The following has been sent on behalf Dr. Ben Williams, Vice President Medicine, Quality, Research and Chief Medical Officer.
October 20, 2025
Dear colleagues,
I am reaching out regarding the bi-annual Doctors of BC Health Authority Engagement Survey, which has been circulated by Doctors of BC to all members.
Completing this survey is an important way to influence how Island Health supports physicians. By sharing your experience, you help identify what is working well and where further change is needed. We strongly encourage you to take part and ensure your voice is heard.
It has been two years since physicians across the province completed the survey. In 2023, it was clear that physician satisfaction in the workplace was low and that greater transparency in decision-making and communication was needed to foster trust with medical staff.
Since the results were released in 2024, continuous improvement work has taken place to address key improvement areas outlined by medical staff Island-wide in devoted engagement sessions. Examples include:
- Improved contracts to better support adult inpatient care.
- A robust review and proposed enhancements are underway to modernize the medical leadership structure.
- The launch of the medical leadership directory for transparency in leadership.
- The development of an enhanced medical staff onboarding page, incorporating feedback from medical staff and medical leaders navigating these processes.
- The addition of Associate Physicians to help support clinical teams and workload.
- The first-in-BC trial of Physician Assistants to enhance team-based care.
- The revitalisation of our medical staff communication platforms to improve the relevancy of content delivered to medical staff, including the Medical Staff monthly Bulletin and virtual Medical Staff Forums. Input is continuously sought from medical staff via the Transparency & Communication Steering Committee.
Your voice directly shaped the improvements above—and it is just as critical now.
Since the last survey, the provincial healthcare landscape has changed significantly. New budget constraints have required us to improve efficiencies and redirect resources to support direct patient care as part of Island Health’s Better Care, Better Value commitment. Medical staff voices are essential to shaping this work and ensuring patient care is protected and enhanced.
The survey will be open until October 30th, and it will take approximately ten minutes to complete. Each physician will receive an individual link to access the survey via the email they have registered with Doctors of BC.
Similarly to the last survey, Island Health results will be promptly shared with medical staff upon release, and a dedicated Medical Staff Forum will be arranged to openly discuss the survey results.
This year has shown the strength of our medical staff. Your commitment, adaptability, and leadership continue to inspire meaningful progress for our patients and our health system.
With thanks,
Dr. Ben Williams, Vice President Medicine, Quality, Research and Chief Medical Officer