Dr. Helene Smith is a Family Practitioner based in Quesnel BC, and also the Chair of the Northern Health Medical Advisory Committee, also referred to as NH-MAC. Originally from South Africa, she found her niche in rural family practice, and eventually became more involved in leadership roles. Since late 2020, provincial healthcare has been making efforts to improve cultural safety for Indigenous patients and healthcare workers. In this episode, we explore the relationship between medical leadership, cultural safety and humility, and quality. Dr. Smith shares her vision for cultural safety and the commitment that medical leaders have made to a cultural safety action plan. She also provides an informative overview of the purpose and structure of the Northern Health Medical Advisory Committee, and how it influences physician quality in Northern Health.
