GABRIOLA ISLAND, BC, April 30, 2025 -- The Gabriola Health Care Foundation (GHCF) would like to thank Dr Erin Cusack and Dr. Kate Clarke for their many contributions to the Gabriola community as they each prepare to move on in their medical careers.
The Gabriola Medical Clinic has announced that Dr Cusack, who joined the clinic in 2021, is scheduled to depart at the end of July, 2025. Dr Clark, who joined the clinic in 2023, plans to leave in mid October, 2025.
"The contribution that these two doctors have made to our community has been tremendous," said Jeff Malmgren, President of the GHCF. "Erin and her family have been cornerstones in our community. And Kate, in her short time here, has brought much value to the Clinic and her patients. Both have been significant contributors to the health and wellbeing of our community."
"Like all of us, doctors have sometimes difficult choices to make," Malmgren added. "We appreciate the commitment and dedication that Erin and Katr have shown in their time with us. They have our thanks and our very best wishes."
The Gabriola Health Care Foundation is a non-profit, volunteer-run organization that strives to improve heath care for all Gabriolans. The Foundation owns and maintains the Gabriola Community Health Centre.
The Gabriola Medical Clinic is a separate entity operated by the clinic physicians.
One of the Foundations key activities is to assist the clinic with the recruitment and retention of doctors and other heath-care providers. The clinic, and the Gabriola community, continue to be very attractive to medical residents and locums (doctors who provide temporary service), and continue to receive inquiries from physicians considering full-time employment.
As the clinic and the Foundation work to recruit more doctors, it's important to be aware of the serious challenges affecting primary health care across Canada. A severe shortage of family doctors is impacting every community in B.C. and across the country. A national study released in January says that this trend will likely continue well into the future.
As a result, a shift in primary care strategy is essential. The Gabriola Heath Care Foundation is working with community partners and the community as a whole to finalize a five-year strategic plan that envisions a new, integrated and transforming model for health care and wellbeing on Gabriola Island.
The proposed model calls for a community designated and owned system that serves everyone in the community and allows our health and wellbeing providers to work at the top of their abilities. Built on the understanding that health outcomes are significantly driven by social issues, it involves connectting all the health and wellbeing providers in our community, and providing residents with multiple, easily accessed avenues to get the care and support they need. The core concept is to take a systematic approach, one that equips and encourages our community to take collective responsibility for its healh and wellbeing.
"As a community, we have an opportunity to take control of our future," Malmgren said. "Our goal is to foster a healthier, more connected community, improved access to primary and urgent care, and a population that's better equipped to understand and address the full spectrum of factors affecting their health."
The GHCF is in the process of engaging with the community about this proposed vision to gain more understanding and hear what our fellow residents think. For more information about the strategic plan, please visit the GHCF web site.
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