30-second bio: Evan Wood

Name:

Evan Wood

Title:

Executive Director, BC Centre on Substance Use

Department/Unit:

Faculty of Medicine

Location:

Vancouver

Year I started working at UBC:

2012

10 words or less to describe what I do at UBC:

I help inform the university’s efforts in the area of addiction prevention and treatment.

The best thing about my work/role at UBC:

The best thing about my work is seeing people and patients get better. Unlike other diseases, addiction and substance use have been totally misunderstood and underfunded. But here at UBC we’re now working to address one of society's longest-standing social crises -- untreated addiction that has resulted from catastrophic policies devastating millions of lives.

My favourite place to spend my lunch hour :

When I'm not taking lunch at my desk, I like to take time to meet with people and talk about our work and common goals. Meeting with people with lived experience, stakeholders, and supporters to build consensus around how we make real and positive change in our communities.

My top UBC tip for my colleagues, or for someone beginning their UBC journey:

My advice for someone beginning their journey at UBC: Don't close any doors. When I began my graduate training at UBC, I had no idea this is where I would end up. The lesson for me was to keep an open mind and not to worry if your path doesn't proceed along a straight line. There will be so many opportunities that present themselves to you at UBC -- be open to them.