“It’s rare to get everyone together like this,” says Dr. Laura Wilson, Neurology. “Events like this are important. With so many people, and different sites, it’s difficult to get to know one another.”

Dr. Wilson is referring to the Vancouver Physician Staff Association’s (VPSA) most recent gathering held on September 28. The VPSA Facility Engagement Event attracted a diverse group of Vancouver acute and community physicians who came to connect, learn and give voice to how they want to create a more collaborative and caring VCH workplace.

As co-chair for the VPSA Facility Engagement Initiative, Dr. Lyne Filiatrault addressed the group, saying: “We have close to 100 physicians here this evening. That tells me physicians are looking for change.”

And that change starts with you.

Voting to shape the future

Thanks to physician input, the VPSA Facility Engagement Initiative is already making a difference. One example: the immensely successful Code Orange Exercise that took place at VGH on July 27. A record number of physicians participated in the all-day event, due in large part to funding provided by the VPSA Facility Engagement Initiative.

A record number of physicians participated in a recent Code Orange exercise thanks to funding provided by the VPSA Facility Engagement Initiative.

On September 28, physicians voted on three categories of engagement ideas identified by their colleagues at previous events:

• Physicians as Colleagues: Community at Work
• Culture and Values
• Physician Leadership and Advocacy

The outcome of this voting exercise summarizes Vancouver physicians’ priorities for change and they can be found here.

Change starts with you

Decisions regarding where to direct funding and other initiative resources will be based on how many physicians sign up to lead and/or participate in this work, says Dr. Filiatrault.

“We’re depending on our colleagues to step forward and to help bring their ideas to fruition. Without physician involvement,” she explains, “we’ll have limited capacity to bring about the changes everyone wants to see.”

To join the Engagement Working Group and create a more connected, collaborative and caring VCH workplace, email: vpsa.facilityengagement@gmail.com.

Learn more

VPSA Facility Engagement Initiative website