My Career at the BC Cancer Agency

It is extremely out of fashion to work at one place for one’s entire career life nowadays. But, I admit that I am old-fashioned. I have worked as part of the BC Cancer Agency’s medical staff since the 1980s and have worn multiple hats over these years. I have spent time treating patients with gynaecologic, breast and head & neck cancer.

In 1993, Dr. Ed Kostashuk was recruited as the medical director to oversee and to plan the construction of the BC Cancer Agency’s new Fraser Valley Centre (FVC) in Surrey. When he approached me to apply for the position of radiation oncology department head, I had to do soul searching again. Should I take the path of medical administration? With Dr. Kostashuk’s encouragement, and his promise to provide guidance, I took on the challenge.

Surrey has grown since the time I did the “rural medicine” rotation after my second year of medical school. The continuous population growth in the Fraser Valley region soon outgrew the capacity of FVC and the government decided to build a new cancer centre in combination with a new general hospital in Abbotsford. The experience of opening FVC came in handy for the planning of this Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre (ARHCC). I took on the role of Chief Physician of FVC and the Abbotsford Centre. Part of my job description is to promote research.

Next week I will share with you my work in breast cancer research.

Thanks for reading,
Frances