The following has been sent on behalf of Dr. Ben T. Williams, MD, CCFP Vice President Medicine, Quality and Chief Medical Officer
May 1, 2024
Today is National Physicians’ Day, an opportunity to recognize Island Health’s extraordinary doctors who chose to serve in the profession of medicine.
The date was chosen by the Canadian Medical Association in recognition of Dr. Emily Stowe, the first female physician to practice in Canada in the late 19th century. Dr. Stowe fought to practice medicine in a male dominated field and helped many patients before she was formally recognized as a physician. Despite the significant struggles she encountered throughout her career, her perseverance and commitment to helping patients never faltered.
While the field of medicine has improved since then, physicians continue to experience significant, and growing, challenges in providing care to our patients.
Physician commitment can manifest in many ways, and I am proud and humbled to be working alongside the most dedicated and committed medical staff in our profession. Here are just a few examples of how you continue to show up for your patients and for each other:
Patient-Centered Care: You prioritize your patients' needs and well-being above all else.
Long Hours: You consistently work long and irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, to ensure patients receive timely care and attention.
Continuing Education: You are lifelong learners, and you stay up to date on the latest medical research and participate in continuing medical education to enhance your knowledge and skills.
Advocacy: You consistently advocate for your patients, whether it's navigating complex healthcare systems, securing access to necessary treatments, or addressing social determinants of health.
Leadership and Collaboration: Many of you have taken on leadership roles within Island Health, guiding multidisciplinary teams, fostering collaboration to promote quality and safety, on top of your clinical work.
Community Outreach: You actively engage with your communities, participating in health education initiatives, volunteering your time and expertise, and advocating for public health initiatives. This includes travelling to remote areas of the Island to care for patients.
Resilience: You adapt to continually changing circumstances, navigating challenging patient cases, coping with stress and burnout, and maintaining a commitment to excellence despite obstacles.
Innovation: You play a crucial role in driving healthcare transformation by leveraging new technologies and approaches to patient care, such as AI.
I know a lot is asked of you. Thank you for continually going above and beyond to care for your patients.
With gratitude,
Dr. Ben T. Williams, MD, CCFP
Vice President Medicine, Quality and Chief Medical Officer