Dr. Vaughan Glover
In private practice for over thirty years, Dr. Vaughan Glover has been a life-long advocate for the type of patient care that puts a strong emphasis on informing, empowering and supporting the individual as the manager of their own wellbeing, an approach honed in his own dental practice that has led to the theories and principles in his new book, Journey to Wellness.
Many of Dr. Glover’s early lessons in life equipped him with an overall sense of what constitutes good care and patient-directed wellness. Growing up in a very supportive family environment with clear values and respect for self and others, Glover developed a strong sense of team spirit and the ability to listen and empathize.
Whether it was through community, working in the family-owned grocery store or the strong influence of friends and family, these early examples of dealing intelligently and empathetically with people has continued in Glover’s own practice, encouraging patients and staff members to develop an environment where each person is encouraged to become all they are capable of.
When he was about to enter his first year of dentistry, his father suffered a severe stroke and Glover watched as he struggled to emerge from it. Glover witnessed first-hand how strong patient advocacy and the right of the individual to be aware of what medical options are available and the ability to accept responsibility for one’s own health and healthcare, are often what make the difference in overcoming health problems. His father’s experience taught him that sharing knowledge and exploring options with his patients are essential components to patient-centred healthcare.
Vaughan Glover graduated from the University of Toronto faculty of dentistry in 1973. After graduation, his personal life-long continuum of learning and discovery was encouraged by mentors and role models who had succeeded not only in their professional, but in their personal lives as well. Through many special people, Glover learned that respect, integrity, attention and trust are powerful tools that empower both patient and caregiver alike.
In 1975, before settling down in Arnprior, Ontario, Canada, where he currently lives with his wife, Betsy and their three children, Dr. Glover traveled the world and practiced dentistry in Australia.
One of Glover’s paramount goals as a professional caregiver is to start a movement towards the evolution of healthcare to a model centred on the individual. In October, 2003 he submitted his proposal for a patient-centered healthcare system,- that went on to win first prize ($10,000 US) in an international competition in the USA - to design an American healthcare system.
Since then, Dr. Glover has gone on to become the founder of, and spokesperson for the Canadian Association for People-Centred Health (CAPCH), a not-for-profit, grassroots organization dedicated to building a healthier Canada.