Honouring Dr. Alewyn Vorster: A Legacy of Compassion and Leadership in the Physician Health Program

When the Physician Health Program (PHP) was established, there was no playbook or established path to guide its development and operations.

In 2018, Dr. Alewyn Vorster assumed the role of director of the PHP, serving as a bridge connecting the program to people and possibilities, and helping physicians reach further than they sometimes thought possible.

Dr. Vorster calls watching the program develop over the years “an honour.” “What a privilege it is to do this side of the job,” he says fondly as his time as director of the PHP concluded earlier this year.

Reducing Stigma

Reporting a physical, mental, or cognitive health condition or concern is often a very difficult first step for physicians.

Reducing stigma remains a significant focus of the program, for which Dr. Vorster played a key role. He met with many registrants throughout the years regarding their health concerns and his ability to connect with people was evident in every interaction.

“He always came in with a calming presence, making people feel at ease even in the most uncomfortable situations,” recalls Carol Chester-McLeod, who worked closely with Dr. Vorster in the program.

He connected with people in a way that not only made them care about getting better but also gave them the confidence to believe they could get better.

He helped countless registrants recognize the relationship between being well and being able to provide safe care. That is the core of what the PHP is about.

“Accountability does not have to be a terrible thing,” says Dr. Vorster when asked what he wants the profession to know about the program.

“It is possible to have physicians interact with a program at their regulatory college that makes them feel safe, valued, and respected. The program supports are there and doable with the correct people, the correct plan, and the correct system and supports in place.”

Going Above and Beyond

His official title was "chair," but his commitment extended far beyond that role, making himself available to physicians at any time.

That small but significant gesture went a long way in making physicians feel better about their circumstances and how they were treated. He gained their trust – physicians felt more comfortable with the process, knowing they would be treated with respect and empathy. 

Physicians weren’t the only people whose trust he gained. Dr. Vorster fostered relationships with physicians’ lawyers, who are sometimes an important part of the process.

He also played a key role in developing relationships with other key partners for the program, including the University of Manitoba and Doctors Manitoba. The respect and trust created with these bodies filtered down to registrants, making them more comfortable engaging with the program.

A lasting impact

His caring and empathetic approach had lasting impacts.

As CPSM moves forward with a new program dedicated to educating and supporting physicians to improve patient equity through a restorative approach, they have his wisdom to draw on. The Physician Health Program will always be at the root of CPSM’s shift to a person-centred approach to regulation.

CPSM thanks Dr. Vorster for his years of dedication to this important work of bridging the gap between well-being and safe care, as well as the gap between fear and trust.

A lunch with program staff was held in honour of Dr. Vorster at the CPSM office in May.

Dr. Vorster sits on Council, representing the West Electoral District.