I am pleased to share that effective January 6, 2020, Dr. Ben Williams has agreed to take on the role of Interim Vice President – Medicine, Quality and Academic Affairs upon Dr. Jeremy Etherington’s retirement.
A strong connection between medical operations and governance is important in this role. The position also requires the ability to lead through challenging operational issues by working in partnership with diverse groups. In his current role, Ben has demonstrated these necessary attributes. Ben also has a passion for health-system improvement at the health authority and provincial level which he will be able to pursue further through this appointment.
Ben currently serves as the Executive Medical Director for Geography 2 (Nanaimo, Oceanside, Alberni, Clayoquot), as well as the Island-wide Renal, Cancer, and Trauma programs. Ben has also held positions in the Office of the President & CEO and as Medical Director for Oceanside.
Ben graduated from medical school at the University of British Columbia and completed a residency in family medicine at the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital. He has worked extensively throughout Island Health communities in both facility-based and primary health care, in both rural and urban settings. Dr. Williams’ current clinical practice focusses on urgent care and emergency medicine, as well as end-of-life care.
During this interim period, I have also asked Dr. Ian Thompson to take on the role of Acting Chief Medical Officer (CMO), reporting to Ben. Ian currently supports the functions of a CMO in his role of Executive Medical Director – Medical Staff Governance. Having Ian hold the CMO responsibilities through this interim period provides continuity of leadership on this important file.
A national recruitment process will be launched in the coming weeks to fill the Vice-President position on a permanent basis. Prior to posting this position, I plan to engage stakeholders to ensure the position description best meets organizational needs.
I want to thank Ben and Ian for stepping into these roles during this interim period, and again wish Jeremy all the best in his retirement.
~ Kathy MacNeil, President and CEO