Dr. Margaret MacDiarmid - As a Family Doctor and Leader in BC's Health Care Community

Dr. Margaret MacDiarmid, BC Liberal MLA for Vancouver-Fairview talks about her life as a family doctor.

My Experience

• President of the BC Medical Association (2006-2007)
• Member of the Board of the BC Medical Association (1985-2009)
• Member of the Board of the Canadian Medical Association (2000-2006)
• Family doctor for almost a quarter century helping patients of all ages
• Experienced in all parts of the health care system - from ERs, to the office, doing house calls and providing palliative care

Most of my medical career since 1985 was spent as a family doctor in small-town BC.  I worked in Trail from 1989 until 2007.  For the last few years, I’ve been in the office part-time as I commuted back and forth to Vancouver for my work with the BC Medical Association.

At my office in Trail, I saw newborn patients and I treated pioneers who were 104 years old.  I helped care for the men, women and children who were my patients.  I helped care for these people in the hospital, in the ER, did house calls, provided palliative care in patients’ homes when possible, assisted at surgeries and performed minor surgeries.

It was meaningful and challenging work.  I watched children grow up and shared in the lives, joys and sorrows of many people.  The greatest reward was when my patients told me that I made a difference.  I learned a lot from patients and colleagues over the years and was humbled by the trust my patients put in me.

Sometimes I sat with patients and felt that I really could not help them as much as I would have liked to.  This is part of what sparked me to enter provincial politics.  Some of my patients had problems that had little to do with health.  Their problems were also often linked to education, personal safety in their communities and their environment. 

I realized that sitting as an MLA in a strong, compassionate government, I am one of a group of committed individuals who are responsible for these critical issues. I know that I can return the trust my patients have shown in me, by using my skills and determination to make a difference as a BC Liberal MLA.