In the complex environment of the modern health care system, leaders are wrestling with the challenge of making management decisions that are both effective and fair. This issue is particularly pronounced in Canada, where a series of leadership changes underscored existing systemic problems. In 2025, British Columbia experienced the replacement of several health care leaders due to failures in leadership. Premier David Eby voiced his concerns clearly, indicating that while those involved in the health care system possess valuable insights for its improvement, there has been insufficient opportunity for these insights to be shared.
One promising approach is evidence-based management, a strategy that can empower health care leaders by integrating contextual knowledge along with the experiences of patients and health care professionals into the decision-making process. As health care systems confront escalating costs, workforce shortages, evolving patient expectations, social inequities, and swift technological progress, the necessity for knowledgeable and fair leadership becomes essential. Evidence-based management stands out as a feasible avenue, merging effectiveness with equity by ensuring decisions are based on the best available evidence.
A publication in 2025 by Canada’s Chief Medical Workforce Advisor highlights leadership deficiencies, particularly a significant workforce shortfall. There exists a shortage of 22,823 family physicians in Canada, with only around 1,300 graduating each year. This situation led the President of the Canadian Medical Association, Joss Reimer, to call for a shift from discussion to action, stressing the importance of executing change.
Evidence-based management sets itself apart from traditional, intuition-driven methods by depending on validated research, organizational data, and input from stakeholders. Its use in health care can shift reactive problem-solving to proactive planning, enhancing accountability and reducing costly mistakes. By fostering a culture of transparency and continual improvement, leaders who adopt evidence-based management can enhance service delivery and retention of talent.
Directing leadership decisions towards data also aids in identifying and addressing inequities, facilitating targeted interventions that boost both efficiency and fairness. When health care leadership is guided by evidence, improved outcomes are not just possible—they become unavoidable.
Dr. Olumuyiwa Bamgbade, a prominent health care leader, embodies the value-driven approach. With extensive global experience in health care delivery, he actively engages in clinical practice and innovation, advancing health systems through his academic roles and his directorship at Salem Pain Clinic in Surrey, British Columbia. His work, encompassing various fields such as pain management, health equity, and public health, demonstrates a dedication to employing evidence-based methods to effect real change in health care delivery.