orthopedic Association – Mont Tremblant August 2009
  7. Canadian Society of Physician Executives Ottawa April 2008
  8. National Health Policy and Negotiations Conference, Ottawa, October 2007
  9. Quality Healthcare Network, Gatineau , November 2007
  10. Arctic Orthopedic Conference, Yellowknife, July 2007
  11. Kenya Orthopedic Association, Nairobi , June 2007
  12. CMA Physician Manager Institute , Ottawa, June 2007
  13. Canadian Society of Physician Executives, Ottawa, May 2007
  14. CMA Physician Manager Institute, Toronto , March 2007
  15. Taming of the Queue, Ottawa, May 2006.
  16. CMA Physician Manager Institute, Toronto, May 2006.
  17. CMA Physician Manager Institute, Ottawa, June 2006.
  18. Canadian Society Physician Executives, Ottawa, May 2006.
  19. Arctic Orthopedic Meeting, Yellowknife, July 2005.
  20. CMA Physician Manager Institute, Ottawa, May 2005.
  21. Ontario Hospital Association, Trustees Education Day, September 2004.
  22. Conference on Performance Management in Health Care, Taipei, Taiwan, September 2002.
  23. Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Winnipeg, June 2002.
  24. Chiefs of Staff Summit, Toronto, April 2002.
  25. North York Hospital Joint Conference Committee, March 2002.
  26. Canadian Society of Physician Executives, Toronto, February 2001.
  27. Orthopedic Residents National Meeting, London, September 2000.
  28. Canadian Society of Physician Executives, Toronto, March 2000.
  29. CMA Physician Manager Institute, Nova Scotia, October 1999.
  30. CMA Physician Manager Institute, Toronto, May 1999.
  31. CMA Physician Manager Institute, Edmonton, March 1999.
  32. CMA Physician Manager Institute, Moncton, March 1999.
  33. CMA Physician Manager Institute, Victoria, March 1999.
  34. Joint Chiefs of Staff Association, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, March 1999.
  35. Canadian Society of Physician Executives, Ottawa, February 1999.
  36. CMA Physician Manager Institute, Winnipeg, November 1998.
  37. CMA Physician Manager Institute, Regina, June 1998.
  38. CMA Physician Manager Institute, Ottawa, May 1998.
  39. CMA Physician Manager Institute, Victoria, March 1998.
  40. CMA Physician Manager Institute, Toronto, March 1998.
  41. CMA Physician Manager Institute, Ottawa, June 1997.

Regional and Local Meeting Presentations

  1. Ottawa Academic Leadership Program October 2008.
  2. OHA – Boards role in Quality Oversight and Improvement Toronto June 2008.
  3. OHA-Advancing Safety and Quality of Care Thunder Bay April 2008.
  4. Ontario Hospital Association-Advancing Safety and Quality Issues Sudbury April 2008.
  5. Ontario Medical Association, Workshop for Physician Directors, November 2006.
  6. Ontario Hospital Association, Trustees Education Day, Toronto, September 2006.
  7. Bluewater Health System Board, Sarnia, September 2006.
  8. Pembroke Hospital Board Retreat, November 2003.
  9. Canadian Medical Association, Leadership Forum, Ottawa, October 2003.
  10. Auditor General of Canada 125 Anniversary Speakers Forum, Ottawa, May 2003.
  11. Timmins and District, Network 13, April 2003.
  12. Timmins District Hospital Board and Medical Advisory Committee, December 2002.
  13. Renfrew Hospital Board and Senior Management, November 2002.
  14. Canadian Medical Association, Leadership Forum, Ottawa, October 2002.
  15. Ontario Hospital Association Region 2, Trustees Education Day, Ottawa, September 2002.
  16. MD Management Executive, Ottawa, May 2002.
  17. MD Management Executive, Ottawa, May 2000.
  18. Health Law Trials and Tribulations in Ontario, Ottawa, March 1999.