Dr. Chi is a highly respected member of the BC Cancer community; he is a medical oncologist, a senior research scientist, and someone who also understands the intricacies of patient care and operations based on his current role as BC Cancer’s Director of Clinical Research and Medical Director for the Vancouver Centre.
As an internationally recognized expert in prostate cancer, Dr. Chi has a special interest in developing biomarkers and new treatments for those with the most advanced form of the disease. He has served with BC Cancer for 20 years, earning a long list of professional accolades and accomplishments. He recently led a four-year international trial testing a new treatment for advanced prostate cancer involving more than 1,000 men and 23 countries. The TITAN (Targeted Investigational Treatment Analysis of Novel Anti-androgen) study demonstrated an improved survival for those who received the new treatment and the results recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
“I am truly honoured to take up this new role as the head of BC Cancer,” said Dr. Chi. “As I step forward now, I do so with the profound understanding that BC Cancer is not about one person or one leader, it is about our tremendous history of achievement – of world-class research and knowledge translation and unparalleled patient care – made possible by the collective will of all of our clinicians, researchers and staff. I am proud to be the one who will take us forward in building on that legacy.”
“Dr. Chi is an excellent choice to lead BC Cancer,” said Health Minister Adrian Dix. “He understands firsthand the worlds of medical oncology and cancer research, but he also knows where BC Cancer has come from and where the opportunities lie to leverage the investments the BC government has made in cancer care to improve the lives of patients in every corner of our province.”
Dr. Chi’s career at BC Cancer started with a fellowship in medical oncology in the late 1990’s. He says what attracted him first to a career in oncology was the opportunity for deep and meaningful interactions with patients and their families.
“Doctor-patient relationships are always important in medicine,” said Dr. Chi. “But I believe nowhere is the bond stronger than in cancer care, where you are helping a person navigate one of the most serious issues they will ever face.”
"I’ve been fortunate to work alongside Dr. Chi and see firsthand his commitment to patients and their families, and his colleagues at BC Cancer,” said Dr. François Bénard, Vice President, Research at BC Cancer. "Dr. Chi is an accomplished clinical researcher who has shown steadfast dedication to BC Cancer’s mission and values. I am excited to work with him to support BC Cancer’s globally impactful research.”
Sarah Roth, President & CEO of the BC Cancer Foundation, understands Dr. Chi’s commitment to partnerships. She believes that by selecting a well-known leader from within BC Cancer’s ranks to lead the cancer care system into the future, those partnerships will only grow.
“In my experience working alongside Dr. Chi, he is a passionate advocate for the importance and impact of donors in advancing research and care. I am confident that under Dr. Chi’s leadership, BC Cancer and the BC Cancer Foundation will continue to inspire increased support from our community to change the outcome for patients and families facing cancer in our province.”
Dr. Chi will take up his role of Chief Medical Officer and head of BC Cancer, as well as Vice President, Provincial Health Services Authority, on July 1, 2019.
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BC Cancer, a province wide program of care with the Provincial Health Services Authority, is committed to reducing the incidence of cancer, reducing the mortality from cancer and improving the quality of life of those living with cancer. It provides a comprehensive cancer control program for the people of British Columbia by working with community partners to deliver a range of oncology services, including prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment, research, education, supportive care, rehabilitation and palliative care. For more information, visit
www.bccancer.ca or follow us on Twitter
@BCCancer.
The Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) plans, manages and evaluates selected specialty and province-wide health care services across BC, working with the five geographic health authorities to deliver province-wide solutions that improve the health of British Columbians. For more information, visit www.phsa.ca or follow us on Twitter @PHSAofBC.
