VCH Emerg Doc to lead Invictus Games medical team

Emergency and family physician Major Paul Dhillon is getting ready to lead the medical team for the upcoming Invictus Games.

Dhillon works at Sechelt | shíshálh Hospital in Vancouver Coastal Health and is a Canadian Armed Forces Reservist General Duty Medical Officer. His medical and military experiences are key, as the Games are an international sporting competition for wounded, injured, and sick service members and veterans.

“When we consider all the complex stories of service, it’s vital to keep that individual’s experience in focus and at the centre of our care,” Dhillon says.

Dhillon has trained in Ireland, Italy, the UK, and Saskatchewan, and achieved the Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s award.

He’ll be coordinating the generalists and specialists at the Invictus Games to ensure the athletes are able to compete at a high level.

He also feels strongly about the poem, which inspired the name of the Games.

“Each of us at some stage in our lives will have challenges that may seem insurmountable, but when we watch the competitors, it’s a clear example that whatever challenges we face, when we use our whole selves, we can be unconquerable,” he says.

Invictus means unconquered and the Games celebrate courage, resiliency and the strength of the human spirit.

The competitions scheduled to be part of the event include Alpine skiing and snowboard, Nordic skiing, biathlon, skeleton and wheelchair curling, as well as core Invictus Games sports of indoor rowing, sitting volleyball, swimming, wheelchair rugby and wheelchair basketball.

The Whistler Health Care Centre team has been closely connected with the Invictus team for any emergency management support, as required.

There will be up to 550 competitors — wounded, injured and sick service members and veterans — from up to 25 participating nations. The Games are being held in Vancouver and Whistler February 8 to 16.