Medicine & Quality Matters News for the Interior Health Medical Community June 2021
VP Message from Dr. Mike Ertel, Vice President, Medicine & Quality
The summer has begun and gradually the province is opening up to the new normal as the vaccination rates rise.
I was able to work a few shifts in Kelowna, and you could see the anxiety lift from people’s faces as they received their first immunization. I encourage medical staff to be involved in your local immunization clinic, if you are able, since it is such an emotionally rewarding experience for all those involved.
On another positive note, I would like to thank the medical staff at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops for leading RIH in becoming the first all-digital hospital in the Interior on June 7.
Under the leadership of Dr. Todd Ring, Dr. Kiley Cindrich and Dr. Trent Smith, all medical staff contributed to the successful roll out of the Advancing Care Electronically (ACE) program; by attending training, being proactive in supporting each other, and focusing on the ultimate benefit which is increasing quality of care to patients by improved medical documentation. Read more about this transition on p. 13.
The work of medical staff over the last 15 months to keep our patients and teams safe has been exemplary. Dr. Mike Ertel giving a COVID-19 vaccine at a Kelowna vaccination clinic in April. Though the work of medical staff over the last 15 months to keep our patients and teams safe has been exemplary; I know it has Earlier this month, I initiated an Interior Health-specific survey to come with a personal toll to many of you. I am concerned about the understand the impacts on our medical staff. We had a 33 per cent lasting impacts of the pandemic on our individual and collective response rate to the survey. My team is still working to synthesize wellbeing. that data, which I share in my next update to medical staff.
Research in emergency management points to an expectation of I am concerned about your health, and ensuring Interior Health increased turnover in staff post pandemic. Recently, the Canadian continues to provide access to excellent health care. I know many of Medical Association is indicating 69 per cent of physicians have our programs need every one of you. That deciding to take time increased fatigue and 64 per cent are experiencing anxiety around away can be challenging for the individual, to the team, and to our the pandemic. Provincially, the Physician Health Program has sense of responsibility to our patients and communities. Please experienced a 60 per cent increase in physicians asking for help. don’t struggle with that burden on your own.
… VP message continued
If you are struggling, need time away, or need help, please do not hesitate to ask anyone on my team – talk to your Chief of Staff or Medical Director. We will support you in finding coverage, if you need to take time off. The Physician Health Program (1-800-663 -6729) is there to support you, as is your family physician. Please, do take that time away to be with the ones you love, and access the care you need. You need to be healthy in order to take care of your loved ones, work effectively with our teams, and deliver good care to our patients.
If you are able, I also ask you to look at supporting care across IH, and if asked, please consider providing coverage to another community should it be required. Our medical community has answered those calls in recent months, and I am very proud of that. We had clinicians providing care in the Abbotsford intensive care unit and the Lytton, Lillooet, and Williams Lake emergency departments. This team approach, where we look out for one another, goes a long way to creating the supportive Interior Health medical community we all want.
As always, thank you for the incredible work you do every day in meeting the demands in our health-care system. I am honoured to be the Vice President of Medicine in Interior Health because I get to work with the most dedicated and innovative teams in the province. I feel truly blessed.
Sincerely, Mike
Asking for Help is a Sign of Strength
The physician health program provide confidential help, referrals and counselling for physical and mental health issues, plus a wide range of other concerns, including: relationship challenges, substance use, career transitions, and financial issues, colleagues at risk, burnout, and occupational health questions.
Access confidential support – anytime you need it. Call our 24-hour helpline for private, discreet assistance with issues that you and your family may be facing.
1-800-663-6729 www.physicianhealth.com
Handbook for Physician Health and Wellbeing
Throughout the handbook, each chapter acts as an introduction to issues that can and do affect all physicians at some stage in their careers – and then provides practical information for understanding the issue.
View and download CanMEDS Physician Health Guide: A Practical Handbook for Physician Health and Well-being, developed in partnership with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
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Supporting ‘long COVID’ patients Post-COVID Recovery Clinics in Interior Health
Interior Health estimates that 10 per cent of COVID-19 patients in the Interior Health region will experience lingering symptoms – known as “long COVID,” or Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC).
In collaboration with Provincial Health Services Authority, Interior Health is developing a new post-COVID clinic within our region to provide specialized care and follow-up for people who have had COVID-19 and are now in recovery.
The purpose of this clinic is to provide access to care, education, and services including research for people with long-lasting COVID-19 symptoms. The clinic is designed to see patients at three months post infection.
“The aim is to provide care through virtual platforms that allow multidisciplinary engagement with patients, their primary health-care providers, our allied health team, and researchers,” explains Dr. Jill Calder. IH Post-COVID recovery clinic working group and support group. The IH Post-COVID recovery clinic working group, pictured right, has Left to right, from top: Ross Cuthbert; Holly Buhler; Dr. Jill Calder; developed an IH PASC Care Map supporting a coordinated approach Deanne Taylor; Dr. Susan MacDonald; and Tracey Rannie. with PHSA for Post-COVID-19 Care that is to be equitable, evidence- Missing from photo: Joyce Okofo Adjei, Denisa Urban, and based and patient/community centered. Karyn Morash.
Please contact the Interior Health Research Team or Dr. Jill Calder with any questions regarding post-COVID-19 resources.
New Faces in M&Q
Naomi Jensen Jennifer Hiebert Dr. Jeremy Harris Kyla Gowenlock
Director of Quality Director, Medical Chief of Staff, Network Director, Effective May 2021 Program Transformation Kelowna General Hospital Trauma Services Effective May 2021 Effective May 2021 Effective May 2021 Page 3 | June 2021
Physician Spotlight
Dr. Glen Fedor CARIBOO MEMORIAL HOSPITAL – Over his 40 years of service as a Family Physician, Dr. Fedor has had a positive impact on many people; most notably on his patients and the staff at Cariboo Memorial Hospital in Williams Lake. His motto around the office, “Docendo discimus. By teaching we learn,” creates a welcoming and educational environment for all to learn.
His commitment to starting each day with a smile radiates positivity all around him. He’s eager to share his knowledge about everything he knows and encourages others to do the same because of his belief that memories can live on through lessons that one has taught.
Read the full story.
Dr. Travis Allen VERNON JUBILEE HOSPITAL – In the vast world of medicine, there are many career paths to take to become a physician. For Dr. Travis Allen, his interest in medicine sparked during a first aid demonstration in third grade. From that moment on, it was clear he would pursue a lifelong journey of helping people.
As a Family Physician and Hospitalist at Vernon Jubilee Hospital, he spends his days positively affecting the lives of many ranging from his patients, colleagues, to his greater community. When asked to describe himself in a few words his sense of humour became apparent, as he self-describes as sarcastic, brilliant, hilarious, saintly and of course, humble.
Read the full story.
Dr. Jeff Harries PENTICTON REGIONAL HOSPITAL – Penticton-based physician, Dr. Jeff Harries, was honoured with the Primary Care and Substance Use Trailblazer Award from the BC Centre for Substance Use on March 10, 2021. Not only is Dr. Harries the inaugural recipient of the new award, he is the inspiration behind it.
Dr. Harries has worked tirelessly across Interior Health and beyond to improve the way alcohol use disorder is treated through medical education seminars and his involvement in the provincial guidelines for the clinical management of alcohol use disorder.
Dr. Harries has now retired from practice, but continues to provide inspiration and guidance in Alcohol Use Disorder treatment. Read the full story.
Watch the Alcohol Use Disorder - A New Approach video and the X-Change Session 4 - A New Paradigm in for Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder to learn more. Page 4 | June 2021
Improving the Medical Staff Onboarding Experience IH Medical Staff Onboarding and Orientation Project
A supportive and interactive onboarding experience is key to creating an engaged workforce and healthy workplace. It contributes to higher retention rates, productivity, and, most importantly, career satisfaction.
Launched in 2020/2021, the Medical Staff Onboarding and Orientation (MSOO) Project was to improve the onboarding and orientation experience for medical staff within Interior Health.
The project builds on consistent engagement The MSOO Project Advisory Committee guides the direction of the project. with stakeholders and partners to collaborate, Left to right from top: Jim Pawson; Atsuko Tanahara; Dr. Hilary Brotherhood; Dr. Harsh innovate, and share feedback to ensure the Hundal; Dr. Elizabeth Parfitt; Erika Whitehead; Dr. Juliann Aitchison; Diana Stanley; Jennie needs of Interior Health medical staff are met. Bui; Dr. Jim Wiedrick; and Jarnail Dail.
“As a health authority with many rural and remote communities, we want to ensure that we hear, respect, and incorporate rural perspectives into the project,” explains Atsuko Tanahara, co-leader and Project Coordinator for MSOO. “Co-creation of the process with physicians, stakeholders, and the Medical Administration team has been key to the success of this project.”
The MSOO project team has developed a holistic and comprehensive Onboarding and Orientation Toolkit for use at organizational and local levels, which included: A Hackathon style event to engage stakeholders and unpack effective physician onboarding activities A hackathon is a design sprint-like event. In the health-care context, individuals with diverse expertise are brought together to build meaningful solutions to real-world health problems. Teams design and prototype solutions to pitch to a jury of experts. Welcome Video for Medical Staff Welcome Package for Medical Staff Welcome Session, connecting new physicians with their peers and medical leaders in IH Medical Staff Onboarding and Orientation Project Extranet Site Level Orientation Tool Templates (e.g., Site Level Orientation Guide / Onboarding Checklist)
Next Steps include a Process Flow Charting Session to better understand and improve the processes involved in physician onboarding and orientation; engagement to develop Locum and Medical Leader Orientation Tools; and engagement with Local Medical Advisory Committees, Medical Staff Associations, and Divisions of Family Practice in fall 2021 to share progress update.
“This is an excellent example of how productive and successful a project can be with a functional dyad structure. Implementation of these insights is crucial to optimize an adaptive and equitable onboarding and orientation model for all.” ~ Dr. Juliann Aitchison, project co-leader and Chief of Staff, Shuswap Lake General Hospital
The MSOO Project values input from medical staff across IH. If you have any questions, feedback, or have interest in contributing to the project, please email Atsuko Tanahara.
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Honouring Ric’s journey
After 47 days in intensive care at Royal Inland Hospital, As they lined the halls to bid him farewell for the last time, Ric Egan asked his care team to help him leave this world it was a bittersweet moment for the ICU care team who had – with hope and in victory. all become family to him.
Ric had been in and out of RIH since he became a quadriplegic “What people may not realize is how meeting our patients’ 30 years ago in a dirt bike accident. Despite those enormous requests and care needs also inspires medical staff,” said ICU physical challenges, he maintained a zest for living. manager Matt Stubbings.
This year, however, his health took a rapid decline and he His last wish made a decision. He wanted to marry the love of his life and then he wanted to die at home. RN Sean Adam from the High Acuity Response Team (HART) oversaw the complex needs required for the transfer to Merritt. Respiratory therapist Tannis Gilbert also travelled with Ric, ensuring his comfort on the hour-long journey.
“Tannis was incredibly supportive and willing to do whatever was needed for him,” said Matt.
He added that there was a united goal among all staff to help him go back home, to transition his life in peace and allow him to die with dignity and free of pain. For the ICU team, it was an honour to support his final wishes.
Ric passed peacefully that evening with medical assistance.
In Viktor’s words, “Ric’s journey was one of perseverance, gusto for life, and life with dignity.” Read the full story.
The man whom friends and family describe as having great respect for life, along with a quick wit, infectious laugh and a pinch of spicy temper, was ready.
Ric’s care team During the wedding celebration, ICU nurse Cecilee Moray represented his core team of nurses, reading the words of Louise Desilets, another RN who had cared for him.
“Ric, you are getting married, you are going home to Merritt and you are making the choices about your life. Your mind is clear and strong and independent, and this is why you have not lost. It is why you are winning in life to the end.”
Spiritual Health education for medical staff
Developing an Understanding of Spiritual Health (i-Learn course 1640) Recognizing and Responding to Spiritual Health Care Needs (i-Learn course 1641)
To learn more about Spiritual Health, see the Spiritual Health, A Framework for B.C.’s Spiritual Health Professionals To learn more about MAiD, visit the Palliative Care page for physicians Page 6 | June 2021
Building Connection, Driving Change Concluding the X-Change series By Dr. Harsh Hundal, Executive Medical Director, Physician Engagement & Resource Planning
Wow, what an experience! reduced sick time by 50 per cent. They recognized the challenges, but came with solutions in the best traditions We launched the X-Change - of Physician Quality Improvement. A Series of Rounds to Drive Change last October, in Dr. Derek Puddester discussed how we can improve out partnership with the Canadian wellness by shifting our focus from physician burnout to Medical Association. It was a enhancing resilience to manage stress and illness. platform to try some ideas on asynchronous learning and the I smile every time I think of the wonderful one-off podcast with ability to connect through the Dr. Carol Ward, geriatric psychiatrist, regarding how one’s career power of ideas. We wanted can come full circle, the influences that shape our choices, and to showcase the incredible the moments one cherishes. Dr. Harsh Hundal, X-Change host medical and administrative talent in Interior Health and I want to thank participants for being so authentic, and open celebrate their commitment to be agents of change. to having a free ranging unscripted conversation. This is a rare occurrence these days. The live rounds have been memorable with people inspired and moved by Dr. Jeff Harries’ commitment to helping individuals I am also thankful for the wonderful Colleen Stallard, my and families with alcohol use disorder. It truly is his legacy even administrative assistant, who agreed to join me in this as ALS takes away his ability to speak, he carries on. adventure and developed a whole new skillset as a podcast producer. I could not have done it without her and the mighty Dr. Sean Watchel’s demand that we demonstrate courage Dwayne Walwyn, who took care of our mistakes and wrote the in standing up to racism was frank, given horrifying health X-Change theme music. Lastly, I want to acknowledge the outcomes for our aboriginal partners. Canadian Medical Association and Interior Health for supporting us throughout this experience. My apologies to anyone I have Dr. Julian Sernick’s talk on ‘crisis inspired creativity’ by moving forgotten. an orthopedic clinic during COVID-19 out of Vernon Jubilee Hospital into the community to deliver safer and better care. The X-Change presentations had a total of 359 attendees and This incredible teamwork at VJH moved beyond accepted nearly 2,000 online views (as of June 28, 2021). Watch all the paradigms of care. Subsequently, Julian presented this work presentations and post-session podcasts on the X-Change at the 2021 Quality Forum. playlist on YouTube.
Dr. Aleks Tkach and Cory Bendal’s masterfully articulated the necessity of humility in recognizing the wisdom and knowledge of local providers as essential in improving stroke care. Cory and TheThe XX--ChangeChange Aleks do not own the stroke network; the participants not only Feedback from participants own but shape the network! “This is a fascinating topic and rule for future research.” Dr. Doug Cochrane, Interior Health Board Chair, challenged us to explore unconscious bias, and Dr. Jill Calder, physiatrist, gave “The latest/up to date research presented a brilliant presentation on COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 was most useful.” syndromes. Her ability to explain complexity, identify the necessity for and paths for action, and generousness of spirit “It gives me hope and a tool I had no idea about.” came shining through. “Admitting my own prejudice to myself X-Change ended with Jessica Barker and Dr. Marianne Morgan, = hope for self-improvement” palliative care leaders from the central Okanagan, making
a passionate plea to address moral injury in health care and rediscover joy in work. With vulnerability, they shared their “Learn from a crisis and use it as a springboard failures and that ‘ah-ha’ moment that led to a strategy that for innovation!”
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Congratulations PQI graduates
A group of 22 people from across Interior Health were recognized in a virtual graduation event on June 14.
After an 18-month journey, Cohort 2 of the Physician Quality Improvement Program graduated. Consisting of 11 physicians and 11 dyads, the graduation event included presentations from each dyad on their quality improvement initiative.
In the event’s opening remarks, Dr. Mike Ertel, Vice President of Medicine & Quality, expressed his appreciation for the cohort’s commitment quality improvement.
“To see you, my colleagues, pursing quality and doing these projects to improve health care is so exciting,” Participants if the PQI Cohort 3 program. Photo taken at session one, day one, said Dr. Ertel. “It is because of people like you and your October 2019. contributions that the future of Interior Health is bright.”
The Physician Quality Improvement Cohort 3 will graduate soon and nominations for PQI Cohort 4 are open now. Visit the PQI information page or contact the PQI team to learn more.
The PQI Initiative is one of two flagship programs of the Specialist Services Committee (SSC) along with Facility Engagement. The PQI initiative represents a partnership between the Government of BC, the SSC and the Health Authorities.
#KBRHGratitudeMural A collaboration between IH and the Kootenay Boundary Physicians Association
The #KBRHGratitudeMural is a present to the staff at Kootenary Boundary Regional Hospital and communities of Kootenay Boundary with love from the doctors of the Kootenay Boundary Physicians Association (KBPA).
The mural is located at the main hospital entry for physicians and staff and aims to inspire and reflect “Joy and Gratitude” during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
To learn more about the #KBRHGratitudeMural, listen to the CBC DayBreak radio interview with project lead Dr. Sue Babensee or visit kbdoctors blog.
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Doctors helping doctors in COVID battle
With intensive care units on the Lower Mainland running at double capacity as the third wave of COVID-19 infections hit, ICU specialists in Interior Health understood the pressure on their colleagues.
They had dealt with their own influx of COVID-19 patients over the past 14 months, but the numbers remained manageable.
“Although the stress of the pandemic has been tough on everybody, we, in Interior Health, have been extremely fortunate to have escaped the same, unrelenting demands on our own local ICU and hospital teams,” said Dr. Ryan Foster, regional IH medical director for the IH Critical Care Network.
He could only speculate on why the pandemic did not take off in Interior Health.
“It may have been strong public health and medical leadership, geography, hard work and the vaccination rollout, all combined with some luck, that prevented a devastating third wave here,” he said.
Knowing the toll of an ICU stretched beyond capacity for months on end, Dr. Foster and Dr. Vik Chaubey reached out to their ICU Dr. Vik Chaubey colleagues in Fraser Health, offering to work shifts in their hospitals. The proposal was gratefully accepted. Dr. Foster said he was happy to be able to be there in a supportive role and do whatever was required. “Every little bit helps, which was the rational to volunteer to travel down there to be part of the battle in some small way,” “It's clearly been a very trying time on them – in fact, on anyone said Dr. Foster who spent a week in the Abbotsford ICU. working in health care. However, the entire team seemed to be rising to the challenge. Similar to our own ICU teams here: they Dr. Chaubey, who is medical director of the KGH ICU, spent are putting their heads down, doing the work, and always a week each in Surrey and Abbotsford ICUs. figuring out a way to get it done.”
Dr. Mike Ertel, Interior Health’s VP, Medicine & Quality, said Both ICU specialists are back at KGH now. They are optimistic a it’s inspiring to see physicians from IH going to the aid of their high vaccine uptake across the population will mean there is no colleagues in the Lower Mainland. need to return to the Lower Mainland.
“They are doing this on their days off and leaving their young “I think all of us are ready to finally be on the other side of this,” families behind to help out, which is next level in my opinion said Dr. Foster. “But with adequate PPE resources, strong with respect to generosity and professionalism,” said Dr. Ertel. protection afforded by vaccination, much more clarity around how to stay safe at work, and supportive ICU team colleagues, “And I know that our colleagues in the Lower Mainland would the work environment has a much different feeling than one and will do the same for us if that day ever comes. Examples year ago when there were far more unknowns and concerns like these once again make me proud to be a physician in B.C. about personal risks. and even prouder to be a physician in Interior Health.” “That being said, the constant front line view and participation Critically ill COVID patients on the Lower Mainland are being in an illness that has really ravaged so many patients and centralized in three main hospitals – Abbotsford Regional, families has, by far, been the most difficult challenge in my Surrey Memorial, and Royal Columbian in New Westminster. medical career.”
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Skype transitions to MS Teams on June 28
Microsoft (MS) Teams will become the primary communication tool used for meetings, phone calls, and instant messaging on all Interior Health computers on Monday, June 28, replacing Skype for Business. Zoom will be maintained as a patient engagement clinical tool.
For medical staff, MS Teams will enhance collaboration for physician and clinical staff. Having one communication platform, instead of many, will improve check-ins with peers and support clinical scenario issues.
“It will take a little time to adjust to the new software; however, MS Teams will reduce the number of platforms we use, and align us with our provincial counterparts. I like the fact that it interfaces with the rest of the MS ‘world.’ ” ~ Dr. Curtis Bell, Executive Medical Director, Primary & Community, & Seniors Care IH South
Celebrating Pride & Indigenous Peoples
June marks Pride month, an opportunity to celebrate, acknowledge, and take action in support of diversity and inclusion.
In June, we also celebrate National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day to honor the history, heritage and diversity of Indigenous peoples in Canada.
This year, National Indigenous History Month is dedicated to the missing children, the families left behind, and the survivors of residential schools. We pause in somber reflection for those who continue to grieve, and remain committed to acknowledging the ongoing impact of colonization. Dr. James Makokis identifies as "two-spirit" – a term used by and for Want to contribute to the elimination of racism and Indigenous LGBT+ people in North America who identify with both discrimination? Become an ally. Learn more about Aboriginal masculinity and femininity, and which harks back to pre-colonial third Culture Safety and Education on the next page. gender roles.
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Aboriginal Cultural Safety and Humility Accredited education series for medical staff
The Aboriginal Cultural Safety & Humility Education courses are now accredited by University of British Columbia Division of Continuing Professional Development (as of June 22, 2021).
Physicians can receive study credits for completing these Interior Health courses. Other members of medical staff may use these courses for their proof of maintenance of CPD requirements. The first cohort is Sept. 15 for course 1476 and Sept. 22 for course 1648. See next page for registration information or email [email protected].
Drs. Sean Wachtel, Devin Harris and Harsh Hundal completed these courses and encourage fellow medical staff colleagues to do the same.
This newly enhanced and revised course is an excellent introduction to the culture and history of Aboriginal nations and people in the interior region. We hope you enjoy your first steps in your journey towards cultural safety and humility, which we are here to support at every turn. We hope the course stimulates you to learn more and enhance your practice, to better care for the region's Aboriginal people. - Dr. Sean Wachtel “ Participating in the Aboriginal Culture Safety and Humility Education program has been transformative to me in both my understanding and connectedness. It was a safe space with my peers and colleagues in which to listen, learn, talk, and reflect. Further, it has given me more urgency to act – to change our health-care system, and society at large.” - Dr. Devin Harris
“ Recently, the bodies of 215 children were discovered in a mound in Kamloops. Here in the interior, every day, the veterans of this cultural genocide carry the wounds to this day rippling through generations and affecting interactions with physicians, nurses, and other providers of care. Until we can reflect with compassion on the truth of the profound lived experiences of aboriginal peoples, the trauma across generations, the systemic and unconscious bias still at work in our society, we cannot hope to move to reconciliation. This course provides a safe place to begin that supported journey towards cultural safety and humility. It is not a tick “box, but an opportunity with peers to unpack the stories and start that journey of reflection that begins with vulnerability and humility. - Dr. Harsh Hundal
Page 11 | June 2021 Medicine & Quality Matters News for the Interior Health Medical Community June 2021
ACE is live at RIH Digitally charting the course for the future
Dr. Aris Azad is a Vascular Surgeon, working 32 years at Royal Inland Hospital (RIH).
As the Advancing Care Electronically (ACE) project was being developed, Dr. Azad had his concerns about the roll-out’s steep learning curve and technical requirements. ACE moves Royal Inland Hospital from a paper-based system to electronic charting with real-time updates and alerts.
At the start of his first shift using the new system, he was pleased with how intuitive it felt.
“Whoever designed this system thinks like me. They did a remarkable job, and have clearly put a lot of thought into it. We should have done this a long time ago.” Dr. Aris Azad, Vascular Surgeon, onsite at Royal Inland Hospital during the When ACE launched, Dr. Azad describes feeling Advancing Care Electronically (ACE) launch. well supported by the network of champions providing at-the-elbow assistance to frontline users. Upon calling the technical team for support installing Fluency Direct on a personal device, Dr. Azad said his question was resolved within minutes.
“Now I can use the system at the hospital, at my private office, and at home. My colleagues were excited to hear this because one of our concerns about the system was if we could dictate from our office computers. But truly, it’s no problem,” he said. “If I can offer any advice to my physician colleagues at future sites, it’s don’t be afraid.”
The system is faster, and it allows for efficient collaboration as everything is right there at your fingertips.
“I can’t tell you how good it feels to know I’ll never have to hunt for a chart again. I think back to the first time someone told me it would be possible to put in aortic stents… that was a game changer for us. And ACE is a game-changer too. It will revolutionize care.”
IH Executive & Senior Medical Leadership
Dr. Mike Ertel, Vice President, Medicine and Quality 250-469-7070 ext.12806 Dr. Zoe Ayling, Senior Medical Director, Credentialing & Privileging 250-488-8720 Dr. Nick Balfour, Executive Medical Director, IH South 250-470-8938 Dr. Curtis Bell, Executive Medical Director, Primary & Community, & Seniors Care IH South 250-718-6950 Dr. Sarah Broder, Senior Medical Director, Palliative & End of Life Care 250-809-7973 Dr. Nattana Dixon-Warren, Senior Medical Director, Kootenay Boundary 250-469-7070 ext. 12208 Dr. Glenn Fedor, Senior Medical Director, Thompson Cariboo 250-398-0777 Dr. Devin Harris, Executive Medical Director, Quality & Patient Safety 778-214-4833 Dr. Harsh Hundal, Executive Medical Director, Physician Engagement & Resource Planning 250-868-5200 ext. 70679 Dr. Todd Loewen, Senior Medical Director, East Kootenay 250-489-6472 Dr. Sue MacDonald, Executive Medical Director, Primary & Community, & Seniors Care IH North 250-469-7070 ext.12208 Dr. Andrew Sellars, Senior Medical Director, North Okanagan 250-833-3600 ext. 34825 Dr. Douglas Smith, Executive Medical Director, IH North 778-214-4657 Dr. Sean Wachtel, Senior Medical Director, Aboriginal Health 250-469-7070 ext. 12209 Page 13 | June 2021