Q&A with Sophia Park , Forty Under 40 Winner 2021; Board chair, Doctors of BC, Physician, Fraser Health Authority, Age 38
Who or what is responsible for your work ethic?
When I was young, my mother worked tirelessly in hopes of a better future for her daughters. Nowadays, I am inspired by my clinical and laboratory staff and colleagues who remain committed to providing quality patient care despite tremendous pressures in the system.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Chips and wine.
What is the best book you would recommend?
For organizational transformation, I really enjoyed Brave New Work: Are You Ready to Reinvent Your Organization by Aaron Dignan. For personal development/reflections, Lessons in Stoicism by John Sellars was a good read.
Now that you are (or are close to) entering your forties, what goals have you set for yourself?
Set aside more time to read and think. Bounce back from difficult experiences faster. Have better conversations.
What was your childhood career dream?
I wanted to be a doctor when I grew up.
Name your happiest place.
In Japan with my husband.
What was your toughest business or professional decision?
There have been a few, but they all have the same theme: speaking up/doing the right thing even though there are professional repercussions.
What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?
The Spanish saying poco a poco, se va lejos (“little by little, one goes far”) and don’t take yourself too seriously.
What is your best habit?
I sleep and wake up early, and get a few hours to reflect/do deep work before the workday officially begins.
Tell us one improbable fact about yourself.
I am unable to do a somersault even if my life depends on it.
Best piece of advice ever received?
Rather than setting my goals on things outside of my control, I focus on goals over which I truly have agency. In recent years, it has been defining and staying true to my values. Success to me means being a better “me” compared to who I was five years ago.
Biggest learning (about life or business) during the pandemic?
The pandemic magnified what was already there. The good got better, and the bad got worse
What career highlight are you most proud of?
I feel very fortunate to serve my profession as the Doctors of BC board chair. I want to send a clear message to physicians with similar backgrounds as mine that they belong at the leadership table. I am also tremendously grateful to work with Allan Seckel, our brilliant, principled and courageous CEO.
