Dr Charlene Lui

As my year as president of Doctors of BC concludes, I reflect with deep gratitude and humility. It has been the honor of a lifetime to represent physicians across this province—to be trusted to speak on behalf of colleagues who dedicate themselves daily to caring for others. Every meeting, media interview, and policy discussion carried the weight of that responsibility—the knowledge that I was representing more than 16 000 physicians who give so much of themselves each day. I am deeply thankful for the trust you placed in me and for the opportunity to share your stories and perspectives with decision-makers across the province.

Over the past year, I’ve had the opportunity to meet colleagues from all parts of British Columbia—family doctors and specialists, rural physicians and urban hospitalists, residents and medical students. Each encounter has reminded me of the deep commitment physicians have to the well-being of their patients and communities, even in the face of immense challenges.

I have been inspired by the resilience and compassion of our profession. The past year has not been easy for anyone in health care. The pressures on our system are real—workforce shortages, administrative burdens, rising demand, and the personal toll that burnout and moral distress can inflict. Yet time and again, I’ve seen colleagues step forward with creativity and courage—advocating for their patients, mentoring the next generation, and leading innovative solutions in clinics, hospitals, and health authorities. That perseverance has been both humbling and inspiring to witness.

This year has also deepened my appreciation for the vital role that Doctors of BC plays in supporting our profession. Our organization is more than just a negotiating body; it is a community that advocates for physicians in all aspects of their work and personal lives. From advocacy and policy development to wellness initiatives, peer support, and practice resources, Doctors of BC stands with physicians through every stage of their careers. Whether it’s addressing systemic challenges through collaborative negotiations or offering confidential wellness support for colleagues in need, the association’s work is rooted in a simple but powerful belief: when physicians are supported, patients and communities benefit.

I’ve seen firsthand how the association’s staff and physician leaders embody this belief. I’ve observed their dedication during countless committee meetings, community visits, and stakeholder discussions—always focused on improving care, strengthening the profession, and ensuring that physicians’ voices are heard. It has been a privilege to work alongside such talented and passionate individuals. I want to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all the staff and physician leaders who make such a significant difference in our health care ecosystem.

This year has also reaffirmed my belief in the importance of physician leadership—not just in formal roles, but also in all the ways we can influence care and culture on a daily basis. Leadership occurs in exam rooms, operating rooms, and community halls. It also happens when a doctor advocates for a patient who doesn’t have a voice, when a colleague supports another through burnout, or when we come together to design a better way of delivering care. Physicians bring both clinical insight and deep empathy to these conversations, and that combination is indispensable in shaping a better health care system.

As I step back from this role, I carry immense gratitude—for the friendships formed, the lessons learned, and the opportunity to witness the incredible breadth of talent and compassion among BC’s physicians. I also carry hope. Hope that we continue to build a health care system that values collaboration, wellness, and respect. Hope that we keep lifting each other up, even during difficult times. And hope that, together, we continue to lead with courage, empathy, and purpose.

Thank you for the honor of serving as your president. Thank you for the work you do every day, often unseen and unheralded, but always essential. Thank you for your trust, dedication, and compassionate service to your patients and the health care system. It has been an unforgettable year, and I will treasure the lessons and relationships from it with deep gratitude, always.

Together is our superpower!
—Charlene Lui, MD
Doctors of BC President

hidden

[11]

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License [11].