Department Head, Laboratory Medicine, Pathology, and Medical Genetics [DPH-LAB-1]

Island Health is seeking an experienced and collaborative medical leader to serve as Department Head, Laboratory Medicine, Pathology and Medical Genetics. This senior leadership role advances clinical excellence, supports medical staff governance and helps shape the future of laboratory services across the organization.

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As the most senior leader within the department, the Department Head provides strategic advice to the Health Authority Medical Advisory Committee, the Chief Medical Officer and senior leadership, aligning departmental priorities with Island Health’s vision for high-quality, patient-centered care.

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Working within a co-leadership model alongside the Director, Laboratory Medicine, this role emphasizes shared accountability, integrated decision-making and alignment of clinical and operational priorities.

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Key Responsibilities

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Governance and Medical Staff Leadership Provide oversight of credentialing and privileging processes, support Division Heads in completing medical staff reviews and address concerns related to professional conduct and clinical competence. Lead workforce planning aligned with clinical service plans and future resource needs.

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Quality and Clinical Excellence Champion quality improvement by engaging multidisciplinary leaders to define clinical outcomes and performance measures. Establish departmental standards, support professional development, participate in accreditation and foster continuous improvement across divisions.

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Strategic Leadership Lead departmental strategic planning, ensuring alignment with legislative requirements, including the Lab Services Act and organizational priorities. Support medical staff participation in achieving Island Health’s strategic objectives and strengthening integration across services.

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Operations and Performance In collaboration with your operational co-lead, develop and implement operational plans that support departmental goals. Monitor performance, evaluate outcomes and identify opportunities for improvement while contributing to resource allocation decisions.

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Communication and Collaboration Foster a collaborative, respectful and patient-focused culture. Maintain regular communication with Division Heads and medical staff, promote engagement in organizational initiatives and represent Island Health with external partners and stakeholders.

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Role Details This is a 0.65 FTE leadership role reporting to the Executive Medical Director responsible for Laboratory Medicine on behalf of the Chief Medical Officer. You will work closely with Division Heads across key laboratory disciplines and Quality Leads in Point of Care Testing and Transfusion Medicine.

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Qualifications The successful candidate will hold a Doctor of Medicine (MD) and be in good standing with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC, with appropriate specialty or subspecialty training and hold current medical staff privileges with Island Health.

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You bring demonstrated medical leadership experience, strong communication skills and the ability to build effective relationships within a complex healthcare environment. Experience in quality improvement, patient safety and formal leadership training are strong assets. You are adaptable, resilient and committed to advancing high-quality care through collaboration and innovation.

About Vancouver Island Health Authority

Island Health – Vancouver Island Health Authority is one of British Columbia’s five regional health authorities.

Island Health provides a comprehensive range of progressive health services to the 930,000 residents of Vancouver Island and adjacent coastal communities.
Vancouver Island: Home to British Columbia’s historic capital, ancient rainforests, and carefree surf towns, our sprawling island is dotted with eclectic communities begging to be explored.

The Island stretches for 460 kilometres, from the ornate colonial capital of Victoria in the south to Cape Scott’s windswept beaches and rocky headlands at its northern tip. Along with the Gulf Islands, this rugged paradise combines old-growth forests, snow-capped mountains, and untamed shorelines to create one of the planet’s most diverse ecosystems. Experience world-class whale watching, birding, and fishing, or just let your worries drift away in the waves of the Pacific.

As the Island’s Health Authority, we work collaboratively with Vancouver Island clinics, Divisions of Family Practice, College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC (CPSBC), and Health Match BC; wherein we provide support for the licensing and immigration processes.

Simply a great place to live, play and work, practicing medicine on Vancouver Island will meet and exceed your professional and lifestyle goals.