Join our Board to work with a dedicated group of volunteer leaders who are giving back to our Hamilton community.
Who are we?
Hamilton Family Health Team (HFHT), our not-for-profit
organization, is the largest Family Health Team in Ontario, with
over 250 interdisciplinary primary healthcare professionals, who
work in partnership with 165 family physicians, serving nearly
half of the 580,000 residents living in Hamilton.
We are committed to creating a diverse Board of Directors, with voices that represent a range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives within our community.
Nathaniel VandenDool,
Past Board Chair
“Being on the HFHT Board gives me the opportunity to play a direct leadership role in enhancing and increasing access to primary care in Hamilton, and to have an impact on planning across Ontario. Further, as we are a strategic board, the Directors embrace our governance responsibilities to provide strong oversight and direction to advance our mission.
The most fulfilling part is contributing to work that supports and improves the health of everyone in our community. It has also been a pleasure to collaborate with board colleagues, HFHT leaders, physicians and staff, and system partners who are deeply passionate about strengthening primary care.”
Who are we looking to recruit?
We are recruiting up to three (3) new Board Members who have
a passion for primary healthcare, serving people and their families
across their life span and supporting their health and wellness journey.
This position is open to residents of Hamilton and area,
including family physicians who affiliate with the HFHT health
and support services.
Applicants will bring a passion for the sustainability and growth of primary healthcare, with the goal of ensuring all residents within our community have access to team-based primary healthcare services.
We seek applications from all qualified individuals, including but not limited to French-speaking persons, women, persons with disabilities, individuals from Indigenous, Black, Asian, South Asian, Latin, and Middle Eastern communities, and persons of any gender identity and sexual orientation. HFHT is committed to a positive, supportive, and inclusive environment.
We are specifically looking for Board members who:
- Reside in the Hamilton area.
- Have governance experience focusing on the following: governance, legal, financial, quality, stakeholder engagement, government relations, advocacy, public relations and communications. Additionally, those with data/health informatics and executive HR/compensation skills and experience, and healthcare system experience.
- Are family physicians who affiliated with HFHT health and support services, who have been practicing less than five years or over 10, including those late in their practice (20+ years).
- Are under the age of 30 or over the age of 45.
Dr. Mohamad Alshurafa, Board Member
“Serving on the board is an opportunity to support high-quality, team-based primary care and ensure our healthcare system remains responsive, innovative, and patient-centered.
The most fulfilling aspect has been collaborating with a passionate group of leaders to enhance team-based healthcare delivery and witnessing the tangible improvements that benefit both patients and providers.”
Why join our Board?
- You get a valuable seat behind the wheel of a major primary healthcare organization, and your participation is fundamental in strategizing and shaping healthcare in Hamilton bringing the vision of a Healthier Hamilton to life!
- You will play a key role during a pivotal time in primary healthcare.
- Your voice will be heard – and it has impact. You will hear the impactful voices of others, too!
- You will have a supportive learning experience that enriches your leadership and organizational development skills.
Catherine Victoria Baird, Community Board Member
“After a lifelong career in health care, I am enormously grateful to have the opportunity, in my role on the HFHT Board, to influence the future of primary care reform in our community.
Visioning an integrated health delivery system with primary care at its foundation gives me hope for the future.”
David Arbuckle, Community Board Member
“Being a Director has allowed me to better understand the primary healthcare challenges within Hamilton and lend my experience to helping solve those challenges.
It is rewarding to know that you are part of an organization that is helping to improve the quality of life for those in need.”
What is the commitment required?
This position is for an initial three-year term, renewable for a second term of three years.
Governance Training and Development is part of the Organization’s commitment for our volunteer Board members.
Members are expected to:
- Attend five in-person Board meetings a year, each three hours long
- Attend up to two Board retreats (typically a half day each)
- Sit on one Board Committee which meets virtually for one and a half hours usually two weeks in advance of a Board meeting
Dr. Stefan Kegel,
Secretary-Treasurer
“This work allows me to contribute to the greater health of the local community, and help shape primary care in Hamilton and Ontario.
It has been fulfilling to see the efforts of the HFHT reach the broader community and provide health care for a larger population.”
How do I apply?
If you do not see yourself fully reflected in every job requirement listed in this posting, we still encourage you to apply. We encourage applicants who belong to groups that have been marginalized based on any of the grounds enumerated under the Human Rights Code to
consider this opportunity.
To apply, please submit your application online by March 21, 2025. Interviews will be held during the week of April 14, 2025.
Please direct all questions to Lynn at lynn.hammond@hamiltonfht.ca.
Martin Farrugia,
Community Board Member
“Serving on the board is an opportunity to support a healthcare model that puts patients first. It allows me to contribute to decisions that enhance primary care, promote collaboration among healthcare professionals, and improve overall community health. Being part of this work means advocating for a system that is responsive, inclusive, and focused on prevention and well-being.
The most fulfilling aspect has been seeing the tangible impact of our efforts—whether it’s improved patient access to care, innovative programs that address community needs, or the strengthened collaboration between healthcare providers. Knowing that our work helps create a more effective and compassionate healthcare system makes this role incredibly rewarding.”
Sylvia Welsh,
Community Board Member
“As a member of the Board, I had the opportunity to shape the strategic direction and policies of the HFHT supporting the decisions and guiding primary care service delivery closer to meeting the health needs of the people in Hamilton.
I was able to contribute to a cause I care about. I felt like I was a part of a team that supported the CEO to make decisions to create the momentum which can result in real positive differences in the health and well-being of the people in Hamilton.”