David Byres
BSN '97, MSN '06
Earning his BA from the University of Victoria, his BSN (honours) and MSN from the University of British Columbia, and his DNP (Doctorate in Nursing Practice) from American Sentinel University in Colorado, David Byres has over 20 years’ experience in health care leadership as a registered nurse in the province of British Columbia. Most recently, he was appointed as Assistant Deputy Minister for the clinical integration, regulation and education division as well as Chief Nurse Executive at the Ministry of Health. Previously he was a member of Providence Health Care’s Senior Leadership Team overseeing all acute care services where his portfolio included services for patients with addictions, HIV/AIDS and mental health issues. Through his work, he has inspired many health professionals throughout the region and has had a profound influence on nursing practice. In line with the ministry’s strategic and policy objectives, and working with key stakeholders, David has led a province wide dialogue on the implications of the ministry’s strategic priorities for nurses, in particular, emerging changes within hospital settings and the strategic shift from acute to primary and community care. David is an Adjunct Professor at the UBC School of Nursing, and has a reputation as an excellent teacher on nursing leadership. He is also an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the School of Nursing at the University of Victoria. For all of his work, David has received the Award of Distinction from the College of Registered Nurses of British Columbia in 2010, the Practice Partnership Award from the UBC School of Nursing in 2012, and the 3M National Health Care Quality Team Award in 2015.