Message from the PROGRAM DIRECTOR

As I am writing this, I have completed my first year as Program Director for the Royal Inland and Hillside Physician Association. During this time, I witnessed courageous physicians endure a pandemic, interior forest fires, and heat waves. These physicians paid a personal price for their commitment. It came at the cost of their own health and well-being.

To care for our community, my role is to support the association of physicians for the physicians. The goal is to provide our physicians with the resources they need to deliver excellent clinical care. In doing so, we encourage physicians to identify projects that will bolster work morale and efficiencies that are not normally covered in their departments. We strive to enhance recruitment and retention, including happy moments in a physician’s day. We “nurture with fun food” by having a coffee and donut day, a cookie day, and snacks provided in the physician’s lounge at RIH and Hillside. An event highlight was “Mingle and Merlot” at Privato. This was an opportunity for our physicians to meet and socialize with their colleagues after being in isolation for the last couple of years.

A positive outcome from this challenging time has been increased cooperation and communication between senior leadership staff at the hospital and Interior Health. Collaborating with Thompson Region Division of Family Practice, Medical Staff Association, Royal Inland Hospital Foundation, and numerous health-interested services within our community has demonstrated a promising future for health care. When our physicians are healthy, supported, and valued, there are positive outcomes across the entire health care system. It is evident through active project work, our physicians are energized and engaged when their ideas become implemented policies and procedures. We enhance patient experiences and provide them with the best possible care when the vision and passion of our physicians are supported.

I believe how you start a relationship, whether professional or personal, determines a successful ending. I have been so fortunate to work with the most brilliant of minds who have been generous with their time and expertise. I am grateful my commencement in my present position included physician-directors who demonstrate governance with knowledge and kindness. Thank you to Dr. Raymond Maung, Dr. Tochi Anyansi, Dr. Kaveri Gupta, and Dr. Zaheer Kanji. As well, I want to thank the assistance of our Program Coordinator Lindsay Jewell.

I am committed to our strategic plan and look forward to supporting all levels of leadership for the years ahead.

Karen A Vogel Program Director