One of our key strategic priorities is increasing the influence of the physician voice so BC physicians can be leaders in driving meaningful change and transforming health care. Over the years, member feedback from our biennial Health Authority Engagement Survey has helped create and support projects across the province that improve the health care system.

These include recent advocacy efforts to collaboratively develop and implement Engagement Response Plans (ERPs) with each health authority. These plans aim to connect Doctors of BC, Medical Staff Associations, and senior health authority leaders to collaborate on real improvements and solutions on the ground. Here is a high-level overview of some of the meaningful changes that have resulted from these plans.

Fraser Health Authority

  • Fostered physician engagement and safety through a medical staff engagement task force, a new engagement program, and the creation of a standardized feedback tracking tool to monitor medical staff concerns.
  • Launched the Surrey Memorial Hospital Workplace Culture Initiative, in collaboration with Doctors of BC, to support a physician-led process for identifying priorities and solutions to current challenges.

Interior Health Authority

  • Addressed communication, recruitment, retention, onboarding, dyad leadership, and medical staff input to promote transparency in decision-making through their Engagement Response Plan.
  • Promoted physician health and safety and enhanced safer clinical settings through training on violence prevention, workplace culture, anti‑racism, bullying, and peer support.

Island Health Authority

  • Established a Medical Leader Directory to improve transparency.
  • Strengthened the medical leadership structure to enhance clarity and accountability.

Northern Health Authority

  • Launched the Co-Leadership Pilot to improve collaboration with physician leaders and held regular town halls to foster engagement and transparency with medical staff.
  • Expanded the Think Tank Initiative to strengthen recruitment and retention.

Providence Health Care

  • Leaders and staff worked together to address concerns such as staff shortages, administrative burdens, and inefficient processes.
  • Introduced new initiatives that fostered stronger communication systems for medical staff and refreshed orientation materials for new team members.

Provincial Health Services Authority

  • Launched a Medical Staff Wellness Survey that helped inform the work plan for a new physician wellness office and hosted town halls to promote health and safety and connect physicians and leaders.
  • Introduced a physician health and wellness website and promoted professional growth through multiple leadership programs.

Vancouver Coastal Health Authority

  • Launched a Medical Staff Wellness Survey and other initiatives to support physician health and reduce administrative burdens for physicians.
  • Improved communication, collaboration, and engagement through forums, CME programs, a Medical Staff newsletter, and participation in health system redesign.

Help drive positive change

These collaborative projects are just some of those underway at health authorities throughout BC as part of the Engagement Response Plans (ERPs). To learn more about the work in your specific health authority, please contact your local Regional Advisor and Advocate.

This year’s survey will launch on October 1, 2025, and members are encouraged to share their thoughts and help drive further positive change. Your feedback helps guide how Doctors of BC advocates on your behalf for equitable, safe, and respectful workplaces and a stronger health care system. Watch for more information and your invitation to participate.