For Dr. Dean Jones, building connections — between people, communities and systems — has long been at the heart of his career.
Originally from the beautiful Okanagan Valley, Dr. Jones practised anesthesiology in Toronto and New York before returning to British Columbia, where he has spent more than a decade as a UBC clinical faculty member and anesthesiologist at Delta Hospital.
Along the way, he’s held multiple leadership positions — including Associate Dean, Fraser at the Faculty of Medicine and Regional Medical Director of Anesthesiology at Fraser Health — always with an eye on bringing people together to strengthen health care and training.
Now as Vice Dean, Health Engagement, Dr. Jones is building on the Faculty’s partnerships with health authorities, health system organizations, government, Indigenous peoples, communities and industry to advance our shared priorities.
Who do you admire, and why?
I was very excited to take on this new role because of our former Dean, Dr. Dermot Kelleher, whose tenure and legacy at UBC have inspired me. I admire his sound vision and strategic plan for the Faculty, which places engagement, reconciliation and health equity at its core. That’s the foundation I want to build on in this role.
For you, what is special about the Faculty of Medicine?
We are unique because of how we train medical and health professionals across the province in partnership with academic, health and community partners, including First Nations and Indigenous peoples. Those relationships were on full display during the recent Beyond 75 events, and I had such a wonderful time travelling to our sites around the province and connecting with people.
The Faculty is also unique when it comes to our social contracts with society and with ourselves. We are committed to social accountability and training a diverse group of learners who are ready to meet the health needs of British Columbians. I see noticeable differences at UBC compared with other institutions I’ve worked at — we really value and live by our commitment to transform health for everyone.
What lessons have you learned from a mentor?
I’ve had the benefits of many wonderful mentors. Margaret Wood, the former chair of anesthesiology at Columbia University Irving Medical Centre, was instrumental in helping me get to where I am today.
When I first considered moving from Toronto to New York, I was under pressure to make a decision quickly. Margaret was one of the few leaders who didn’t push me to rush. Instead, her leadership style focused on what was in my best interest as a person. She recognized that when you put people first, the institution will ultimately benefit. That approach earned her respect and loyalty from colleagues, and it’s a lesson I’ve carried throughout my career.
What was your first job?
As a teenager I picked cherries in the Okanagan where I grew up. These were old trees that weren’t densely packed with cherries, and we had to use a huge 17- to 19-foot ladder. That job gave me perspective on real hard work.
What are your main goals or aspirations as Vice Dean, Health Engagement?
One of my goals is to deepen the Faculty’s connections with our partners across the province to ensure that our shared visions are meeting our respective needs. It’s important that we work hard to be viewed as a valued and trusted partner for the communities we engage with, whether that’s training the next generation of doctors and health professionals who will go on to work in those communities, or research collaborations that have the potential to improve people’s health and wellbeing.
I view my role as partly advisory and behind-the-scenes. Listening and collaboration are central. Success comes when we improve connections between partners and then get out of the way so people can do their jobs.
I’m also looking forward to working with incoming Dean Dr. Sharmila Anandasabathy as we have the opportunity to maintain, strengthen and imagine what’s next for our strategic plan.
How do you like to spend your downtime?
I like to spend time with my family and I love cooking — that’s one of my favourite ways to de-stress. One of my grandmothers was Italian, so if you come to my house, I’m usually making Italian dishes.
What is your favourite spot in B.C.?
I have fond memories of the Okanagan Valley where we have some of the best views of nature. I love driving from Coldstream through to the South Okanagan, and in particular, the stretch from Okanagan Falls to Oliver. With rolling vineyards, shimmering lakes and rugged hillsides — it reminds me of how lucky we are to call this province home. If you can stop at McIntyre Bluff, those views of the valley are iconic.
Published: September 2025