About the Medical Leadership Strategy

About the Medical Leadership Strategy:

​The approach to medical leadership structure, compensation, and support within Island Health is currently under review so it can better meet the existing and future needs of both medical staff and Island Health.  This work is grounded in what we've heard from medical staff: the need for clearer roles, fair and consistent compensation, better infrastructure, and stronger alignment with the broader organization.

Medical staff have identified critical areas for improvement. Key priorities for this work include: 
 

  • Ensure clarity in leadership roles and foster effective co-leadership
  • Strengthen governance and decision-making structures
  • Create clear, transparent processes for FTE allocation and compensation
  • Improve supports for effective onboarding and leadership development
The new medical leadership structure is launching in January 2026. 

Learn more: 

New Medical Leadership Model

Medical Leadership Restructure Resources

Project Updates and Timelines (Opens on Intranet)

Resources - custom structures by site and department, educational materials. ​(Opens on Intranet)

How we’re working:

The approach to this work has been evidence-informed, and grounded in meaningful engagement with medical staff. To date, the project has included:

  • A detailed current state review of structure, resources, finances, and leadership supports
  • A comprehensive review of medical leadership onboarding, development, and off-boarding processes
  • An environmental scan and literature review of national and best practices
  • Over 100 medical staff and medical leaders have been engaged to date. Ongoing regular consultation with medical leaders, operational leaders, and MSA Executives are occurring throughout all phases of the work.

Project Governance:

The Medical Leadership project is governed by three committees, who have distinct roles and authority: 

  • The Executive Committee provides sponsorship, executive oversight and approval of key milestones and principles.
  • The Operations Committee oversees the project, including task-specific workstreams, to ensure deliverables and priorities are met. The Operations Committee is accountable to the Executive Committee and engages the Advisory Committee for influential feedback.
  • The Advisory Committee supports the project at a Collaborate level on the IAP2 spectrum of participation. As a collaborator, their role is to be a key partner in development of ideas and alternatives on specific aspects of the project. The committee was formed via open recruitment, based on diversity criteria, including geographic representation, time in leadership, and medical leader type and included two MSA Executives. Advisory Committee membership can be found here: 
    Engagement and Communications [pdf] activities​.

​Who this will impact:

This work will involve a wide range of interest-holders, including:

  • Medical leaders at all levels

  • Medical staff across programs and departments

  • Health system leaders and clinical service teams

  • Operational leaders and administrative teams

Learn more: 

Resources - custom structures by site and department, educational materials. ​

Connect with the Project Team: 

Project Directors: 

Project Sponsor: Dr. Michelle Weizel

Learn more: Leadership Model

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