The Toxic Outcome of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
Sep 06, 2023
Dr. Richard Crow, BSc, MSc, MD, CCFP, FCFP
The Toxic Outcome of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
Dr. Richard Crow, a previous Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer for Island Health, will share one of his greatest career learnings - from the field of Population and Public Health.  The impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences, including abuse, neglect and family household dysfunction, can have very negative impacts on one's future behaviour, physical and mental health and contribute to many of the social challenges we see in our community today.  Dr. Crow believes the Victoria Harbourside Rotary Club, and its individual members, could help reduce the toxic effects of Adverse Child Experiences!
 
 

Dr. Crow obtained his Medical Doctorate from the University of BC in 1983 and completed his Family Medicine Residency at the University of Western Ontario 1985. He had practices in  in Ontario before moving back to Victoria in 1990, where he owned and practiced in a busy family practice and treatment centre setting. Richard held progressively responsible medical leadership roles within Island Health,  including Executive Medical Director for several programs including Mental Health and Addictions, Primary Care, Seniors Health, End of Life Services, Child, Youth and Family Services and Public Health. Richard served twice as Acting VP Medicine and then as Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer for Vancouver Island Health Authority in 2010-2012.  

 

Throughout his career, Richard supported new physicians and learners, including his ongoing role as Clinical Assistant Professor at UBC’s Faculty of Medicine and was the Family Medicine Residency “Lead Faculty for Curriculum”, for the six Residency sites, including Victoria. Richard is a Past President of the Victoria Medical Society (1995/96). In recognition for his Family Medicine Residency work, he was honored in 2000 by being made a Fellow of the College of Family Physicians of Canada (FCFP).

 

Richard strongly advocated for improved health care services for people with the full range of mental health and substance use needs – championing against stigma, resource inequities and gaps in the system – particularly for substance use and mental health services for children and youth. Richard was instrumental in supporting new Addictions Medicine and substance use services that were implemented as part of the response to the toxic drug supply crisis.