DRIVING B.C. FORWARD
Through this 12-part series, Dueck GM salutes B.C.’S entrepreneurs who are driving growth and innovation in the local business community. This month’s driving force is Dr. Dean Chittock.
Respected, experienced and passionate, Dr. Dean Chittock has been a fixture in Vancouver’s health-care sector for many years. Currently, he oversees the quality, safety, risk, client relations and infection control portfolios within Vancouver Coastal Health ( VCH), is a senior leader of the medical team at Vancouver Acute, co-chairs the Vancouver Acute Quality Council and is also clinical associate professor in the Department of Medicine at UBC. Dr. Chittock graduated from the University of Western Ontario with an undergraduate degree in Physiology and an MD (Honours), and in 2000 completed a Masters of Science in Clinical Epidemiology and Statistics at Harvard University.
What’s your favourite car?
The Cadillac Escalade— it’s an awesome ride with unlimited space.
Why do you choose Dueck as your preferred dealership?
The team at Dueck provides great service and pays attention to every detail. They continue to exceed my expectations.
What was your big break?
It was getting hired at the Vancouver General Hospital ( VGH) as an intensive care physician. VGH was a very sought after place to work and I was fortunate enough to land a position with the organization.
What was the turning point in your career?
I would say that becoming the regional medical director for Critical Care Medicine in 2004 was a turning point. The experience I gained through that opportunity eventually led me to become the VP of patient quality and safety for Vancouver Coastal Health.
What motivates you?
The desire to discover new knowledge, and innovative ways of thinking that will ultimately improve the way we care for patients.
What excites you the most about the future of your industry?
Technological advancements are posed to dramatically change the way in which we care for patients, and that’s really exciting. It will ultimately result in improved outcomes for those we serve.
How would you describe your leadership style?
I think of myself as an agent for change. I do my best to empower others to excel and believe we can achieve more collectively than we could ever do alone.
What makes a strong leader?
Someone who knows how to listen, and when to shut up.
How do you like to spend your time away from the office?
I enjoy spending it with my family. Whether that’s hiking, skiing or just hanging out in our backyard.
What’s your dream road trip?
It would be a duo-coast road trip in our Escalade with the family. We’d travel down the west coast and through the southern states, then up the east coast and back home through Canada.
What kind of music is playing from your radio while you’re driving?
I listen to mostly rock music. Unless the kids are in the car, then it’s something I can’t identify.