Member Announcement
New president arrives at BC Cancer Agency
September 27, 2012 - BC Cancer Agency
An internationally-renowned oncologist with extensive experience treating children with cancer in Canada and the U.S. is now president of the BC Cancer Agency.
Since arriving in Vancouver from Washington DC, Dr. Max Coppes has made it a priority to meet with the staff who care for patients at the agency’s five centres. His mission is to ensure the agency continues to build on the work that has made it a world leader in cancer care and research. Coppes also travelled to Prince George recently to talk with staff who will work at the agency’s sixth facility, the BC Cancer Agency Centre for the North, which opens later this fall.
The meet-and-greets have been a candid sharing opportunity, and also gave staff a chance to learn about Coppes’ multicultural upbringing. Born in the Netherlands, raised in Spain and educated at a French school Coppes brings a range of cultural experiences along with the ability to speak five languages.
After completing his medical degree, Coppes trained in the Netherlands, Paris, Toronto and Cleveland before transitioning to medical administration at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre and Alberta Children’s Hospital in Calgary. He spent 13 years in Calgary and became a Canadian citizen along the way. While there, Coppes also earned a Master of Business Administration at the University of Calgary’s Haskayne School of Business. Prior to joining the BC Cancer Agency, Coppes served as senior vice-president at the Children’s National Medical Centre in Washington, DC, where he led the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders.
Coppes will continue to teach and practice medicine in Vancouver at the University of British Columbia and BC Children’s Hospital.
Quotes:
Dr. Max Coppes, president of the BC Cancer Agency
“I am thrilled to take on this new challenge as president of the BC Cancer Agency. My roots have always been in cancer care and research and the opportunity to continue to pursue those passions at a world-recognized organization for population-based cancer control, is nothing short of an honour.
“In the immediate future, I look forward to continuing to meet with staff, patients and colleagues to learn about the intricacies of the BC Cancer Agency’s operations and its role
Lynda Cranston, president and CEO of Provincial Health Services Authority
“We are fortunate to have Dr. Coppes lead the BC Cancer Agency. His considerable experiences as a clinician, researcher and administrator are assets that will allow him to take a holistic view of the BC Cancer Agency’s care and research operations. I am impressed with Dr. Coppes’ determination to put the patient at the centre of all his decision-making and am confident that will lead to even better cancer care delivery for British Columbians.”
For more information or to arrange an interview:
Contact:
Patrick Blennerhassett
Communications Officer
Provincial Health Services Authority
Patrick.Blennerhassett@phsa.ca
604-675-7416
Media pager: 604-871-5699
