1. What is the greatest learning opportunity that you have had since joining Doctors of BC?
The greatest thing that I’ve learned is that there is a very real opportunity for physicians to inform the direction of health care in British Columbia – when they take the advantage of the chances to dialogue, to speak with their colleagues and to form a collective voice. For example, at Ridge Meadows Hospital, the physicians can speak with each other and have their main priorities and issues collectively brought forward. I think it’s a really helpful thing.
Facility Engagement has only been an active initiative for about three years now. It’s still early on, but we’ve demonstrated through the pandemic how Engagement work has tangibly improved the health and health care provided to the Ridge Meadows community. Having communication channels already open and working relationships going, between doctors, health authority, administration and administrative health showed real value during this pandemic. This has benefitted all British Columbians.
2. How do you feel the Engagement Initiative has impacted physicians camaraderie and wellbeing at RMH?
When I was welcomed into the Ridge Meadows Hospital community three years ago, I was blessed to enter a well-functioning and positive culture. I think the engagement initiative has provided an additional channel to support the great work that has already been established. One of the activities that I’ve seen provide great benefit is the “Annual Appreciation Event”. It is evidence of Ridge Meadows Hospital Medical Staff Association’s commitment to the comradery and well-being of their physicians. I think that facility engagement keeps going what was already there.
3. How can you see your new role as Division of Family Practice Engagement Partner improving collaboration between RMH Medical Staff and local family practitioners?
My goal is to discover areas of interest between the Division of Family Practice and the Medical Staff Association. I intend to explore with the membership of both groups how they’d like to collaborate. If there is grassroots interest, then I can help foster that collaboration. I anticipate that I’ll best serve the Ridge Meadows community if I remain curious and open to activities that will bring worth to the physicians, whether it’s the Division of Family Practice or the MSA.
In reality, the people who live in the Ridge Meadows community, expect that the transition between their GP, the hospital, and back to their homes would be smooth. My goal is to improve the experience of the patient. I hope that we can improve communication systems between the community and the hospital so that treatment is seamless, and physicians involved in the system can focus on doing what they want to do, which is helping people stay well.
4. What do you enjoy about supporting the local RMH medical community?
I love that Ridge Meadows Hospital is situated in the community where my young family is growing up. I’m comforted that if my wife, my two little boys, or I need medical care, it can be provided by one of the dedicated physicians at Ridge Meadows Hospital or in the community. Those benefits actually payout in comparison to the fact that I genuinely enjoy supporting and spending time with my friends at work, in the Ridge Meadows medical community. I enjoy being around my colleagues, outside of the official work that we do. I was welcomed in, and I consider it my community and my family.