We Are IH: Retiring physician champion for culturally safe care

June 9, 2022

Name: Dr. Sue MacDonald
Job Title: Executive Medical Director
Years of Service: 7
Worksite: Kelowna Community Health Centre
Community: Kelowna
Ancestral Territory: Syilx

Later this summer, Dr. Sue MacDonald will retire from her role as Executive Medical Director with Interior Health. IH Aboriginal Partnerships recently recognized Dr. MacDonald for her ongoing commitment and medical leadership in support of improving Aboriginal Health outcomes and access to culturally safe care.

Sue's thoughtful and compassionate approach to improve the health system for rural and Aboriginal peoples across the Interior region is a model for all leaders.

-- Addie Pryce, Vice President, Aboriginal Partnerships.

Dr. MacDonald is a champion for advancing Aboriginal cultural safety within physician practice. She has a fierce commitment to lifelong learning, self-reflection and understanding the history which has shaped (and continues to shape) the health of Aboriginal peoples in Canada, B.C. and the Interior region.

As part of a 2019 video series to promote physician cultural safety, Dr. MacDonald discussed her journey as a champion for advancing cultural safety within physician practice.

Reflecting on her career

Dr. MacDonald discusses her ongoing journey as a champion for advancing cultural safety within physician practice.

Working alongside countless Aboriginal leaders in her role as Executive Medical Director, Dr. MacDonald has also served Aboriginal families as a family physician during her medical career. She recommends that practitioners take an honest look at their understanding of Aboriginal people and history, to understand the distinct needs of Aboriginal Peoples.

Sue has been a relentless advocate of improving the health and wellness of Aboriginal patients and families. I have little doubt that she will carry on with this work after her retirement. We talk often about Aboriginal Health issues and I have found Sue an inspiration for myself and our team as we continue on our personal and collective journeys toward Cultural Humility. Thank you, Sue.

-- Dr. Mike Ertel, Vice President, Medicine and Quality

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. MacDonald has been instrumental in working with Interior Region First Nations and First Nations Health Authority to ensure Nation nurses are able to conduct COVID-19 testing and assessment in First Nation communities.

Sue has been a member of the Partnership Accord Technical Table (PATT) with seven Interior Region First Nation partners for many years. Her contributions and perspectives are numerous over her tenure at this key First Nations governance committee.

Dr. MacDonald is also a Ministry of Health representative for the Joint Standing Committee on Rural Issues (JSC).

Sue’s kindness, generosity and practical approach to the complex challenges faced in health care will be missed by her colleagues.