“I want to bring my experience caring for people, advocating for patients, teaching students and conducting health research to help people, communities and the planet.”

Dr. Douglas Courtemanche is a semi-retired craniofacial surgeon, clinical professor and health researcher with more than 35 years of experience caring for patients in British Columbia’s healthcare system.

Douglas grew up in Vancouver-Quilchena, where he went to school, played road hockey and developed a lifelong love of the outdoors through hiking, camping and sailing. He later attended medical school at the University of British Columbia and trained as a plastic surgeon specializing in craniofacial surgery.

Over the course of his career, Douglas has cared for children with complex medical needs, advocated for patients and supported colleagues across the healthcare system. He has also served in leadership roles including President of the BC Medical Association’s Section of Plastic Surgery and Medical Staff President at BC Children’s and Women’s Hospital.

Douglas has been a Clinical Professor in UBC’s Department of Surgery since 2008 and has contributed to more than 80 publications. He also conducts clinical research as an investigator with the BC Children’s Research Institute.

A major focus of his recent work has been the relationship between human health and the environment. He has taught medical students and practising physicians about the impacts of climate change and pollution on human and planetary health, and in 2025 received the Planetary Health Award from the Canadian Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Douglas is running in Vancouver-Quilchena to bring his experience in healthcare, teaching, research and patient advocacy to public service, with a focus on supporting healthier people, stronger communities and a healthier planet.

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