For Doctors of BC’s 125th Anniversary, we seized the opportunity to reflect on our history and chart our future direction, with BC’s doctors at the helm.
Our organization has a 125-year history of advocating for and supporting BC doctors. It was our purpose then; it’s our purpose now.
Here is a recap of what we discovered, explored, and shared about the history of Doctors of BC throughout the year.
International Women’s Day
What better way to celebrate International Women’s Day (March 8) and Canadian Women Physicians Day (March 11) than to profile Dr Ethlyn Trapp, our first female president in 1946.
Dr Trapp’s life was remarkable—from graduating as an MD and Master of Surgery from McGill in 1927 (two years before white women were legally declared “persons” in Canada); to pioneering cancer research in BC and throughout Canada (she could be seen transporting radium in her yellow roadster convertible to Lower Mainland hospitals); to receiving the Order of Canada in 1968; Dr Trapp’s legacy is incredibly rich.
Nine women have held the title of Doctors of BC’s President since Dr Trapp, and all have left their own unique mark on the BC health care system and our organization’s history.
By 2030, women are expected to comprise half of all physicians in Canada. Many challenges remain for women and gender-diverse physicians in the world of modern health care—from gender stereotypes to structural inequities. Gender equity is a crucial part of our work—as outlined in our 2023 policy statement—and by addressing these inequities, many more physicians will continue to blaze their trails in medical care, just as Dr Trapp did before them.
National Physicians’ Day
Every May 1, we acknowledge National Physicians’ Day and give thanks to all BC doctors for their continued work in clinics, on committees, and in our communities. This year, we wanted to mark the occasion in a big way, not only as a sign of our gratitude but as a nod to the history of BC physicians and their leadership within our organization. Doctors of BC’s work is shaped and led by the doctors, through the Board of Directors, the Representative Assembly, the 30+ physician-led committees, and the thousands of doctors throughout the province who make their voices heard.
For the month of May, a special 125th Anniversary flag flew at Vancouver’s City Hall and on flag poles around the city to raise awareness of the day and thank BC doctors who are making an impact every day on the health care system and patients’ lives.
Collaboration, integration, and unity were key themes of the day. A video featuring numerous doctors from around the province emphasized the mantra championed by our current president, Dr Charlene Lui: “Together is our superpower.”
In a special article, we examined the historical expectation of self-sacrifice in the name of the profession, which ultimately served as a catalyst for more robust advocacy for physician health and wellbeing, as well as ongoing system change to continually improve patient health outcomes.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was an opportunity to reflect on Indigenous communities who have experienced—and still experience—racist, harmful, and unequal treatment or consideration in health care. To move forward on this journey, we must first recognize and understand the truths of our past.
2025 was also a milestone year for both the BC Government’s In Plain Sight Report (5-year anniversary) and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action (10-year anniversary).
What actions is Doctors of BC taking to address systemic anti-Indigenous racism? In a special social media feature, we outlined the seven health care calls to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, and outlined current work from across the organization to address each one.
To anchor our journey in the Indigenous-specific anti-racism space, we invited artist Chase Grey, an Indigenous artist from xʷməθkʷəy̓əm and Tsimshian of Musqueam, to design a custom graphic for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Ancestral Medicine represents the integration of physical and spiritual healing modalities, serving as a poignant reminder that our ancestors are always with us.
On to 2026
As the 125th year concludes, we would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to all doctors in BC for leading health care throughout this province. It has been a privilege to support you over the last 125 years, and we look forward to continuing to do so for the next 125.
