Dr. Sarah Lea (she/her) is a distinguished physician and speaker with a background and extensive experience in medicine and community health. She earned her Master of Science in Community Health and Epidemiology from Dalhousie University in 2006, followed by her medical degree in 2010. After completing 2.5 years of residency in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of British Columbia, Dr. Lea transitioned into Family Medicine, where she continues to excel.

Dr. Lea is double-board-certified in Family Medicine and Addiction Medicine. In addition to her medical qualifications, she is a Certified Executive Coach through Royal Roads University, with further training in cultivating resilience through the Leadership Wellness Group. She is also a Certified Meditation Instructor. Her diverse training, clinical, and professional expertise allows her to effectively address a wide range of topics with her patients and clients. 

Dr. Lea balances her time between the addiction medicine consult service at Victoria General and Royal Jubilee Hospitals in Victoria, BC. She has additional expertise in perinatal addictions and works as a locum GP obstetrics provider at Victoria General Hospital. She is the Medical Director for Medical Staff Onboarding, Education, and Leadership Development for Vancouver Island health authority, and has held several other leadership positions within the health authority. In addition, Dr. Lea is a physician quality improvement coach for the Specialist Services Committee of BC and also offers 1:1 and group coaching programs through her company, She Thrives Coaching and Consulting. 

Dr. Lea has been featured in several TV interviews, is an invited expert speaker, and has won several awards for her outstanding professional achievements and leadership skills.  Dr. Lea is a sought-after speaker on subjects such as resilience, connection, burnout, and the dismantling of hustle culture. She has delivered a TEDx talk on the antidote to burnout, and has been a featured speaker at the BC Association of Pregnancy Outreach Professionals annual conference, Island Health’s Self-Care Cafe, and various academic half-days and faculty retreats. Her talks reflect her extensive medical training and coaching qualifications,  as well as her own expertise in personally and consciously stepping out of hustle culture. This unique blend of personal and professional insights offer a perspective that deeply resonates with her audiences.

Dr. Lea lives into her values and practices what she preaches as a part-time physician, part-time coach, and full-time mama of three beautiful boys, two fur babies and 3 chickens. Sarah lives with her husband on Lekwungen territory spending her free time hiking, biking and generally enjoying the great outdoors.