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Coquitlam physician takes over post at BC's top doc

Improved access to health care key goal, Dr. Kathleen Ross says
Drs of BC
Dr. Kathleen Ross is the new president of the Doctors of BC, the organization representing B.C.’s 14,000 physicians.

A family physician with deep roots in the Tri-Cities is looking forward to her role as the president of the Doctors of BC.

Kathleen Ross took on the job June 1 and will be working towards improving access to primary care for B.C. patients at the same time she continues working at her Coquitlam and New Westminster offices.

“I’ve had a career-long, lifelong dedication to leadership and contributing in whatever way I could contribute both professional and in the community. It was a natural evolution,” Ross said of her new position.

She steps into the role of president after holding key leadership positions in the Tri-Cities and New West, including vice-president of the Royal Columbian and Eagle Ridge Hospital Medical Staff Society, founding member and chair of the Fraser Northwest Division of Family Practice, chair of the Pathways Patient Referral Association, and Physician Leader of the Fraser Northwest Shared Care Committee.

Ross has worked in the area for 26 years in family practice, obstetrics and assisting in open heart surgeries.

A Port Coquitlam high school grad who recently attended Terry Fox graduation ceremonies as a wall of fame inductee, Ross is looking forward to working on projects that will improve access to primary care in B.C.’s north as well as urban areas such as the Tri-Cities.

Among one of the more innovative efforts she will be keeping an eye on is the establishment of new primary care networks that will link patients with services, including mental health and addictions, elder and pregnancy care.

“The primary care networks are a great place to get started, a great initiative to align people’s needs with what matters,” she said.

Ross is also associated with the Rotary Club of Coquitlam, which is fundraising for computer servers in Kenya.