Celebrating National Physicians' Day at BCHS | Dr. Lucas Spicer

In recognition & celebration of National Physicians' Day on May 1st, we would like to introduce you to Dr. Lucas Spicer.

Dr. Spicer has been officially in practice for almost 7 years and is currently a physician in the Emergency Department at Brantford General Hospital (BGH).

Reflecting on his professional career thus far, Dr. Spicer warmly recalls he had to call in to his first shift as his wife had just gone into labour with their firstborn child - who was born 12 hours later on the Labour & Delivery floor at BGH.

We sat down with Dr. Spicer to learn more about what being a physician means to him.

What aspects of practicing at BCHS are you most proud of?

I’ve worked in over a dozen hospitals across the province, and I can truly say that the team at BGH is absolutely unparalleled in terms of their skill, grit, and knowledge. Even with major bureaucratic roadblocks that need to be addressed, the level of care given at BGH is excellent (I mean it– it’s still the place where I send my family).

Many factors are out of our control (wait times, physical space, budget, patient acuity, volume etc.), but that hasn’t stopped the entire ER team–all positions and jobs–from giving their best to the patient in front of them. I am grateful to work in a field where we are involved in making a meaningful difference in the lives of those with whom we interact. 

I am grateful to work with an excellent team of ER professionals, who are skilled, diligent, and push me to be a better doctor. 

What does being a physician mean to you?

It is an honour to be in a profession that cares for people in life’s most vulnerable moments. For many people, I am meeting them for the first time on one of their worst days. I try to follow in the footsteps of the Great Physician, by treating my patients with empathy, compassion, kindness, and dignity.

Working in the ER is exhausting, with patients coming through a revolving door with complex needs. Most are gracious, kind, and understanding– sadly, some are not. Responding with kindness and humility is sometimes a challenge, but I believe that a controlled and compassionate response is a major part of my role as a physician.

I am fueled by the grace I’m given every day of my life, so it is my privilege to extend that grace to others, in hopes that they walk out of the ER doors healthier, in all areas of their lives.

What do you enjoy most about being a physician?

In addition to what I mentioned above, I enjoy the specific work in the ER. For one, we are often the gatekeepers to the health care system. When people feel frustrated and can’t seem to get any help, they come to us. We have a myriad healthcare professionals who try to navigate a broken system for patients, and hopefully, these patients leave with less frustration.

Secondly, I have an upbeat, energetic personality and enjoy the fast-paced environment. Every single shift is different, and the hours fly by. The ER team at BGH is fantastically flexible, allowing for an excellent work/life balance.

I am thankful to be employed full-time but still have plenty of time at home with four young children, whom we homeschool, and two teenagers, all of whom we love. This work/life balance is critical, allowing us to have an open door policy for those with different needs entering our home.

What would you like to say to your fellow physicians and staff at BCHS?

Thank you for continuing to work hard for this community. My thanks go out to all the professionals: from those who prepare a room prior to a patient’s arrival, to the team that addresses and treats the patient’s concerns, and to those who clean up after the patient has left–all of them are absolutely vital to the team.

You are all rockstars in my book! When the world seemed to be shutting down over the past few years, this team kept showing up to work hard for the patients, to work selflessly for each other, and to work for the greater good of the community.

Thank you to Dr. Spicer and all of our BCHS physicians for your hard work, dedication, and commitment to the patients and families we serve. We couldn't do what we do without you!