Sent on behalf of Gord Wickham, Chair, TBRHSC Board of Directors
On behalf of the TBRHSC Board of Directors, I am pleased to introduce Dr. Bradley Jacobson as the Hospital’s new Chief of Staff for a three-year term. As Chief of Staff, Dr. Jacobson will be a member of the Hospital’s Senior Leadership Council and Board of Directors. As you can imagine, with COVID-19 still impacting our Hospital and our communities – and with a new Strategic Plan about to be introduced next month and implemented over the next four years — this appointment brings with it immense challenges and incredible opportunities. Given his experience and background, we are confident Dr. Jacobson will thrive in this leadership role.
Dr. Jacobson was chosen by a selection committee representative of the Hospital’s
Board of Directors, Executive Leadership, Professional Staff and others as prescribed by the Hospital By-Law. He succeeds Dr. Zaki Ahmed who completes his three-year term.
Most of you know Dr. Jacobson as the Chief of Emergency Services. In his 24-year career as a healthcare provider at TBRHSC, he has had extensive experience in both leading teams and being a supportive team member. Most recently during the pandemic, in addition to everything else he does, he headed up our successful Virtual Emergency Department pilot project. He is known for building strong, trusting relationships with colleagues and recognizes the need to develop an environment where clinicians feel safe and supported as this is the key to delivering excellent patient care. So, it was no surprise to those who know him when he went the extra mile in supporting his colleagues, showing appreciation during the pandemic with the gift of music. You can see it here in case you missed it in real time:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/thunder-bay-dr-brad-jacobson-sings-1.5566812
As the former Emergency Department Medical Lead and current Department Chief, Dr. Jacobson already works closely with his colleagues in various departments to ensure flow is maximized in our often overcapacity workplace. As a former Board Director at the Ontario Medical Association, he has been keenly aware of the need to pursue a strong working relationship with our members. This has allowed him to communicate the unique needs of providing health care in Northwestern Ontario at the OMA Board. As the Chief of Emergency, he has also worked hand in hand with key stakeholders and Ontario Health staff in reviewing P4R performance indicators and determining best strategies for utilizing allocated funds.
Meanwhile, the Committee was extremely impressed by Dr. Jacobson’s educational background and commitment to lifelong learning that includes among other things:
- University of Regina – Master of Health Administration – candidate
- NOSM, Postgraduate Training – Emergency Medicine – 2007/2008
- McMaster University, Postgraduate Training – Family Medicine (Thunder Bay), 2005-07
- McMaster University, Doctor of Medicine – 2005
- McMaster University, Bachelor of Health Science (Occupational Therapy) — 1997
- University of Toronto, Graduate Diploma in Gerontology (Honours), 1995
- Lakehead University, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, 1991
As mentioned, Dr. Jacobson succeeds Dr. Ahmed who completes his three-year term. The Board would like to extend its most sincere thanks and appreciation to Dr. Ahmed who served in the role of Chief of Staff with great commitment and did so for more than half of his term during the challenges of an unplanned global pandemic that hit our region very hard at times. As you can imagine, the Chief of Staff role is demanding on the best of days, let alone during COVID-19. So, please join us in thanking Dr. Ahmed for his hard work and professionalism. We look forward to his continued leadership in the role of Medical Director of Medicine & Patient Flow.
As the Chief of Staff is a 0.6 FTE position, Dr. Jacobson will be handing off the Chief of Emergency Services role to ensure he can devote his attention to this new role. A recruitment process will be implemented soon to identify suitable candidates.
Please join the Board and Senior Leadership Team in thanking Dr. Ahmed for his commitment the past three years and in welcoming Dr. Bradley Jacobson into this new, exciting role.