John for DoBC President

I will advocate for an organization that is genuinely member-driven and transparent, and for a health system that depends on physicians willing to lead it—now more than ever.

Why I'm Running

I have spent the past three years on the Doctors of BC Board, the last two as Chair. It has been, on the whole, one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. I have worked alongside physicians I admire enormously, from every corner of this province and every stage of practice. This experience has only deepened my belief in what this organization can do and in the people who make it up. I am genuinely proud of the work we have done together.
I believe Doctors of BC has a large role to play in improving the health care system. It is not simply an advocate for compensation—though that work matters. It is one of the few structures in this province capable of organizing physician leadership at scale. DoBC can connect individual physicians' expertise and experience to real influence over how care is delivered and how the system evolves. This understanding shapes much of my work on the board, and a large part of why I want to continue serving this organization.

Serving as Chair has been a tremendous learning opportunity—one that has given me an up-close, practical understanding of how this organization works and how it serves its members. As I come to the end of this term, I find myself wanting to take what I have learned and put it to use in a different capacity.
I see the role of president as pointing outwards. It is the voice of this organization and our members. As such, the president has the opportunity to make it clear that the health system depends on the critical knowledge and leadership of physicians. I see this role as a chance to make that case: to government, to health authorities, to the public, and to our own colleagues. The presidency represents an organization built to support physicians in doing the work they are called to do.

What draws me to this next chapter is straightforward. The parts of this work that give me the most energy are moments of direct connection: with members, with colleagues across the health system, and with the people this organization ultimately exists to serve. The President's role offers more of exactly that.
In this position, I will remain committed to the work of physician leadership. I will advocate for an organization that is genuinely member-driven and transparent, and for a health system that depends on physicians willing to lead it—now more than ever.

My Platform

My work will be guided by three commitments: Support, Empowerment, and Transparency

Support

So many of the health system's critical, day-to-day operations depend on physicians. Too often, individual struggles are framed as a matter of resilience. I believe this strain is a systems-level issue – tied to workload, administration burden, and the conditions physicians practice under. As president, I will focus DoBC on these problems.

Empowerment

Medicine in British Columbia has been put to the test in recent years – and physicians have met these challenges with remarkable commitment. DoBC has shown what is possible when physician leadership is well-organized and well-supported. Let's build on those successes. As president, I will continue to champion the development and support of physician leaders who will carry us forward.

Transparency.

DoBC should be an organization where members can see clearly how directions are made and know their voice genuinely shapes our direction. As president, I will continue to advocate for a productive restructuring of DoBC, ensuring members can see themselves in their organization.

Endorsements

Here's what your fellow physicians have to say:

“One of my earliest encounters with John involved a discussion on culture and system improvement. I left the conversation feeling that I’d spent time with someone who really cares about the healthcare system and the people who provide that care.”
— Dr Eiko WaidaPediatrician, Interior Health

We need a president who understands physician issues, who can advocate for and elevate our voice, and who has experience at Doctors of BC. That person is Dr John Hwang.

My name is Eiko Waida and I’m a pediatrician based out of Interior Health on the traditional, unceded lands of the Syilx Nation. I’ve known John for over a decade. One of my earliest encounters with John involved a discussion on culture and system improvement. I left the conversation feeling that I’d spent time with someone who really cares about the healthcare system and the people who provide that care. It was evident that he is a great listener, curious, and a systems thinker.

This role—of President of DoBC—needs someone who can navigate the complex political aspects of healthcare, is an available and effective communicator, and has a firm understanding of the complexities of our healthcare system.

[John] is an active general surgeon. He is a regional medical director in his health authority and also the board chair at DoBC. [The presidency] is, no doubt, a challenging role. And I’m confident that John Hwang can bring his values, his experience, his curiosity, and his energy to this role. He can be trusted to work hard for us.

"[John] is continuously bringing folks together to come up with solutions, he understands the science of improvement, and he’s really into making culture safer. He leans into having some of the challenging conversations we need to have."
— Dr Lawrence YangFamily Physician, Fraser Health

Hi, my name is Dr Lawrence Yang and I’m endorsing Dr John Hwang for his candidacy as president of Doctors of BC. He is continuously bringing folks together to come up with solutions, he understands the science of improvement, and he’s really into making culture safer. He leans into having some of the challenging conversations we need to have. Consider voting for him. Dr John Hwang for president.

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