About Me

I believe that every problem has a solution. 

If each of us thinks about how we want to seize this moment, which improbable outcome do we want to make real and where and what we want to advocate, how can we not make a difference? If we are led by your enthusiasm, your drive and your commitment, what will not be possible?

Have no doubt, as practicing physicians, every one of us carries enormous power. We live in a world desperate for our voice and expertise.  In a fractious world, remember that physicians are still trusted by upwards of 90% of Canadians. What we say, how we live, what we stand for matters. Almost everything that is wrong in the structure of our society ultimately impacts the health of citizens. 

The enormity of this responsibility can feel almost paralyzing at times, and solving these problems is improbable, if not impossible.  But this is absolutely something every one of us has the talent and the skill to do. And if we don’t individually, we do as a collective. 

With all of us working together, every problem has a solution.

Raised in Toronto, I attended medical school at Western University, before pursuing General Surgery training at the University of Saskatchewan and Colorectal Surgery at the University of Toronto. I practiced in Victoria for four years, before moving to St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver in 2012. 

Practicing as a Colorectal Surgeon, with a focus on colorectal cancer and inflammatory bowel disease, I have helped look after thousands of patients from across BC. I have published almost 100 articles focused on Colorectal Surgery, Surgical Education and Patient Reported Outcomes. As a Clinical Associate Professor in Surgery, I work with and train medical students, residents and fellows every day. I am the Director of the General Surgery Residency Program at the University of British Columbia, and am privileged to work with the Surgeons of tomorrow. 

As a physician leader, I have served as the President and Chief Negotiator of PAIRS (2003-07) and as Vice President of CAIR (2006-07). I have been President of General Surgeons of BC (2010-13) and of the BC Surgical Society (2020-22). I have also had the privilege of serving the physicians of BC on the MOCAP Redesign Panel (2013-15) and the Tariff Committee (2016-22). I have served on the Specialist Services Committee as a member from 2013-18, and then as Co-Chair from 2020.

Striving for meaningful Health System Redesign, I have lead provincial collaboratives like the BC ERAS Collaborative, and championed the Surgical Pre-operative Optimization Collaborative. This brought together consultant specialists, family physicians, allied health staff and administrators to improve care delivery for patients and the provider experience. 

I have been fortunate to complete the Sauder Physician Leadership Program, and learn Governance and Communications from Dr. Janice Stein and the Banff Leadership Group. 

I have received the UBC Program Director of the Year Award, nominated for the Royal College Program Director of the Year, and received the Faculty Wellness Award from the Faculty of Medicine. I have also received the Caring Spirit Award from the Victoria Hospitals Foundation, and the B’nai B’rith Human Rights Achievement Award.

I live in Richmond, with my wife, a high-school English teacher, and my 4 children.