The following has been sent on behalf of Dr. Ben Williams, VP Medicine, Quality, Research and Chief Medical Officer.
May 1st, 2025
National Physicians’ Day, observed on May 1st, salutes the unwavering dedication and invaluable contributions of physicians in Canada. Island Health is proud to celebrate its outstanding medical professionals who bring expertise, compassion, and leadership to our care teams in a time of unprecedented change.
We are all acutely aware that the healthcare landscape has changed significantly over the past few years: we are entering a new era where the way we provide care has to change in order to match the resources we have. This system transformation has required us to think differently about how we approach patient care – we need your help more than ever to drive value in our healthcare system and you will continue to guide the way.
Your hard work is evident, and we know that more work isn’t the answer. You have responded to increasing demands with agility, dedication and applied new ways of thinking to achieve new ways to practice.
This past year, you have innovated to address the gap between demand on our public healthcare system, and the availability of physicians and other team members by leveraging technology, implementing new models of team-based care, and ensuring that your work is focused on the patients who most need you.
These innovations improve system efficiency, enhance access to care and signify increased collaboration within Island Health. Examples include using AI to improve clinical decision-making and speed, incorporating Associate Physicians and Physician Assistants into our care teams, improving patient engagement by making physician notes available on the patient portal, and reducing the frequency of rounding on stable patients. Your ideas and knowledge consistently help us to improve care at Island Health.
Thank you for your ongoing commitment and dedication to help shape a sustainable healthcare system that places quality patient care at the heart of everything we do.
Sincerely,
Dr. Ben Williams,
VP Medicine, Quality, Research and Chief Medical Officer