Meet Paul Brownrigg

Vice President, CST and Special Projects

How long have you worked at VCH?

That’s an interesting question because I’ve worked with VCH quite frequently over the past two or three years through various consulting engagements. This role is, of course, is a new one and started on June 18th .

Your VCH contribution. Tell us what you do at VCH in one to two sentences. 

My job, in partnership with many others, is to provide leadership support to the CST project and to help make it a success. There are a tremendous number of people engaged in this endeavour and as they say, “it takes a village to raise a child.”

One thing that we might be surprised to find out about you:

I love boating and fishing, but never seem to find enough time to do either. When I have been out on the water for a week or so, I’m just another salty old seadog!

Favorite thing about your work?

Like most of us that chose healthcare as a career, I get tremendous satisfaction when my contribution makes a positive difference to patients.

From my days on the clinical frontline, I see how a good system can make the work of health professionals easier and better. When that happens we provide better patient care.

How does your work contribute to the VCH True North goals?

As part of the executive team, it’s our job to keep those goals clearly in sight in all the decisions we make. The CST project is a great example of that as it contributes to all of the five dimensions, but “innovate for sustainability” stands out for me. We can’t keep doing things in  the same unsustainable way and CST provides an opportunity to do things better, provided we keep our eyes clearly on the project vision.

Three things you always have in your fridge?

Well if it was down to me we would run out of things in the fridge but what I would like to say is that on a Friday there is a cool beer and most other times there is a home-made smoothie with all the healthy stuff in it. The third thing is a hot salsa to go with the beer!

What makes you happy?

I enjoy spending time with my family, especially out on a boat or some other outdoor pursuit. I tend to get “cabin fever” if cooked up inside for too long. Even a run in the Vancouver rain is better than not getting outside.

Most healthy habit?

I enjoy long distance running even though it is challenging, requires a lot of training, often painful but with a great sense of accomplishment at the end. Doesn’t that sound a lot like a large transformation project?

Favourite vacation spot?

I haven’t found it yet. British Columbia takes some beating, especially the Gulf Islands but I am still searching for the next adventure – hopefully by boat.