Name: Dr. Sandra Allison
Organization: Family Physician and GP Oncologist, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver Island Public Health Specialist and Medical Health Officer, Interior Health BC, Member of Scientific Advisory Board, GenWell
My role in the human connection movement is as a physician and scholar. My work in public health and primary care have shown me how important social wellness is to human health. At national, provincial and local levels, I have raised awareness and advocated for supportive policy and programs that support social wellbeing.
I believe in the importance of human connection because social health is integral to mental health. And through mental and social wellness, we become more physically healthy and thrive.
"I believe in the importance of human connection because social health is integral to mental health."
The most inspiring part of my job is when I see policy change focused on the community. We know that the health system treats illness, but communities promote wellness and protect people’s health. And as a family doctor, when I have programs which I can refer patients to address their social wellbeing, I feel the system is truly learning and trying.
One project in the human connection space that I’m particularly proud of is Nanaimo Social Prescribing. We have successfully motivated community partners toward investing in social wellness with immediate and measurable results. Both participants and providers report benefits from participation, purpose, motivation, and connection.
One memorable experience I’ve had doing this work is encouraging and enabling others to build their social programs. This is important when we can see immediate benefits to patients who engage in community programming. We provide the positive feedback to the partners, they are re-energized to continue to build their programs to serve even more people.
Success in my work is when the people I serve feel supported to explore and thrive.
One piece of advice I’d give organizations that want to embed human connection into their work is…Consider who you are reaching and the environments in which they are embedded. All humans need some sort of connection, seeking to understand what would be helpful, to youth, to seniors, to newcomers, to working adults in workplaces, or children in schools, would be the best approach to understanding what might work.
I feel the most connected to others when I feel seen and heard. When someone takes the time to ask questions, actively listen and appears understanding, open and safe, nonjudgemental, I feel they are a person I can connect with, a person I am safe with.
"If I won the lottery tomorrow, I’d probably keep on working. I love what I get to do every day. "
One (two) rule(s) I think everyone should live by is assume the best in others. And, we have to take care of each other. A stranger is a friend you have not yet met. We ultimately have more in common with each other, than our differences.
If I won the lottery tomorrow, I’d probably keep on working. I love what I get to do every day.