2023/24 Board of Directors

This year, there were more board positions available than nominations received within the specified nomination period. Therefore the candidates that applied were automatically acclaimed as per our society’s bylaws. The election of Directors process is now completed.

Here are the candidate statements for new members joining your Board of Directors for 2023/24.

Arthur Vasquez

I have been a family physician in BC since completing a rotating internship at Lion’s Gate Hospital in 1992 and obtaining my CFPC in 2016 through the Alternative Route to Certification. I am currently an FP and co-owner of a group practice in the Marpole area of Vancouver. I moved my practice from Burnaby in 2016 where I was an active member of the local Division, involved in working groups including an early advisory group for Pathways as it was being scaled to the other divisions.

I am a Clinical Assistant Professor at UBC and teach clinical, communication skills and small group sessions to medical students. Act as a Portfolio Coach and mentor in the undergraduate program, and am a preceptor for FP residents through the St. Paul’s IMG program. I have also been involved in peer education through PSP (EMR super-user for 3 different EMRs, Clinical Module presentations).

I’ve also spent a number of years in the corporate world as a medical advisor and MSL for a couple of pharmaceutical companies in Canada and the USA.

Currently, I sit on a working group with the Division, engaging clinic owners.

My diverse life (including burnout) and career experiences have molded me as a person and yet there is much more to learn and do and the reason for my interest in contributing to the Division as a board member.

If I had to choose only 3 from the Division priorities ( they’re all very important), they would be:

1. Physician Wellness and Resilience: we promote patient physical and mental well being at the cost of our own. I’m still seeing this and we need to help each other thrive.
2. Career continuum: With 30+ years life experience since finishing training and a diverse career path and working under different payment models, I can support the division by providing feedback and mentorship, or at minimum, empathy, to physicians at varying stages in their career.
3. Clinic partners: Running a clinical practice is hard work! Supporting members to make this part of our lives so we can focus on our clinical expertise, should be a priority. At the same time, we need to preserve physician autonomy in this area as well for those that want it.

I value the diversity (ethnic background, socioeconomic background, political views, gender identity, etc.) of my colleagues, patients and society in general. It’s important for me to maintain curiosity and be intrigued by others that may be different from me and make an effort to understand and connect with them which contributes to finding equity in care and relationships and builds a default environment of inclusion.

Junella Lee

I have been practicing as a Family Physician in Vancouver for 12 years, providing services as a locum and at the youth clinics.

I am currently a member of the Membership Committee at the Vancouver Division of Family Practice where I am dedicated to help engage and uplift fellow Family Physician colleagues. I am also involved in the Vancouver Physician Staff Association where I am a member of the Community Building and Wellness committee. I deeply value the well-being of my colleagues in their lives at work and outside of work.

Our work as Family Physicians significantly contributes to strong and sustainable health care. As a board member, I would strongly support the Division in its priority to focus on Family Doctor engagement to identify and address current issues relevant to Division members. This includes bringing issues to and collaborating with organizations such as VCH and DoBC, and advocating for Family Doctor representation on issues such as PCN development and other system changes. Additionally, I would continue to prioritize physician wellness and to promote connectedness.

I endeavor to be as open-minded and self-reflective as possible so that I can hear about the experiences of others. Thank you for considering my application to become a member of the Board.

Jane Gustafson

It has been my joy and privilege to serve the Vancouver Division of Family Practice through the Board of Directors since Fall 2020, holding the position of Vice Chair since early 2023.

Since completing residency at UBC in 2015, I have worked as a Family Physician in Vancouver. I started my own full-service community practice in East Vancouver 8 years ago. Medical education is also a priority for me and teaching Medical Students has been an important part of my career.

My experience as a Board Member has enhanced my skills and knowledge of the governance and priorities of the organization. In 2021 & 2022 I had the opportunity to work with other Division Leaders across the province as part of the FPSC Leadership and Management Development program at Simon Fraser University. During my time on the Division Board, I have expanded my role by joining the Division Executive Committee in 2022. First as the Secretary and then moving into the role of Vice Chair in 2023. Furthermore, I have continued to support several Division committees as the Board Liasson including Frail Elder Care, Membership and PCN Steering Committees.

The Division has many valuable ongoing projects, however, there are certain initiatives that stand out to me as priorities. First, guiding Family Practice reform through thoughtful, Family Doctor focused implementation of evolving Primary Care Networks in Vancouver. Second, prioritizing engagement of our members through targeted projects and social activities. Finally, ensuring that our physician members are supported with then their own quality improvement endeavours through the Family Practice Grant Program.

I am aware that my success in practice has benefited from the privileges I have enjoyed throughout my career and training. My time with the Board has strengthened my resolve to work toward ensuring these advantages are available to all. I strongly believe that we have a responsibility to provide mentorship and outreach to less privileged groups and to work within the Division to address systemic biases. I commend the Division’s work in this area and commit to continue this work in the future.

Family Physicians in Vancouver continue to face unique pressures and challenges in an increasingly strained health care system. However, I feel this is a time of hope and cautious optimism for the future of family medicine in Vancouver. Slow and incremental system changes can lead to lasting and sustainable benefits for Family Medicine. The Vancouver Division continues to be well positioned to advocate and support Family Physicians working in Vancouver. Through my leadership on the Board of Directors, I will continue to act as a strong voice and advocate for all Family Physicians in Vancouver.

Stephanie Stacey

I am excited to apply for a position on the Vancouver Division of Family Practice (VDoFP) Board of Directors.

I have worked in Vancouver for 8 years and currently provide full-service care at South Hill Family Health Centre, as well as longitudinal care to Vancouver’s homebound elders at the Home VIVE program. I have worked in numerous settings including rural (Haida Gwaii and Fort Simpson, NWT), maternity care for 5 years (BCWH, Sheway/Fir Square), and volunteered with the Canadian Association of Medical Teams Abroad in Ecuador. I am a UBC Clinical Instructor and have an active role in teaching residents.

I have several strengths to bring to the VDoFP Board of Directors. I currently sit on the South Hill Family Practice Board of Directors and thus have experience working in this setting. My broad range of practice over 3 provinces allows me to represent interests of diverse patient and physician populations. I have an active role in leadership in medical education with regularly preceptoring residents and also as a PBL Facilitator for medical students. Prior to entering my medical training, I completed a Masters degree in Neuroscience at McGill University, which provided me with an excellent foundation to practice evidence based medicine. Finally, I am an excellent collaborator and prefer working in team based settings.

It is deeply important to me to ensure every person can access safe, equitable, and culturally appropriate care within our system. Similarly, it is critical that these values are applied to those working within the health care system. My history of practicing in diverse settings, including two predominantly rural indigenous communities and the Vancouver Downtown Eastside, has given me an appreciation for the inequity that is still endemic in primary care. I believe it is my duty to advocate for, and amplify the voices of, those who are experiencing such inequities, and I try to do this on a daily basis.

I welcome the opportunity to help build on our strengths, and work towards positive change in primary care. I believe the Division’s top 3 priorities should include:
1. Increased access to full-service longitudinal care for everyone in Vancouver
2. Reducing barriers to care, and providing appropriate care, for racialized communities and groups that have traditional been marginalized in our health care system
3. Fostering an environment where Vancouver Family Physicians have a supportive, professionally rewarding, and balanced lifestyle

I greatly appreciate the support and direction the VDoFP has provided for myself and the large community of Vancouver Family Physicians. I have worked with the Division with PMH/PCN development as well as the maternity care committee.

To close, I would be honoured to continue supporting my local community through a position on the VDoFP Board of Directors.

Hadal El-Hadi (Resident Board Member)

I am honored to present myself as a candidate for the upcoming board election. As an active and engaged member of UBC’s Family Medicine residency program, I have had the privilege of being involved in various capacities, gaining a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within our primary care system.

As a resident at the Saint Paul’s Hospital training site, I have been immersed in the dynamic environment of healthcare, witnessing firsthand the importance of effective primary care in our community. This experience has given me valuable insights into the needs and concerns of patients and residents alike, motivating me to contribute meaningfully to the Division’s mission.

In terms of leadership and governance, I have actively participated in the PGME’s Anti-Racism, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Subcommittee as well as been a founder of Black Physicians of Canada during my residency. These experiences have equipped me with strong organizational and decision-making skills, as well as the ability to collaborate effectively with stakeholders. I believe these skills will be valuable in contributing to the board’s strategic direction and decision-making processes.

Regarding the Division’s top priorities, I believe the following should be our focal points:

Enhancing Resident Support and Well-being: Prioritizing the well-being and support of residents is crucial for their development and the delivery of quality patient care. By implementing programs and initiatives that address the unique challenges faced by residents, we can create a supportive environment that fosters growth and resilience.

Improving Access to Quality Primary Care: Access to timely and comprehensive primary care is essential for optimal patient outcomes. By addressing barriers to access and promoting initiatives that enhance availability, we can improve health outcomes for our community and ensure continuity of care.

Advancing Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI): The Division must take a leading role in promoting JEDI principles within our healthcare system. By addressing systemic barriers, fostering an inclusive environment, and advocating for equitable healthcare practices, we can work towards a more just and inclusive healthcare system for all.

My experiences and values align closely with the Division’s commitment to JEDI. I am dedicated to advocating for marginalized populations, promoting cultural humility, and addressing healthcare disparities. By embracing diversity and actively seeking input from underrepresented voices, we can create a more inclusive and responsive healthcare system.

In conclusion, I am passionate about the work of the Vancouver Division and committed to driving positive change within our primary care system. If elected, I will bring my experience, skills, and unwavering dedication to advancing the Division’s goals. I kindly ask for your support and the opportunity to serve you and our community. Thank you for your consideration.