Leadership
Leadership Team
Dr. David J. Price
Founding Dean and Special Advisor to the Provost & VP Academic
In July 2024, Dr. Price was appointed by 大象传媒's Board of Governors as the University's founding dean of Medicine. Dr. Price is a practicing family physician and professor in the Department of Family Medicine at McMaster University, where he served as department chair for 15 years until 2021. He is a nationally recognized leader in family medicine and primary care, with extensive consulting experience across Canada and internationally. During his time as chair, he oversaw a significant expansion of the department, in part by establishing new family medicine residency locations in several communities. His research interests include interprofessional primary care practice policies.
Dr. Maria Hubinette
Associate Dean, Education
As the Associate Dean, Education, Dr. Maria Hubinette provides leadership for the development and implementation of undergraduate, postgraduate and continuing medical education programs and accreditation. As a practicing family physician, her clinical work focuses on youth and women, particularly outreach to youth with barriers to accessing care, community-based mental health support and specialized care for sexual and gender-based violence survivors. Dr. Hubinette received her MD from UBC, completed her rural family practice residency program there, and took her Master of Medical Education from the University of Dundee, Scotland. She is a clinical professor in the department of family practice at UBC and has a visiting faculty appointment in the Faculty of Health Sciences.
Dr. Kris Magnusson
Senior Strategic Advisor to the Dean
Dr. Kris Magnusson (PhD) has led several pivotal academic initiatives for the university, including the development and implementation of the School of Medicine's business case, and has been instrumental in guiding the School through the Senate and Board of Governors approval process. As a professor in the Faculty of Education, where he completed two terms as dean, Kris' scholarly work focuses on counselling psychology and career development. Prior to his tenure at 大象传媒, he was a junior high school teacher, a college counsellor and as faculty member in counselling psychology at the University of Calgary and the University of Lethbridge.
Dr. Rebekah Eatmon
Associate Dean, Indigenous Health
Dr. Rebekah Eatmon, Associate Dean Indigenous Health, is a highly respected Indigenous Family Physician who practices full scope family medicine, including family practice obstetrics. Since 2021, she has provided comprehensive medical care to both urban and rural Indigenous populations. Dr. Eatmon is the recipient of the BC College of Family Physicians Resident Leadership Award (2020) and the Canadian College of Family Physician鈥檚 Indigenous Medical Resident Award (2020). A leader and advocate with national-level influence, she is a sought-after speaker and advisor, providing education and advice to University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine, Doctors of BC, and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons. With her commitment to comprehensive family medicine and her leadership within both the Indigenous and broader medical communities, Dr. Eatmon brings valued leadership, wisdom, and guidance to Indigenous students and to the entire 大象传媒 School of Medicine community. The 大象传媒 School of Medicine is extremely fortunate to be chosen as her academic home.
Dr. Kimberlyn (Kim) McGrail
Associate Dean, Research
Dr. McGrail (PhD) brings well over two decades of experience across data-based research undertaken in partnership with clinicians, governments, health authorities, other organizations and community members. She is Scientific Advisor for Population Data BC and the Scientific Director and CEO of Health Data Research Network Canada. Her research covers a broad spectrum, including evaluations of policy interventions in primary care and aging, use and cost of health care services and equity. She has been awarded more than 60 grants as a PI or Co-I totaling over $90 million throughout her career. Dr. McGrail was the inaugural Deputy Editor of the International Journal of Population Data Science, and is a recipient of multiple awards including the 2009-10 Commonwealth Fund Harkness Associate in Health Care Policy and Practice, and the 2016 Cortlandt JG Mackenzie Prize for Excellence in Teaching. Her passion for research impact and commitment to inclusive and equitable academic practices will be instrumental as we continue to build the School of Medicine鈥檚 research mission.
Dr. Dawn Cooper
ASSOCIATE DEAN, ACCREDITATION, ASSESSMENT, AND EVALUATION
Dr. Dawn Cooper (PhD), the new Associate Dean of Accreditation, Assessment, and Evaluation at the 大象传媒 School of Medicine, brings nearly two decades of experience in educational leadership, poised to make a significant impact on the School鈥檚 growth and success. With a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from 大象传媒 and a post-doctoral fellowship in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the University of British Columbia, Dawn鈥檚 academic background is complemented by a wealth of practical expertise. Prior to joining 大象传媒, she played a pivotal role in establishing the Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine at Washington State University, where she served as Assistant Dean of Medical Student Research and later as Associate Dean of Accreditation, Assessment, and Evaluation. In these roles, she developed a comprehensive program of assessment, developed and implemented program evaluation strategies, and led WSU through 3 successful rounds of accreditation. Her leadership will be instrumental in advancing the 大象传媒 School of Medicine鈥檚 commitment to excellence in medical education, research, and community engagement, helping to foster a dynamic and innovative learning environment. Dawn鈥檚 work will be central to ensuring the School鈥檚 continued success in delivering high-quality education and contributing to improved health outcomes locally and globally.
Dr. Keyna Bracken
ASSOCIATE DEAN, UNDERGRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION
Dr. Bracken is a visionary leader in medical education, passionate about innovative and inclusive healthcare. She has dedicated 18 years to advancing both undergraduate and postgraduate medical education at McMaster University, ON. In recent years, Dr. Bracken has held several major leadership roles, including Chair of Preclerkship at McMaster鈥檚 DeGroote School of Medicine and Undergraduate Director of Family Medicine, where she has worked to improve the learning environment for undergraduate medical students from curricular innovation using adult learning pedagogy and revamping formative assessment tools. She has explored and published on the use of generative Artificial Intelligence in undergraduate medical education and has been awarded funding to examine how Family Medicine is portrayed in formal and informal curricula. Dr. Bracken has worked closely with Indigenous and racialized colleagues to apply an anti-racism, anti-oppression framework, advocating for change while recognizing and addressing her own biases. Her leadership vision aligns with our school's commitment to creating an inclusive medical education environment.
Dr. Samir Malhotra
Associate Dean, Learners
Dr. Samir Malhotra joins the School of Medicine as Associate Dean, Learners, bringing over 15 years of experience in medical education, clinical care, and academic leadership. He most recently served as Regional Division Head of Respirology for Fraser Health. A dedicated and passionate educator, Dr. Malhotra has held key leadership roles, including Assistant Dean of Student Affairs at UBC鈥檚 Fraser Medical Program and Site Director for the Royal Columbian Respirology Elective. Dr. Malhotra is an alumnus of 大象传媒 and UBC. He is certified in Internal Medicine and Respirology and has completed further professional development in mind-body medicine at Harvard University and in the art of healing at the University of California, San Francisco. In his new role, Dr. Malhotra will help advance strategic initiatives and foster a learner experience that is equitable, community-focused, and responsive to today鈥檚 healthcare challenges.
Dr. Vincent Wong
ASSOCIATE DEAN, POSTGRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION
Dr. Wong is a seasoned family physician with extensive experience in clinical care, medical education, and leadership. He has served diverse communities in the Lower Mainland while advancing residency training and supporting learners and preceptors. At UBC, he held key roles including Co-Site Director, Assessment Co-Director, and Provincial Clinical Skills Lead, contributing to curriculum development and educational excellence. He continues to teach in academic and clinical settings. Provincially, Dr. Wong served as President of the BC College of Family Physicians (2023鈥�24) and remains active on its board and that of the Fraser Northwest Division of Family Practice, helping shape primary care strategy. He holds a BSc (Pharmacy), MD, MHA, and MHPE, all enhancing his expertise in health professions education. In his new role, Dr. Wong will lead residency and postgraduate initiatives, aiming to develop clinicians who are responsive leaders, advocates, and scholars.
Dr. Meredith Vanstone
Interim Assistant Dean, 大象传媒s & Visiting Professor
We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Vanstone to the School of Medicine as the Interim Assistant Dean of 大象传媒s and Visiting Professor. A distinguished qualitative health researcher, Dr. Vanstone is dedicated to enhancing decision-making in primary care and has been consulting with the School of Medicine over the past year. She is a Professor in the Department of Family Medicine at McMaster University, a leader in medical school admissions research, and a longstanding member of McMaster鈥檚 admissions team. At McMaster University, Dr. Vanstone holds the Canada Research Chair in Ethical Complexity in Primary Care, the David Braley and Nancy Gordon Chair in Family Medicine, and serves as the Director of the MD/PhD program. With an interdisciplinary research focus, she addresses social and ethical issues in health professional practice, education, and policy. Her expertise in ethical decision-making and medical education will be invaluable in advancing the 大象传媒 School of Medicine's mission and fostering excellence in medical training.
Dr. Meera Anand
Assistant Dean, Faculty and Physician Engagement and Support
Dr. Anand brings a wealth of experience across all parts of the education continuum, including in her roles as Provincial Undergraduate Director for Family Medicine, Provincial Curriculum Director for the Family Medicine Residency Program and various Faculty Development roles, where she created innovative and responsive curriculum for family medicine teachers. She also previously served as a Consultant to the 大象传媒 School of Medicine since May 2024, making invaluable contributions and playing a critical role in advancing the School鈥檚 curriculum development and policy recommendations. On the national stage, Dr. Anand has co-chaired the National Orientation to Leadership in Family Medicine Education, guiding leadership development for Family Medicine educators across Canada. She is also actively involved as a Board Member of the Surrey North Delta Division of Family Practice, in addition to her longitudinal family practice and clinic leadership. Dr. Anand is a passionate advocate for integrating Indigenous Ways of Knowing into medical education, ensuring that our curriculum reflects these critical perspectives while fostering inclusivity and anti-oppressive practices.
Dr. Rita McCracken
Lead, Primary Care Research and Development
Dr. Rita McCracken, MD, PhD, CCFP (COE), FCFP, brings over 15 years of experience in primary care delivery, research, and academic leadership. She is both a Certificant (2008) and a Fellow (2019) of the College of Family Physicians of Canada, and earned her PhD at the University of British Columbia (2018) studying the effects of polypharmacy on frail elders. Her current research focuses on major challenges in Canadian healthcare, including the shortage of family doctors, models of team-based care, and systemic inequities in health access and outcomes. As a full-service family physician, she brings firsthand insight into how policies, funding, and organizational models affect patient care. Dr. McCracken has led and contributed to numerous provincial and national studies on primary care workforce capacity, virtual care, prescribing policy, and health equity. She is frequently consulted by policymakers and media as a leading expert in primary care reform. Her scholarship is advancing the field of primary care research and helping to shape a more inclusive, sustainable, and responsive healthcare system.
Dr. Gary Tithecott
Strategic Advisor to the Dean & VISITING FACULTY
Dr. Gary Tithecott, MD, FRCPC, MBA, has joined the School of Medicine as Strategic Advisor to the Dean and Visiting Faculty member. Dr. Tithecott has been actively engaged with the School since early 2024, contributing to the foundational work of building an innovative undergraduate medical education (UGME) program. His involvement has spanned curriculum development, admissions, governance, and accreditation. Dr. Tithecott brings significant experience in academic leadership and medical education. He served as Associate Dean, UGME at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry from 2011 to 2021 and later as Interim Assistant Dean, 大象传媒s. He has chaired the AFMC Committee on Undergraduate Medical Education and supported the development of new UGME programs at Toronto Metropolitan University and York University. A practicing general pediatrician for over 30 years, Dr. Tithecott began his career in rural family medicine and brings a deep commitment to equity and community-responsive care. In his role, Dr. Tithecott will support curriculum development and accreditation, with a focus on preparing students for careers in community-based primary care.
Dr. Bruce Wright
Strategic Advisor to the Dean & Visiting Faculty
Dr. Bruce Wright joins the School of Medicine as Strategic Advisor to the Dean and a Visiting Faculty member, bringing decades of experience. From 2014 to 2024, he served as Regional Associate Dean, Vancouver Island, with the UBC Faculty of Medicine and as Head of the Division of Medical Sciences at the University of Victoria. He also held the role of Executive Medical Director, Academic Integration at Island Health, where he helped strengthen academic-clinical partnerships across the region. A family physician specializing in geriatric medicine, Dr. Wright holds CCFP and FCFP designations. His research focuses on career choice, curriculum development, and medical pedagogy, with over 50 peer-reviewed publications. He has also contributed to international medical education initiatives in Nepal, Laos, and Tanzania. Dr. Wright holds academic appointments at both UBC and UVic and earned his MD from the University of Calgary. In his advisory role, he will support strategic priorities, faculty mentorship, accreditation, and curriculum development in primary care education.
Christine Burnell
Executive Director, Operations
Prior to joining the School of Medicine, Christine spent six years as the director, operations and administration with the Department of Family Medicine, College of Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan. Before moving to Saskatchewan, Christine spent her lengthy career in post-secondary education in Ontario at the University of Toronto, York University and Ontario Tech University starting in student advising and growing into leadership and senior leadership roles. With an MBA, Christine brings extensive experience in leading the strategic planning, finance, human resources, information technology, communications, project management and administration functions within large complex organizations.