Victor is a PGY-3 Pediatrics resident and incoming co-chief resident at the University of Toronto. Victor has been involved in medical education leadership throughout medical school and residency. He currently serves as co-chair of the Culture of Academic Medicine initiative. He co-chaired the virtual interviews and program promotion subcommittee which initially developed the plans to create CANPREPP. He is a former President of the Canadian Federation of Medical Students (2019-2020). Additionally, Victor has significant research interests in child health equity and health systems innovation.
Dr. Victor Do received the CMA Award for Young Leaders (Resident) in recognition of his exemplary creativity, initiative and commitment to making a difference at the local, provincial/territorial or national level.
- How did you get involved in the Culture of Academic Medicine Initiative and what motivated you to advocate for physician wellness?
I have been involved in efforts surrounding adoption and implementation of the Okanagan Charter even prior to medical school at the University of Alberta. I was excited for the opportunity to join the Culture of Academic Medicine initiative efforts given my long-standing work in research and advocacy around physician and medical learner wellbeing. Working to improve healthcare provider wellbeing is important to ensure they have rewarding, productive careers in medicine and has been shown to result in better patient and health system outcomes.
2. What has been your involvement in implementing the Okanagan Charter across Canadian medical faculties?
I have advocated and conducted academic work/research around developing and fostering health promoting learning environments (HPLE) for many years. With the Culture of Academic Medicine Initiative, I first joined the executive committee and now have the opportunity to serve as co-chair. In this role I hope to continue working with all faculties to develop concrete plans for implementation.
3. In your opinion, what is necessary to improve the culture of academic medicine in Canada?
First, we need to recognize that we must transform the culture of medicine. It isn’t enough to “pick at the edges”. Continuing to shift our attention to the systems issues (e.g., policies, work setting design, learner/staff support programs) as opposed to our longstanding focus on individual resilience skills is critical. Importantly, we need to apply significant methodological and evaluative rigour, funding and overall efforts to this work. It cannot be another project on the side of our desks.
4. What is something that you are particularly proud of in the CAMi initiative?
CAMi is an incredible opportunity for the AFMC, Canadian faculties of medicine and the health system more broadly. The potential of all 17 faculties working together to address these long-standing, systemic issues is exciting. I have been so impressed by the energy and enthusiasm of participants and am proud that we already have new adopters of the Okanagan Charter. I look forward to helping turn this momentum into meaningful, long-term change.
