Peer Support offers confidential, physician-to-physician assistance. When you complete the Peer Support form, a trained peer supporter will connect with you to provide guidance, resources, and understanding.
Team Lead
Dr. Chris Cunningham has been part of Vernon Jubilee Hospital since 1996. Together with his wife, Susan, he raised their two children, Taylor and Ryan, in Vernon.
He currently works full-time as a Family Physician and part-time as a GP Oncologist with the BC Cancer division. Additionally, Dr. Cunningham is a Clinical Faculty Associate in the UBC Department of Family Medicine. Previously, he practiced Family and Emergency Medicine, Obstetrics, and Surgical Assistance. He now serves as the MAC Chair and Department Head of Family Medicine. His past roles include Past President of the VJH Medical Staff Association, Recruitment Lead, Continuing Medical Education (CME) Chair, and the VJH Physicians Society.
Since 2013, Dr. Carmen Larsen has been dedicated to serving the Vernon community as a family physician. In her current roles, she assists in the operating room and provides MAID services, offering support to patients throughout their medical journeys.
Her previous experience includes leading as Site Director for the Vernon Integrated Community Clerkship, where she contributed to advancing local medical education. Dr. Larsen is grateful to participate in the Peer Support Program for her colleagues at Vernon Jubilee Hospital.
For 15 years, I have worked as a paediatrician at Vernon Jubilee, all while raising two wonderful children.
In the past five years, my focus has shifted towards enhancing the quality of care by prioritising education and simulation, always keeping in mind how these efforts affect our front-line staff. During simulations, elements like open curiosity, debriefing, and psychological safety are essential. Adopting these principles in our everyday workplaces can help foster greater civility and compassion among those who work alongside us each day.
Program Director - Peer Support
Sharon@vernonmsa.ca
With nearly 40 years of hands-on leadership experience and more than a decade as a regional healthcare director, Sharon joined VJH MSA as program director in 2021. Mother to two adult children and pet parent to two cats and an odd little dog, Sharon is owner of JumpStart Communications & Business Development. JumpStart specializes in boosting businesses, energizing employees, empowering leaders and effectively telling an organization’s story.
She also serves on the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission’s Advisory Board and Executive, is past vice-chair of the Okanagan Chapter of Women in Leadership and is active behind the scenes in the Okanagan theatre community.
Emergency Medicine
I was born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts. I completed an undergraduate degree in political science before pivoting into health care. My wife and I subsequently moved to Montreal where I completed medical school and residency at Mcgill University. Since 2001, I've made Vernon my home, practicing emergency medicine here while we've raised our four kids.
Medicine is a wonderful career but also extremely challenging on so many levels. I am grateful to the supportive colleagues I've worked with over the years and look forward to helping promote physician wellness at VJH.
I am a family doc based in beautiful Armstrong, BC, trying to keep both my patients and my mountain bike upright.
Together with Kira, my partner in life, work (and occasional crime…), we navigate a wonderful world of busy family practices, high school and university aged kids, outdoor adventures, swim schedules and whatever else gets thrown at us.
When I’m not in the office, you’ll likely find me outside, running roads and trails, cycling, canoeing calm waters or hiking anywhere with a view.
I'm a big fan of political satire (because sometimes it’s the only way to stay sane) and a firm believer in social justice.
Having had a few of life's ups and downs of my own, I’m grateful for the perspective I've gained and I hope to use that experience to support my peers.
