Evan-Wood_featMeet Dr. Evan Wood, Professor of Medicine at UBC. Dr. Wood is the new Medical Director for Addiction Services at Vancouver Coastal Health, where he is focusing on expanding evidence-based medicine approaches to addictions care at VCH. Dr. Wood is also co-Director of the Urban Health Research Initiative and the Principal Investigator and Director of the Canada Addiction Medicine Research Fellowship, a US National Institute on Drug Abuse funded research training program.

How long have you worked at VCH?
Since January 2014, but I’ve been closely involved in working with VCH locations and staff for our new addiction medicine training program.

What do you do and what do you like most about your job?
Helping patients and challenging the mistaken belief that patients with addiction do not get better. They do! I also get a kick out of supervising medical students and other learners and involving them in the research process. Trainees are always so excited to get a first author publication, and demystifying the research process is something I really enjoy.

What is the most interesting thing you have been paid to do?
Play ultimate Frisbee.

Tell us one thing (professionally or personally) that we might be surprised to find out about you?
Professionally, although our team often flies below the radar, the group I am with publishes approximately 50 peer reviewed articles per year, with almost all of the first authors being trainees.

Name three things you always have in your fridge.
Kale, carrots and peanut butter.

How do you like to spend your days off?
With my wife and two kids at the beach.

Which character from a movie best represents you?
Probably Elmo from Elmo’s World. I really just want everyone to get together and work towards the same patient goals.


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