The power of physician leadership

Dr Charlene Lui

I recently had the pleasure of spending time with first-year medical students, and what struck me was the pure joy and enthusiasm they exude despite the immense challenges they face. For them, every patient interaction, every diagnosis made, and every skill mastered is a step closer to fulfilling their dream of healing others. Their resilience and optimism remind us of the reasons we chose this noble profession.

As seasoned doctors, we know the path of practising medicine is not without its difficulties. We face long wait lists that test our ability to deliver timely care, emergency room closures that leave communities underserved, and a growing lack of access to primary care that exacerbates health inequities. Navigating the complexities of our health care systems—especially in environments with inadequate resources—tests our resolve and can overshadow the joy that once inspired us. These challenges require us not only to persevere but also to lead. Positive leadership is crucial to fostering an environment in which change is possible, innovation thrives, and our shared commitment to patient care remains steadfast.

Through my own journey in physician leadership, I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the extraordinary courage and resilience of my colleagues. When visiting with rural physicians in northeastern BC, I witnessed hardworking, fearless individuals who used creativity and innovation to enable timely and quality care for their patients. Across our province, in the face of a strained and often unsustainable health care system, physicians have consistently risen to meet challenges through leadership that inspires trust, collaboration, and hope for the future of health care. Courageous leadership means pushing for systemic improvements that prioritize respect, psychological safety, and the health of everyone within the system. And courageous leadership has never been more essential.

To those who have not yet stepped into leadership, I extend an invitation: your voices, ideas, and perspectives are vital. Leadership is defined not by titles but by actions, and the future of our profession depends on the courage and passion of those willing to shape it. Whether by mentoring future physicians, championing systemic change, or finding new ways to improve patient care, every act of leadership matters. Together, we can shape a health care system that values the physician voice, supports well-being, and delivers better outcomes for all. For those already in leadership, I offer an uplifting call to persevere with positivity, collaboration, and hope. Together, we can navigate even the most daunting challenges and inspire the changes our health care system and patients so desperately need.

By supporting one another, advocating for systems that nurture rather than burden us, and addressing resource challenges with collaborative solutions, we can transform the practice of medicine. Let us remember that our leadership, optimism, and dedication have the power to create a ripple effect—not just restoring our own sense of fulfillment but also shaping a future where the joy of medicine can flourish for generations to come. Because together is our superpower.
—Charlene Lui, MD
Doctors of BC President

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