Deputy Chief Medical Officer

About the Organization

The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) leads a progressive approach to health and wellness, partnering with First Nations communities across British Columbia. As Canada's first health authority of its kind, FNHA supports Indigenous self-determination and endeavours to improve well-being through inclusive, innovative policies and services. The organization values and prioritizes diversity and representation, particularly from First Nations, Inuit, and Métis professionals.

Role Overview

Joining as Deputy Chief Medical Officer (DCMO), you will serve as a strategic leader supporting the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) and, when needed, represent or act on behalf of the CMO. This role demands a focus on advancing and protecting the health and wellness of BC First Nations communities, integrating Indigenous perspectives into health policy, and shaping primary care and population health initiatives. Your expertise in Environmental Health, Health Surveillance (including communicable disease control and responses to the toxic drug crisis), management of chronic diseases, and health promotion will be critical.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as a senior advisor to the CMO, stepping in as delegated or required.
• Drive strategy development in areas such as environmental health (e.g., climate change implications), surveillance and management of public health emergencies, chronic disease intervention, and general health promotion.
• Apply in-depth knowledge of population health in Indigenous contexts to inform policy and advocacy efforts.
• Champion culturally safe, trauma-informed care and promote the First Nations wellness framework.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for health policy and innovation affecting First Nations.

Required Qualifications

• Medical degree recognized in Canada.
• Fellowship from either the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (Population and Public Health) or the Canadian College of Family Physicians, or a Master’s in Public Health.
• Eligible for licensure to practice medicine in British Columbia, with a record of good standing in the appropriate regulatory authority.
• At least 3 years of recent, relevant medical practice experience.
• Experience working in Indigenous (First Nations/Metis/Inuit) settings is strongly preferred.

Compensation, Benefits, and Additional Information

• Annual salary range: $206,722 to $310,084 CAD (as per MDL-D grade, permanent full-time / 0.8–1.0 FTE).
• 37.5 hours per week, with flexible hybrid/remote arrangements anywhere in British Columbia.
• Significant benefits: Municipal Pension Plan (employer contribution 9.31%), 4–5 weeks' vacation (increases with tenure), 5 personal days, 1 volunteer day, and 14 statutory holidays (including unique dates such as National Indigenous People’s Day).
• Day-one access to comprehensive group health benefits and a health care spending account.
• Completion of San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training is required for all employees, alongside an annual wellness planning process.
• FNHA is an equal opportunity employer and gives preference to candidates who identify as First Nations, Inuit, or Métis.
• Further compensation details align with FNHA's Employee Total Compensation Policy.

Additional Details

• Preference for applicants with lived experience and perspectives aligned with Indigenous communities.
• Position supports work-life balance and encourages continued professional clinical engagement outside of FNHA.
• Applicants with relevant backgrounds may be considered for other future opportunities at FNHA.