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Celebrating the Career of Dr. Mary-Lyn Fyfe
Dr. Mary-Lyn Fyfe, Island Health's Chief Medical Information Officer (CMIO) and Executive Medical Director, will be retiring effective January 8, 2027.
Dr. Fyfe is Island Health's longest-serving senior medical leader, and her contributions to our organization and to healthcare in British Columbia have been extraordinary. Throughout her career, she has combined visionary leadership with an unwavering commitment to patient safety.
After completing her medical education at UBC and training in internal medicine in Canada and the United States, Dr. Fyfe spent more than a decade at Kaiser Permanente, where she developed an appreciation for the potential of electronic health records to improve patient care. In 2003, she became a physician champion for Island Health’s EHR strategy and later became the first CMIO in BC.
→ A Legacy of Digital Innovation and Patient Safety
Dr. Fyfe helped lead the country in adopting advanced electronic health records and clinical tools. She has been instrumental throughout Island Health's digital transformation, most recently through the successful implementation of computerized provider order entry (CPOE), which now supports safer care for the majority of our acute care patients.
Dr. Fyfe's commitment to patient safety has always been a defining feature of her leadership. She is never afraid to ask difficult questions, challenge assumptions or get into the details when patient care is at stake. Her determination and integrity have made Island Health a safer place for patients.
“Mary-Lyn welcomed and mentored me as a new medical leader, generously sharing her experience and advice,” says Dr. Ben Williams, Vice President Medicine, Quality, Research and Chief Medical Officer. “She has remained a trusted colleague and friend, always willing to offer support, honest feedback and the occasional push when needed. I know many others have benefited from her mentorship as well.”
→ Leadership Transition
Over the coming months, Dr. Eric Shafonsky, Associate CMIO, will transition into the Acting CMIO role while we undertake a national recruitment for a permanent appointment. Further details about leadership transitions will be shared as plans are finalized.
Congratulations, Dr. Fyfe, on your well-deserved retirement. Thank you for your exceptional contributions to Island Health and to healthcare in Canada. You have made a lasting difference to our organization, our patients and to many of us personally. You will be missed.