Dear members,

September always feels like a fresh start. Over the summer, I hope that you were able to recharge, spend time with family and friends, and do things that make you smile and laugh. This season, I am particularly grateful for health care—to be able to provide health care alongside each of you, and also to receive health care as I have been regaining mobility after an ankle fracture. Our work is demanding, but also deeply impactful. Thank you for your dedication, compassion, and going that extra step for those we serve.

The Vancouver Physician Staff Association (VPSA) and Vancouver Medical Dental Allied Staff Association (VMDAS) exist to amplify your voice to support best patient care. As we start this new academic year, I wanted to highlight the many areas of work within your medical staff association. With your input, we are working on community building and wellness, quality improvement, planetary health, digital health, Indigenous cultural safety, violence prevention, and equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Your engagement is key to our success. There are many opportunities to get involved: come to our lunches and community events, look out for openings in our task groups and committees, and share your ideas. This winter, there will be some openings on the VPSA/VMDAS board, and I encourage you to put your name forward. Participating in your medical staff association is a great way to meet new colleagues, engage with senior leadership, and lead health system transformation.

Our next quarterly meeting is on Monday, September 29. Join us for dinner at 5 pm or attend online for the meeting portion beginning at 6 pm. Register here.

We are always eager to hear your ideas on how to strengthen our medical staff association. Please reach out if you would like to discuss further. Thank you for all that you do.

Sincerely,

Dr. Ka Wai Cheung, President
VMDAS/VPSA