The following has been sent on behalf of Dr. Ben Williams, Vice President, Medicine and Quality and Chief Medical Executive.
I am pleased to announce that Dr. Steve Loken has accepted the Executive Medical Director, Geo 2 position, effective October 1, 2020. In this role, Dr. Loken will serve as the EMD for Nanaimo, Oceanside and Alberni-Clayoquot regions.
Dr. Loken’s leadership and experience has prepared him well for his new role. He recently served as the Medical Director and Department Head for Laboratory Medicine, Pathology and Medical Genetics. As a medical leader, he has helped build Island Health’s molecular lab capacity for COVID-19 testing. Dr. Loken also worked with the BC Coroners Service to help bring forensic pathology services to Vancouver Island.
Prior to medicine, Dr. Loken studied archaeology at Simon Fraser University then completed a Bachelor of Science in biological sciences with an emphasis on evolutionary biology and comparative zoology at the University of Calgary. He completed medical school at U of C before working as a pathologist at William Osler Health Centre in Brampton, Ontario.
Since moving to Nanaimo, Dr. Loken he has been an anatomic pathologist, Chief Pathologist and medical lead for more than 10 years. In addition, Dr. Loken completed the Physician Leadership Program at Sauder School of Business (UBC) in 2015. In his spare time, Dr. Loken’s hobbies include photography, art and creative writing.
We will share the details about the interim leadership of Laboratory Medicine when confirmed.