Medical Health Officer
Fraser Health
Medical Health Officer
Fraser Health
Public health authority operating hospitals
We are seeking a committed and driven Medical Health Officer-Medical Director (MHO-MD) who wants to lead and implement programs that make a difference in our communities. This is a dynamic and pivotal role that provides the opportunity to apply skills and training in generalist public health practice, as well as undertake strategy and operations work within a regional portfolio, and develop connections from the local to provincial level.
The incoming candidate will work under the direction of the Vice President, Population Health (VP, PH) and report directly to Chief Medical Health Officer (CMHO) for legislated duties, as well as work closely with the Executive Medical Director, Population and Public Health (ED, PPH) for regional portfolio MD duties. The next MHO-MD will be a progressive health care leader who promotes cultural safety, encourages new health care initiatives and programs, and is passionate about quality in public health.
The Medical Health Officer-Medical Director is accountable for:
The successful candidate will have:
Supporting the Vision, Values, Purpose and Commitments of Fraser Health
Under the direction of the VP PH and CMHO for geographic and legislated MHO duties, and the Executive Medical Director, Population and Public Health (EMD PPH) for regional portfolio MD duties, the MHO-MD is responsible for working in partnership with Clinical Directors to provide strategic oversight and management of PPH programs and services, and for leading MHO statutory programs for Fraser Health (FH) and the Province, as determined by the VP PH and CMHO.
The MHO-MD has legislated responsibilities to the Province, Municipalities, Regional Districts, and to School Boards and complies with the professional standards for MHOs in British Columbia as identified by the Provincial Health Officer (PHO). These responsibilities are reviewed by the VP PH and CMHO.
This position involves the provision of geographic coverage in the Fraser East, Fraser North, or Fraser South areas as well as regional responsibilities for specific programs and services.
Specific duties for each MHO-MD within FH will be determined by the VP PH and CMHO in accordance with the needs of FH and may be subject to change as required within the following key responsibility areas:
The specific duties for each MHO-MD within FH will be determined by the VP PH and CMHO in accordance with the needs of FH.
Statutory & Legislative -- Responsible for carrying out the legislated requirements of the Public Health Act, Community Care Facility and Assisted Living Act, Drinking Water Protection Act, School Act, any regulations pursuant to these Acts, and health legislation pursuant to the Local Government Act, and any other legislation enacted that names the MHO-MD, including responsibility for communicable disease prevention and control, and for carrying out statutory functions within the Health Authority. The statutory functions are primarily for a specified geographic area within the Health Authority.
Management -- Working in partnership with PPH Clinical Directors, the MHO-MD provides strong clinical leadership with joint decision making accountability for the delivery of PPH regional programs and services. Areas of co-decision include:
The designated regional or geographic MHO-MD is the lead for coordinating issues/communications management within PPH where PPH is the lead program.
Community Medicine/Public Health Preventive Medicine Consultant -- Provides evidence-based opinions to and works collaboratively with FH staff, physicians, municipal councils, school boards, other government ministries and the community on a wide variety of public health issues including communicable diseases, environmental health issues, non-communicable disease prevention/health promotion, injury prevention, health equity, and emergency preparedness and response. May develop focused special knowledge and provide leadership in this focused area of community medicine/public health preventive medicine practice.
On behalf of PPH, leads engagement with physicians within and outside of the Health Authority.
Population Health -- Responsible for monitoring and assessing the health status of the community, supporting the VP PH and CMHO in making recommendations for strategies to address health issues to the Board and for providing leadership on implementing immediate actions when necessary to protect the health of the public. Responsible for monitoring the data and statistics on a broad range of health and health related issues, analyzing trends and problems, interpreting these concerns and for preparing reports, briefs, and profiles on the significant health and health-related issues affecting the community, and regionally, as per portfolio responsibilities.
Community Health Planning, Evaluation, Research and Program Development -- May assist in the evaluation of the effectiveness of health programs and the planning and evaluation of programs designed to address emerging health issues. May be involved in developing reports at a regional level whereby FH and the public are provided with an account of the performance of the health care system in the region in comparison with standards/guidelines or other regions. May be involved in research projects on the effectiveness or efficiency of public health interventions.
Advocacy -- Responsible for advocating for actions that will improve the health of populations. Communicates directly with the public through the media and other means and with elected officials on health issues affecting the community. Supports the VP PH and CMHO in advising the Executive and Board about health concerns and contributes to health planning for the region.
The MHO-MD participates in the FH MHO call group, as per the terms and conditions specified in the MOCAP contract, pursuant to the Doctors of BC agreement.
A Medical Degree and eligibility for a full license to practice medicine in British Columbia plus a Masters in Health Sciences (or equivalent qualifications to MHSc). A FRCP(C) in Public Health and Preventive Medicine / Community Medicine is required. Additionally, experience with health program administration and management including serving on medical advisory committees, program management responsibility (including budgets and labour relations) and community advisory committees would be beneficial. Proven ability to exercise independent judgment, action and discretion in the carrying out of responsibilities.
Current BC Driver's License and access to personal vehicle for business-related purposes.
Demonstrates the leadership practices of the Fraser Health Leadership Framework of Clear, Caring and Courageous and creates the conditions for people to succeed.
Professional/Technical Capabilities
Fraser Health is the heart of health care for over two million people in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley in British Columbia, Canada, on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the Coast Salish and Nlaka’pamux Nations and is home to 32 First Nations within the Fraser Salish region.
People - those we care for and those who care for them - are at the heart of everything we do. Our hospital and community-based services are delivered by a team of 50,000+ staff, medical staff and volunteers.
We are committed to planetary health and value diversity in the work force. We strive to maintain an environment of respect, caring and trust. Fraser Health’s hiring practices aspire to ensure all individuals are treated in an inclusive, equitable and culturally safe manner.
Together, we are the heart of health care.
Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Indeed | Glassdoor
Protect yourself from recruitment and employment scams.
We are aware of suspected fraudulent recruitment activity involving individuals impersonating Fraser Health recruiters or representatives. Fraser Health willneverask candidates or jobseekers for money, fees, gift cards or equipment purchases at any stage of the recruitment process.
Public health authority operating hospitals
Fraser Health is a Canadian health authority that provides health services to about 1.8 million people in British Columbia. It operates 12 hospitals, including major trauma centers, as well as outpatient care and surgery centers, and offers services in residential care, public health, home health, and mental health. It employs more than 40,000 staff, medical staff, and volunteers who coordinate care across hospitals, clinics, and community settings to ensure patients receive the right care at the right time. Its goal is to keep communities healthy by delivering accessible, high-quality care and by creating good workplaces for its employees and volunteers.
Explore more opportunities at Fraser Health