Remembering Dr. Siavash Jafari

As the news of Dr. Jafari’s sudden and unexpected passing travelled through the program, it quickly became clear just how many lives he touched.

A physician at the Burnaby Centre for Mental Health and Addiction and the Heartwood Centre for Women, Dr. Jafari was very dedicated and caring, a true leader in his field. In addition to providing clinical care, he was the chief medical officer for clinical system transformation (CST) and a strong facilitator of physician quality improvement.

Dr. Jafari was beloved by many across BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services, from patients and families to physicians and staff. In his memory, members from across the organization have been sharing words of reflection.

“Dr. Siavash Jafari was a good man and an incredibly talented physician who I feel fortunate to have known. He lived a life of service to others, including some of the most vulnerable in our society. I will always remember his warm smile and positive spirit. He put so much energy into everything that he did and had a tremendous impact on his patients, colleagues, friends and family. Dr. Jafari touched the hearts and lives of many and made this world a better place." 

– Lynn Pelletier, vice president of BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services

“Dr. J. was an inspirational leader and a champion of change. He was a compassionate, kind, hardworking human being. He believed in personal growth through lifelong learning; hence, he was always eager to learn. Dr. J. was an amazing team player who was always ready to roll up his sleeves and help. We have lost a member of our informatics family and he will be dearly missed.”

– Prabhjot Gill, director of quality, safety and systems improvement

“Dr. Jafari joined our informatics team about two years ago. He was passionate about using technology to improve healthcare. I feel really lucky that we had the chance to know him and have his leadership and support during our first two CST implementations. He was a big part of our success. I miss him very much and I know the team does too. We will remember him fondly as we carry on the work that he enjoyed and cared so much about.”

– Rebecca Hahn, executive director of corporate and clinical support services

“I was truly blessed to have worked closely with Dr. Jafari in his role as associate chief medical information officer at BCMHSUS. He always approached everything he did with passion, positivity and heart. It was clear that he cared deeply for his clients and colleagues, and was a champion of quality improvement and best practice. No matter what the situation or challenge, he was ready and willing to help and was always very solution focused. He had the brightest smile and an unmatched sense of humour which could lift everyone up. I will always remember the first day we met. He was so excited about starting in his new role and eager to start immersing himself in all of the learning. Again, I feel honoured to have been able to work closely alongside him as he grew into his role as an associate chief medical information officer. He will be sorely missed and I send my heartfelt condolences to his closest family and friends.”

– Evelyne Liu, clinical informatics specialist

“This is a difficult loss for all of us. Siavash was a long standing member of the physician team. He was passionate about improving care and he provided strong CST vision and leadership for providers and staff at Burnaby Centre and Heartwood. Siavash brought enthusiasm, commitment and caring – for clients, staff and colleagues – and we have been so fortunate to have benefited from his many contributions.”

– Connie Coniglio, former chief operating officer for complex mental health and substance use services​​

Dr. Jafari will be sorely missed by all at BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services, but his legacy will live on. You are invited to read and share words of condolence on this funeral service memory wall​.

We extend our deepest sorrows and condolences to his family.