Help BCCFP members get to know you:
I graduated from Cairo University School of Medicine and completed my postgraduate training in Cleveland, Ohio. With 18 years of experience as a family physician, I have practiced in diverse settings, including health authority hospitals, clinics, and community practices. Currently, I work in a community health center focused on team-based care for newcomers to Canada, including immigrants and refugees.
I served as a board member for the Surrey North Delta Division of Family Practice for two terms (six years) and have participated in multiple steering committees, including the Urgent and Primary Care Center. I currently co-chair the Patient Medical Home Committee within the division and serve on the boards of several non-profit and charitable organizations in the Surrey and Vancouver communities.
Outside of my professional life, I’m a mother of two adult children and enjoy walking, reading, and traveling. I volunteer at our local center as a teacher for a women’s circle, where I have the opportunity to support and empower women in our community through shared learning and connection. This role allows me to contribute positively while fostering a sense of community and collaboration.

Outline how your skills and experience will support you to be an effective director:
During my term as a board member of the Surrey North Delta Division of Family Practice, I was involved in several significant projects, notably the development of a strategic plan for the local Primary Care Network (PCN). This involved shaping the structure, governance, logistics, and financial aspects of the PCN.
We engaged in extensive negotiations with key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health and the local health authority, advocating for our physician members' needs and priorities. Our efforts were successful in ensuring that we remained aligned with our vision while effectively representing our members’ demands. This collaborative approach helped strengthen the foundation for sustainable healthcare delivery in our community. As part of a group of Surrey family physicians, I traveled to Victoria to meet with Members of Parliament. We successfully presented our case for increased physician remuneration, advocating for fair compensation for our work. Additionally, we joined the "Everyone Deserves a Family Physician" movement, which highlighted the importance of accessible healthcare for all. Our efforts aimed to raise awareness and drive meaningful change in the healthcare system, ensuring that families in our community receive the care they need.

Acknowledging the BCCFP’s strategic plan, how will you contribute to forwarding these priorities?

I see key priorities as advocating for our fellow family physicians and supporting them in maintaining their capacity and sustaining their practices. This is essential, particularly through fair remuneration and robust practice support. I believe the CCFP can play a leading role in partnering with other organizations to enhance this support.

Additionally, I think the College of Family Physicians can implement innovative changes to attract younger physicians while also addressing the learning needs of current practitioners. By fostering a dynamic and engaging environment, we can ensure that family medicine continues to thrive and evolve.

Additional information you would like to share to help members vote:
I strongly believe in the significant value that family physicians bring to the healthcare system, yet this potential is often underutilized. The newer generations of family physicians, having completed 2-3 years of training, continue to be referred to as general practitioners, which limits the recognition of their skills and expertise.
To enhance family physicians' confidence in their medical knowledge and the quality of care they provide, we need to strengthen continuing medical education (CME) activities. Improving access to and affordability of CME is essential.
Systemic changes should focus on empowering physicians to manage their patients’ medical issues in ways that align with their expertise. Encouraging peer learning and experience exchange, particularly between new graduates and established practitioners, will foster collaboration and growth. Additionally, reducing administrative burdens will create space for creativity and innovative solutions to everyday practice challenges. By prioritizing these changes, we can better support family physicians and ultimately improve patient care

Help BCCFP members get to know you:
Hello everyone, i have a very interesting background of being born in the United States, moving to Kolkata, India at a very young age , traveling and staying in different parts of the world, then moving to Carribean and USA for medical school and Residency . I had been practicing in Rockford, USA before taking the major decision of moving to Vancouver, Canada to be with my husband's family as i have two very young babies , 16 months and 4 months old. I met my husband in medical school, and he was born and brought up in Burnaby, BC before moving to Carribean and USA for medical school and Residency. Given my diverse background, i have encountered healthcare in a multitude of different environments( my parents are doctors as well) and from a very young age,my passion for family medicine was unequivocal. I have volunteered, served, led medical groups in different parts of the world and have taken care of patients from womb to tomb. I learn from every patient of mine and i am so excited to start practicing in British Columbia. Giving back to community has always been a strong foundation of my principle to practice medicine.

Outline how your skills and experience will support you to be a good governor:
i have always been an advisor and leader in different stages of my life which has helped me to learn about strategic leadership and advocacy. Family doctors are the foundation of any healthcare system in any country. Their wellbeing is tied to the betterment of the society in general and likewise investing in them will automatically lead to better health outcomes. Being a Chief resident of the Resident Wellness Committee in My Family Medicine Residency program i have been the spokesperson of well being of Family Medicine Practitioners in National forums. Moreover when i started practicing Family medicine as an Attending Physician i could see with my own eyes the disparities in healthcare and even between different specialties. I did speak to local news channels in the area of my practice on several occasions, advocating for rights of family medicine physicians during COVID, as well as in general the crisis that we face on a day to day basis, given the patient load and minimal support. I am interested to learn more about Canadian Healthcare and also vocalize my opinions and suggestions in a respectful manner and learn from all other Board of Directors as well.

Acknowledging the BCCFP’s strategic plan, how will you contribute to forwarding these priorities?
Most Importantly, my focus would be to help Family Medicine Physicians of British Columbia thrive and love what they do. I know it will be a long process but i will try every bit that i can to gather inputs from members i work with, or other BCCFP members and bring their concerns and ideas to the fore front and likewise learn from the other Board members as well. I want to be able to boldly speak about the rights and evolving needs of family physicians and provide a just environment which is safe and healthy to all Family Medicine Physicians of BC. I have seen and worked very close with Physician Burn Out prevention strategies and would love to suggest my ideas and experiences.

Additional information you would like to share to help members vote:
I am very new to BC and only starting to practice soon, after my maternity leave, but my plethora of experience in Family Medicine might bring a refreshing change to the Board and can also help look into the different ways we can prioritize and engage family medicine physicians who are debating if they should move back to BC after receiving their medical education abroad. Moreover, as a mother and a physician i would love to support the wellbeing of Female Family medicine Physicians ,whose percentage in the community is high and their wellbeing is tied to better medical outcomes of their patients. A lot of times the lack of support in a female physicians career can cause untimely end of their professions, and i want to be able to change that and help minorities and women in medicine to excel.

Help BCCFP members get to know you:

I’m Cree from Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug a First Nations community in Northwestern Ontario. Growing up in rural and remote areas, I’ve always felt a deep connection to these environments. Today, my work as a physician continues in similar communities throughout British Columbia, where I find a unique sense of sanctuary and intimacy. The relationships I build and the proximity to the land and water are deeply important to me, grounding my personal and professional life.

With over a decade of experience in the medical field, I’ve predominantly worked in group practices. My roles have included providing comprehensive family medicine, emergency room coverage, hospital care, and supporting long-term care facilities. Through these experiences, I’ve gained a profound understanding of the challenges we face in our profession. Our days are filled with valuable work, yet the demands often stretch our time and resources thin.

Despite these challenges, the fulfillment I derive from serving these communities keeps me motivated. I’m passionate about improving healthcare access and quality in rural areas, ensuring that these vital communities receive the care and attention they deserve. Being part of such close-knit environments allows me to make meaningful connections and contribute positively to the well-being of those I serve.

Outline how your skills and experience will support you to be a good governor:

I've been actively involved with numerous boards and committees dedicated to advocating for rural and remote communities, as well as marginalized populations. Often, the focus of these organizations leans toward larger populations, inadvertently neglecting smaller, isolated communities. I've witnessed this oversight repeatedly, and it is evident that rural and remote areas suffer greatly from a lack of essential services.

Health services are struggling universally, but the impact is particularly severe in these isolated regions. My experience in governance and advocacy is crucial for bringing this issue to the forefront. I am deeply committed to ensuring that the needs of rural and remote areas are prioritized and effectively addressed, working towards equitable access to healthcare.

My skills in strategic leadership allow me to navigate complex challenges and develop innovative solutions that can improve healthcare access and quality. I bring a lens of equity and inclusivity, striving to bridge gaps and foster meaningful change for those who often feel overlooked.

By joining the BCCFP, I aim to leverage my experience and skills to advocate for policies and initiatives that support these vital communities, ensuring they receive the attention and care they deserve.

Acknowledging the BCCFP’s strategic plan, how will you contribute to forwarding these priorities?

I firmly believe that an equitable healthcare system is essential for adequately serving marginalized communities. I am passionate about contributing to its realization by championing Truth and Reconciliation efforts and fostering a healthcare environment that is respectful, transparent, and accountable for all Canadians.

Aligned with the BCCFP’s strategic plan, I envision myself contributing by advocating for policies that prioritize equitable access and high-quality care. My background in working with rural and remote communities equips me to address the unique challenges they face, ensuring their needs are integral to broader healthcare strategies.

I will focus on enhancing collaboration between healthcare providers and communities, promoting culturally sensitive practices and inclusive decision-making. This involves actively listening to the voices of those who are often overlooked and integrating their perspectives into policy development.

Moreover, I’ll work to improve education and training programs to ensure healthcare professionals are equipped with the skills necessary to serve diverse populations effectively. By focusing on these priorities, I aim to help build a healthcare system that truly serves everyone, leaving no one behind. Through dedicated advocacy and strategic action, I’m committed to advancing the BCCFP’s goals and contributing to meaningful, lasting change.

Additional information you would like to share to help members vote:

As a First Nations physician, I witness the inequities in our healthcare system daily, particularly how it fails to meet the needs of First Nations peoples and their communities. Historically, Canadian institutions were established in opposition to Indigenous peoples, leading to systemic racism that continues to affect interactions with these systems.

We are now in a crucial process of reimagining and recreating our institutions, including healthcare, to expel institutionalized racism from its roots. This transformation requires rebuilding our systems to ensure they are inclusive and equitable.

I am committed to being part of this transformative process in British Columbia. Through my work with the BCCFP, I aim to advocate for change and contribute to developing a healthcare system that genuinely serves all communities. My experiences and perspective as a First Nations physician uniquely position me to help drive this change and ensure that our healthcare institutions are equitable and just for everyone.

Help BCCFP members get to know you:
I completed a Bachelors in Health Sciences (Honours) followed by medical school at the University of Calgary. I then moved to BC in 2018 to complete my Family Medicine residency at the UBC Surrey-South Fraser program, where I served as Chief Resident for my site. My current practice includes work in Primary Care for immigrants and refugees, Urgent Care, Youth Clinic as well as Hospitalist work. My areas of interest include working with vulnerable populations such as immigrants and refugees, quality improvement in healthcare and advocacy work. I am currently serving as the BC representative on the First Five Years in Family Practice (FFYP) Committee for the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC).

Outline how your skills and experience will support you to be a good governor:
I have always been interested and involved in advocacy work prior to and throughout my career in medicine. During medical school at the University of Calgary, I served as the Outreach Coordinator where I led the creation of a new mentorship program for high school students from underrepresentation population aspiring for a career in medicine. During my residency in Family Medicine at UBC, I served as the Chief Resident for the Surrey-South Fraser site where I advocated for improvements in resident training based on feedback provided by co-residents, engaged in curriculum development and teaching. I also served as a member of the Council of Program Representatives for the Resident Doctors of BC where I engaged in cross-program collaboration, advocated for fellow residents during negotiations for the new Collective Agreement in 2019 and promoted resident wellness activities locally. Through my role as BC rep for the First Five Years in Family Practice (FFYP) committee for CFPC, I hope to liaise with the Board of Directors at BCCFP regarding issues faced by the FFYP group locally and nationally and participate in initiatives geared towards making transition to practice easier for family physicians early on in their career.

Acknowledging the BCCFP’s strategic plan, how will you contribute to forwarding these priorities?
I am passionate about learning about challenges faced by family physicians, working with them and advocating on their behalf for changes to improve their practice and promote work-life balance, which will ultimately improve patient care. I am eager to engage in discussions with my fellow family physicians, provide a voice for them, identify their needs and liaise with the Board of Directors at BCCFP to implement their strategic plan. I sincerely believe in their goals to provide meaningful services that align with the input from the members, engage in developing with partnerships, and provide a voice for fellow family physicians to advocate for FPs across all communities sand scopes of practice. I see myself engaging in discussions, forming connections with fellow family physicians and learning about different organizations we can partner with to work towards common goals. I also hope to give a voice to fellow family physicians in their first five years in practice through my work through BC rep for the FFYP CFPC committee and look forward to working with the Board of Directors at BCCFP to keep them informed about challenges faced by this group so that we can better advocate for this group of physicians.

Additional information you would like to share to help members vote:
I look forward to the opportunity to continue my advocacy work and representing my fellow family physicians and working with them to bring about changes that will improve their practice and patient care.

Help BCCFP members get to know you:

Hello! My name is Ryan and I am a family doctor and addiction medicine doctor in Victoria, where I live with my partner and three young kids. I was motivated to pursue this work by the core values that drive many of us: a thirst for equity, for social justice, and for leaving the world a little better than we found it. My career has been dedicated to serving vulnerable populations, including five years spent as a prison physician at Vancouver Island Regional Correctional Facility. I worked in fee-for-service family practice for a number of years. I now do primary care at a Community Health Centre and serve as the medical director of SAFER Victoria, an opioid substitution pilot project.

I have served on numerous committees and boards, including the Vancouver Division of Family Practice board and the Doctors of BC Representative Assembly. I am an experienced public communicator, having done quite a few media interviews defending the interests of patients on CBC Radio, Radio-Canada, The Tyee and elsewhere.

I like to cycle and to run a rousing game of Dungeons and Dragons in my "spare time."

Outline how your skills and experience will support you to be a good governor:

On the board of the Vancouver Division, I gained a deep appreciation of governance “done well,” and how much of a difference it can make in allowing an organization to do its best work. Governance is fundamentally boring, and yet I carry that experience with me everywhere now, in the best possible way. When you see it not done well, you just know, and I am so grateful to have this incredible benchmark to try to live up to.

I have a long history of public advocacy for vulnerable patients, which is ultimately also advocacy for our profession, as changes that allow us to better care for others ALSO alleviate our own moral distress. Whether it’s direct action tactics to oppose cuts to refugee health coverage, writing op-eds in support of Community Health Centres, or giving media interviews on the advisability of trying to expand “involuntary care” when enough VOLUNTARY mental health services do not currently exist, I have done it and will continue to do it.

It would be incredibly unhumble of me to claim that I have strong strategic leadership instincts, but certainly this is an area where I would love to build more skills and experience.

Acknowledging the BCCFP’s strategic plan, how will you contribute to forwarding these priorities?

I feel like I am someone who inhabits the BCCFP’s values and doesn’t just pay lip service to them. My commitments to leadership, equity, social justice, and integrity are woven throughout my work.

To me, empowering family medicine and empowering the patients we serve are really one and the same goal. When we lift up one, we lift up the other, as we all strive towards a better healthcare system.

Additional information you would like to share to help members vote:
In the years ahead we are likely to see political intrusion into the practice of family medicine, whether it is attempts at regulating gender-affirming care, substance use care, abortion access, care for refugees, or other areas deemed “controversial” by some. The only defense against this is to get organized NOW, so that when the day comes, we are ready to fight back, and fight back hard.

Help BCCFP members get to know you:
I grew up in Vancouver and attended UBC for my undergraduate (Pharmacy) and medical degrees. After graduation, taking a path less travelled, I moved to Asia with my husband and completed some post graduate family medicine training in Singapore and Hong Kong. Upon returning to Canada in 2016 I entered CaRMS and completed my family practice residency at St Paul's Hospital.
I currently work as a GP Oncologist at the BC Cancer Agency and also practice family medicine and teach residents at the UBC Health Clinic. I'm passionate about medical education for medical students, residents and the public and I am part of academic faculty with the Vancouver Fraser Residency Program.
In my spare time I enjoy going on hikes with my husband and 3 children, reading books of different genres and trying new recipes.

Outline how your skills and experience will support you to be a good governor:
In a constantly evolving climate for family medicine in the province I hope to gather feedback and ideas from colleagues in different communities, interests and backgrounds to better represent and serve family physicians in BC.
I'm currently serving as the Site Level Competency Committee Chair, Co-Curriculum Lead and Faculty Development Lead at the Vancouver Fraser Residency Program. This has given me opportunity to navigate the expectations of different stakeholders. I have also served as treasurer in school based committees and fundraisers which have allowed me to budget, organize and manage funds.
I believe strongly in the advocacy for family medicine in our healthcare system and I do this through championing the importance of family doctors to the public through a weekly radio health segment and also teaching medical students and residents.
I believe that my experiences in various work environments expose me to the needs of family physicians working in different fields. I hope to bring my organization skills, curiosity in learning and passion to promote family medicine to better serve our members at large.

Acknowledging the BCCFP’s strategic plan, how will you contribute to forwarding these priorities?
Having the privilege of working and volunteering in various roles in family medicine and my personal life allows me to communicate with colleagues, patients, students and the public regarding the role and work of family physicians in the province. Whether it's sharing the value of family medicine with students or reiterating the vital role of family doctors in our healthcare system to the public I hope to further consolidate the future of family medicine through asserting championing. I strive to lead through integrity, equity and cultural safety and aim to gain feedback from our members and make positive changes and decisions based on meaningful dialogue and collaboration.

Additional information you would like to share to help members vote:
I am honoured to be the recipient of the BCCFP's First Five Years of Practice Award this year and, through meeting the current board of directors and many members, I was inspired to contribute through applying to join the board of directors. Although relatively new to practice I believe that my experiences in different professions, countries and sectors of family medicine will help to give me a more well rounded view of the needs of family medicine. What I lack in experience I hope to make up through humility and willingness to learn.
Thank you for considering me as a candidate for the BCCFP board of directors.

Help BCCFP members get to know you:
Mum, wife, sister, daughter, settler in unceded land of Musqueam, BC since 2010, practicing MD since 2000, privileged in serving the health of the vulnerable – including people with MHSU conditions, the homeless & the incarcerated since 2011 I have been working on my evolving capacities in clinical service and clinical executive administrative services to “patient- doctor” in diverse primary care settings. I am inspired by our collective efforts and intentions to provide seamless service at our primary care frontline settings upholding our compassionate relational connections to self and others. I am committed to stay a part of our currently thriving network of executive medical leaders in BC offering humbleness, transparency, integrity, humble learner embodied attitude and the essentials of a bold wise effective advocacy. I believe in the impact of our ever-growing force for advocating for equity for providers and patients for now and future generations in BC. I have done my best to integrate the required skillset to help us on this journey through the privilege of being part of the physician team who serves the health of the vulnerable in BC in the past 14 years.

Outline how your skills and experience will support you to be a good governor:
25 years of general practice in diverse countries, brings a global lens, and an inclusive diverse perspective to my healthcare systems thinking. The experience spanning from public health in general to the health of the vulnerable including the homeless and the incarcerated as focused area of primary care has helped me learn systems thinking in executive medical leadership. The privilege of my diverse leadership roles, including Physician Engagement Lead, Medical Director, Health System Redesign physician lead, and Physician education lead, have given me the space to contribute to initiatives in enhancing team work at primary care settings, physician empowerment & physician wellness, and quality improvement in longitudinal primary care. My strong passion and commitment to primary care has made a lifelong scholar for improving my advocacy for physicians and patients as one united sacred entity to be taken care of in the redesign of the Healthcare system.
I am committed to do the groundwork and be a vigilant learning member to serve us in this journey while upholding the principles of compassion to self and others.

Acknowledging the BCCFP’s strategic plan, how will you contribute to forwarding these priorities?
Equity & justice is in the heart of the work we do every day in every encounter with our patients and peers. I am no exception. I have had the privilege of being in the learning journey of the true reconciliation with more than 250 hours of active reflective learning in the capacity of a physician and a medical lead. I believe this will help me to contribute to the health system redesign based on the Indigenous way of knowing and being - upholding the cultural safety and humility - to serve those who live in BC. I have learnt the importance of advocacy for equity in the care of “physicians and patients” through my lived experience serving the marginalized in BC.
I see myself contributing to BCCFP’s priorities by firstly promoting visibility of family physicians as leaders, secondly by advocating for enhancing care to physicians as an integral part of the “patient- physician unit “, and thirdly by empowering us through creating learning spaces for the enhanced executive medical leadership team in BC. This space will foster equity, inclusion, safety, joy and unity.

Additional information you would like to share to help members vote:
I believe in advocating for the patient-physician as a critical united entity in healthcare. This relationship must be prioritized in health system design to ensure the well-being of both patients and physicians. A healthcare system that values this unit will optimize patient outcomes, physician wellness, and overall healthcare delivery. I believe my diverse service areas has quipped me to uphold principles of integrity, inclusiveness, equity, transparency, relational vulnerability, and compassionate leadership. This will make me a potential candidate to be a silo breaker with focused efforts for being part of the family physicians of BC ‘s collective movement towards a just healthcare for all. My constant learning towards a true reconciliation makes me a committed member to be part of BCCFP in fostering vigilance, compassion, and cultural safety based on principles of the indigenous way of doing things in primary care and beyond.

Help BCCFP members get to know you:
I am a General Practitioner with a MSc in Control of Infectious Diseases, specialising in epidemic analysis and planning. My clinical focus is on culturally safe, inclusive collaborative interdisciplinary pathways to improve healthcare access for populations impacted by social determinants of health, including First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities. Past experience includes work in tropical medicine, artificial intelligence research doctor and programmer, quality assurance clinical care auditor for vulnerable patient cohorts, analysis of tuberculosis/infectious diseases within Canada and outside of Canada, data analysis at provincial levels and national level, work for Doctors Without Borders access campaign, public health research, clinical work in Nunavut/Northwest Territories and B.C. Interested in harnessing technology to ensure best evidence-based standards with benchmarking and finding solutions that improve patient care whilst concomitantly providing physicians with tools to ensure effective and efficient practice.

Outline how your skills and experience will support you to be a good governor:
Previous work includes Past President of the Resident Doctors of Canada, Past Chair of the Advocacy and Policy Committee (Resident Doctors of Canada). I also have been. A volunteer Physician Peer Supporter in North Vancouver and also throughout the pandemic worked as a peer supporter. I believe that effective leadership and advocacy includes an understanding of challenges experienced by both patients, physicians as well as the systems and challenges which, through a collaborative approach, need to be assessed and addressed in order to ensure improving standards of care and sustainable positive changes. It would be an honour to work alongside colleagues in this endeavour and to find tools, policies and processes with best evidence based outcomes for patients alongside the tools for physicians to support this.

Acknowledging the BCCFP’s strategic plan, how will you contribute to forwarding these priorities?
Having previously worked at Provincial, Territorial, Federal and international levels, I have an open mind and interest in learning from programs and initiatives that provide sustainable solutions. It would be an honour to have an opportunity to work in B.C. to focus on aspects of inclusion, diversity, cultural humility, analysing frameworks and tools for improving quality of patient care.

Additional information you would like to share to help members vote:
Thankyou for taking the time to read this application. I would be grateful to have this opportunity to learn from colleagues and patients, and to work alongside this team dedicated to ensuring the highest quality of standards for our province.

Help BCCFP members get to know you:
I am a full-time Family Physician in West Kelowna, BC and manage a multi-physician practice that provides longitudinal primary care to the community.
I was President of BC Family Doctors in 2021 and was a member of the executive board, nomination committee, finance committee, economics committee, staffing committee. I served on the Diversity & Inclusion working group for Doctors of BC in 2021. I am a board Member with Black Physicians of BC.
I am a Councilor (Board Member) with Canadian Medical Protective Association and served on the Investment Committee, Nomination Committee and Culture Committee (EDI). I am presently on the human resources committee and Governance committee (overseeing a complete restructuring of our bylaw).
As a longitudinal family physician I advocate for relationship-based, comprehensive, longitudinal family medicine. When I was president of BC Family doctors I developed relationships with allies and external stakeholders. As a clinical associate professor (I received a BCCFP exceptional teacher award in 2024) with the UBC faculty of medicine I nurture the future of family medicine by providing supports to medical students, residents, and family physicians in their first five years of practice.

Outline how your skills and experience will support you to be a good governor:
I was President of BC Family Doctors in 2021 and was a member of the executive board, nomination committee, finance committee, economics committee, staffing committee. I served on the Diversity & Inclusion working group for Doctors of BC in 2021. I am a board Member with Black Physicians of BC.
I am a Councilor (Board Member) with Canadian Medical Protective Association and served on the Investment Committee, Nomination Committee and Culture Committee (EDI). I am presently on the human resources committee and Governance committee (overseeing a complete restructuring of our bylaw).

Acknowledging the BCCFP’s strategic plan, how will you contribute to forwarding these priorities?
As a practicing family physician I am on the frontline and experience and understand the realities that our members face. I feel that I can provide meaningful services in alignment with member input and the evolving needs of family physicians.
Over the course of my career I have developed strategic partnerships with individual physicians and organizations both in BC and nationally. I feel that my exposure to a very wide variety of situations allows me to appreciate the bigger picture and be collaborative and take meaningful action toward shared goals. Throuhout my career I have advocated boldly for family medicine and would welcome the opportunity to work with an organization that wants to leverage our independent voice to advocate boldly for changes that meet
the current and evolving needs of family physicians.

Additional information you would like to share to help members vote:
I welcome the opportunity to be of service to the family physicians in BC.

Help BCCFP members get to know you:

I have been a family physician for over 30 years practicing in Vancouver on the West Broadway corridor. I have maintained hospital privileges at VGH entirely during this time. I have a long-term practice in this community and many people have grown with me into what has now morphed into my Longitudinal Primary Care Practice.

I still very much enjoy working in medicine and appreciate my patients still having their faith and trust in me.

Thus I have long term cohort of patients representing long-term associations which have gone on since my practice began. I have maintained extensive associations within this community over the years. I am known as a colleague, collaborator, teacher, and mentor. I've interest outside of medicine including water sports, skiing, art, sculpture and music. I have two grown daughters I am very proud of. I would like to spend some time to hopefully contribute and give back to the Profession by providing my experience and hopefully expertise in some substantive way that I have honed over the years for the betterment of others including physicians. It is in this spirit that I put myself forward for consideration to the BCCFP Board of Directors.

Outline how your skills and experience will support you to be a good governor:

I have skill and experience notably in financial literacy which I believe can be helpful to the Board to ensure innovation and integrity in pursuit of its vision. My own exposure in these areas of skills and experience is exemplified by my acting as Medical Director for a large walk-in medical clinic on West Broadway, built and managed for over 20 years. This exposure provided experience in governance, leadership, financial literacy and fostered collaboration and team work amongst physicians, staff and the medical community. These experiences have imparted the skills, experience and understanding of the challenges faced in navigating issues and moving forward.

Fortunately I have also developed governance and financial literacy with respect to my personal involvement in a family office framework which for me is separate from medicine. This has been an important aspect of personal development in my career and highly instrumental as a source of experience and knowledge. This entails much in the way of financial literacy, stewardship, leadership and governance which I embrace in management of strategic and financial matters while maintaining integrity and responsibility for all actions undertaken. My skills and experience in these areas I believe can be of value to the Board.

Acknowledging the BCCFP’s strategic plan, how will you contribute to forwarding these priorities?

While all aspects of the Strategic Plan’s Vision have importance I believe equity and understanding of cultural safety and principles of Truth and Reconciliation are highly important. From this perspective, consideration of the Two-Eyed Seeing approach may serve to guide one by seeking to acknowledge the strengths of Indigenous knowledges and ways of knowing, as well as incorporating the strengths of Western knowledges and ways of knowing in the overall framework of equity and cultural safety. In this regard this learning utilizes both points of view for the benefit of all.

This also recognizes importantly that cultural safety must be approached with listening, understanding and discussion, while being culturally aware and sensitive. This may be seen somewhat in contrast to the Western more assertive approach entailing an objective investigative nature involving a scientific basis.

By embracing this framework of mutual respect and integrity I would hope to contribute input for consideration of appropriate action, innovation and leadership. Change can be assessed and be advocated for with collaboration as necessary for this to occur. In this manner we may be able to seek to provide the best practices with family physicians input and embrace the participation of family physicians going forward.

Additional information you would like to share to help members vote:
I would be most humbled and honoured to serve. I feel my experiences have provided me with knowledge to effectively process information and I believe this results in appropriate assessment and decisions being arrived at with confidence, and with consideration given to input from others with constructive points of view. Thus I believe one of my strengths is my ability to collaborate and act decisively. This has been helpful and instrumental in my career and I would welcome the opportunity to bring this experience and contribute to the BCCFP Board of Directors. Thank you.

Help BCCFP members get to know you:

I am Dr. Irfan Rajani, a family physician deeply committed to providing comprehensive care to complex patient populations. I currently work at a local UPCC supporting refugees in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to ensure that care is holistic and accessible. I have a strong foundation in both pharmacy and medicine, having initially trained as a pharmacist, which has provided me with a unique perspective on polypharmacy, therapeutics, and patient care.

Currently, I am involved in advocating for changes to the Return of Service (ROS) program for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) and Practice Ready Assessment (PRA) participants within Island Health. This work aims to foster equitable treatment, improved support, and greater physician retention, ultimately enhancing patient attachment in underserved communities. In addition to my clinical work, I represent the family physician perspective as part of Doctors of BC’s Digital Referrals & Orders (DRO) program, helping shape BC’s digitization strategy for healthcare referrals and consultations.

I also serve as a clinical instructor for international medical graduates at UBC, where I contribute to their orientation and education. I am passionate about advancing family medicine in British Columbia and fostering a supportive environment for physicians at all stages of their careers.

Outline how your skills and experience will support you to be a good governor:

I bring a diverse set of experiences that align well with the BCCFP’s needs in governance, strategic leadership, and advocacy. As a former board member of BC Family Doctors and a past representative on the Victoria Division of Family Practice board, I have gained valuable insights into the governance structure of organizations supporting family physicians. These roles enabled me to advocate for early-career physicians and understand the challenges they face, all while honing my leadership skills.

In addition, my work with the Digital Referrals & Orders (DRO) program through Doctors of BC has involved collaborating with sub-working groups to pilot and develop e-referrals for various specialties and programs. This hands-on experience has given me a unique perspective on how technology can streamline care and improve access for family physicians across the province. My involvement in advocating for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) further demonstrates my commitment to equity and sustainable change within our profession.

I believe that family physicians are the foundation of healthcare, and through strategic leadership and collaborative efforts, I aim to ensure that family medicine continues to thrive in BC. My approach emphasizes compassion, advocacy, and a forward-thinking mindset to support physicians and improve patient outcomes.

Acknowledging the BCCFP’s strategic plan, how will you contribute to forwarding these priorities?

I see my contribution to the BCCFP’s strategic plan as focused on advancing three key areas: focused support, strategic partnerships, and bold advocacy. Through my work with the Doctors of BC’s Digital Referrals & Orders (DRO) program, I actively contribute to the provincial digitization strategy, providing the family physician perspective in the development of e-referrals and other digital solutions. This work directly supports BCCFP’s goal of offering focused services that reduce administrative burdens and improve the overall efficiency of care delivery.

My ongoing advocacy for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) aligns with the BCCFP’s mission to support all family physicians across their career stages. By addressing the challenges faced by IMGs, I aim to create a more equitable healthcare landscape that improves physician retention and, ultimately, access to care for British Columbians.

Additionally, my experience consulting with the First Nations Health Authority on patient complexity has taught me the importance of fostering respectful collaborations, which I will continue to do as part of BCCFP’s commitment to advancing Truth and Reconciliation and Indigenous cultural safety. I am eager to use my skills and experience to help BCCFP achieve its vision of a thriving, supported family medicine community.

Additional information you would like to share to help members vote:

I am committed to improving primary care in British Columbia by advocating for sustainable changes that support family physicians and the patients they serve. My work spans multiple areas, from clinical care in geriatrics, refugee health, mental health, and chronic pain to system-level initiatives like the Doctors of BC’s DRO program and advocacy for IMGs through the Return of Service (ROS) program.

Throughout my career, I have sought to build partnerships and foster collaboration with various stakeholders, including the First Nations Health Authority, to improve care delivery and ensure that marginalized populations receive equitable and culturally safe care. I believe that family physicians are the backbone of our healthcare system, and I am dedicated to ensuring they have the resources and support they need to thrive.

If elected to the BCCFP Board, I will bring my experience in advocacy, leadership, and partnership-building to continue advancing the role of family physicians and contribute to a healthier British Columbia for all.

Help BCCFP members get to know you:

Meet a passionate family physician dedicated to enhancing healthcare in British Columbia! Currently working under a New To Practice contract in Surrey, BC, since September 2024, I bring a wealth of experience from diverse healthcare systems. Before this, I spent 2.5 years in Victoria on a similar contract and nine months working on a Fee-for-Service basis. My journey began in the UK, where I trained as a family physician and honed my skills over 12 years, followed by 4.5 years in Qatar. This rich background equips me with a unique perspective on patient care and advocacy. Outside of medicine, I love to unwind in the kitchen, experimenting with new recipes, and cherish quality time with my two daughters. Balancing a busy career and family life keeps me energized and inspired to make a difference in my community. I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to the healthcare landscape in BC while nurturing my passion for cooking and family. Let's connect and explore how we can work together to improve access to family medicine!

Outline how your skills and experience will support you to be a good governor:

I am eager to enhance my skills and experience in governance, financial literacy, strategic leadership, and advocacy within my profession. With a solid foundation in decision-making regarding financial resources, I leverage my creative problem-solving abilities and strategic vision to support my team and advance the long-term goals of the BCCFP. My informal advocacy for family physician recruitment in BC has ignited a desire to contribute more formally through the BCCFP’s platform. I believe my passion, enthusiasm, and commitment to my work, combined with a conscientious approach, make me a valuable team member. I’m excited about the opportunity to collaborate with others who share a vision for strengthening family medicine in BC and making a meaningful impact in our communities.

Acknowledging the BCCFP’s strategic plan, how will you contribute to forwarding these priorities?

I envision myself contributing to the priorities of leadership, equity, cultural safety, and integrity by actively championing the vital role of family medicine. By leveraging my diverse experience and insights, I can advocate for policies that empower family physicians to thrive in their practices. I believe in fostering an inclusive environment where diverse voices are heard, ensuring that our approaches reflect the needs of all communities.

Through focused support, I aim to mentor and collaborate with fellow physicians, sharing resources and best practices to enhance their professional growth. My bold advocacy will involve engaging stakeholders to raise awareness about the challenges family doctors face and the essential services we provide. By forming strategic partnerships with healthcare organizations and community groups, I can help amplify our collective impact, driving initiatives that promote equitable access to care and cultural safety for patients.

Ultimately, I see my role as a bridge between the healthcare system and the communities we serve, working tirelessly to ensure that family medicine is recognized, supported, and positioned for success in a rapidly changing landscape. Together, we can create a more resilient and equitable healthcare system for all.

Additional information you would like to share to help members vote:

What I feel I uniquely bring to the table is my breadth of experience as a family physicians across several continents and a variety of healthcare systems. This experience equips me with knowledge and understanding of BC Physicians' lifestyles as well as that of Physicians planning to work in BC and even those who choose not to practice in BC. I would absolutely love to be given the honour and privilege of being on the BCCFP's board of directors so I could put my skills to good use in support of an organisation whose beliefs and goals I strongly align with. Best of luck to everyone running! I hope to see you soon.

Help BCCFP members get to know you:

I am a family physician with over four years of experience at Surrey Urgent Primary Care Clinic, where I provide care to both longitudinal care patients and urgent care patients. In addition to my clinical duties, I also teach medical students and family medicine residents. I have been involved in assessing international medical graduates on their readiness to practice in Canada.

I currently also work at Hamilton Village Care Center, a long-term care facility, where I am responsible for the care of 20 residents. Prior to immigrating to Canada with my family, I practiced as an internal medicine specialist in China and contributed to breast cancer research.

Outline how your skills and experience will support you to be a good governor:

I am a dedicated and collaborative team member with strong leadership and professional skills. My experience includes organizing and completing a breast cancer research program involving 5,000 women, where I demonstrated effective leadership and project management.

After becoming licensed as a family physician, I continued to hone my leadership abilities at Surrey Urgent Primary Care Clinic and Hamilton Village Care Center. In these roles, I have developed patient care goals and plans that align with the best practices to meet patient needs.

I am confident that my leadership skills, combined with my commitment to high-quality patient care, will allow me to contribute meaningfully to the BC College of Family Physicians. I look forward to working with future team members to advance the mission of the BCCFP.

Acknowledging the BCCFP’s strategic plan, how will you contribute to forwarding these priorities?

As a family physician, I contribute to the BCCFP's strategic plan by delivering patient-centered care and advocating for the value of family medicine in British Columbia. I align with the priority of Focused Support by tailoring care to meet the evolving needs of patients, including both urgent and longitudinal care, while fostering the education of future family doctors. In my teaching role, I ensure that residents and medical students are equipped with the skills and knowledge to thrive in their practices, supporting the long-term sustainability of family medicine.

Collaborating with allied health professionals and specialists also reflects the Strategic Partnerships priority, as I work with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive care. Lastly, I embody Bold Advocacy by advocating for more accessible and equitable health care, guided by principles of equity and cultural safety. Through this, I contribute to a health care system that addresses the needs of both patients and physicians while promoting leadership and integrity in all aspects of care.

Additional information you would like to share to help members vote:

As an international medical graduate with experience in both China and Canada, I bring a unique perspective on cultural differences and their impact on patient care. This background enables me to understand and address the diverse needs of patients from various ethnic backgrounds, ensuring more inclusive and culturally sensitive care.

I’m also adept at multitasking and balancing different roles effectively. In addition to managing patient care at both a busy clinic and a long-term care facility, I stay active in my personal life by participating in pickleball tournaments and tending to a beautiful rose garden. These activities reflect my commitment to a balanced and well-rounded approach to life, which I believe enhances my ability to stay energized and focused in my work.

I am passionate about fostering collaboration and cultural awareness in family medicine, and I would be honored to use my skills and experience to further support the BCCFP and its members.