Celebrating Women's Impact in Primary Care

Postgraduate Year One

1. Women are now representing a growing percentage of the physician workforce. How has being part of this shift influenced your experiences and aspirations in the field? 

Our understanding of what it means to be “woman” and who the term includes has evolved so much, and I think the intersections are important. Being a woman of color of Caribbean heritage and coming from a lower-income community in Scarborough has certainly shaped my journey in medicine. When I first came into this field, I didn’t always feel like I belonged. It was difficult finding mentors who I could relate to, but along the way, I was fortunate to find some that really helped me grow into the physician I am today.

Because of my identity, I have paid attention to who our health care system serves and, just as importantly, who it overlooks. In medical school, I founded and led an international organization that provides health education programs and employment opportunities for adolescent women in rural Ghana. I volunteered in community health centers and with organizations supporting newcomers in navigating the healthcare system. Family Medicine nicely complemented these interests. As a Family Medicine resident, I have the privilege of being a designated resource in the community and providing care that addresses social determinants of health, and I find this highly meaningful.

2. What brings you joy?

Painting! I learned to paint in acrylics when I was in high school, and it’s something I have kept up over the years. I think there is something very freeing about paint—I can never quite predict where it goes or how it will mix, and it forces me to let go of control.

3. What piece of advice would you give to young women aspiring to work in family medicine? 

First, recognize the power you carry—whether as a physician, resident, or medical student. The further you progress in medicine, the easier it will become to uphold the status quo. Remind yourself that advocacy involves embracing change, and that your voice has impact. Second, don’t be afraid to acknowledge your own humanity. There’s a constant pressure in medicine to look invulnerable. It’s easy to fall into the belief that knowledge or efficiency define a great physician. But it doesn’t. Our ability to be human, to truly care for our patients, and to show up with authenticity matters just as much—if not more.

Vice-Chair of Community and Partnerships, DFCM

1. What brings you joy? 

Being a part of people’s stories and making them feel heard and understood. Improving health-care access for those who are structurally marginalized and working as part of a team.

2. Why is it so important for women to be represented in family medicine? 

Having a Black female identity represented in family medicine increases the diversity of skills and knowledge within primary care. This diversity enhances the type of care that can be provided to all patients, and this representation encourages budding health-care providers to see themselves as family doctors. My experience as a Black woman in our Canadian society has shaped me. It has moulded the way I approach social interactions and changed the way that I enter into negotiations. It has increased my ability to empathize with people facing structural oppression and enhanced my patience in managing the emotions of others. Most importantly, my identity has shaped my desire to be an agent for change within our system. Representation matters because it increases diversity within the system, and thus the flexibility to adapt to a changing community and society. 

3. What advice do you have for women aspiring to be in your field? 

Lean into your non-science interests. The broader the basis of knowledge and experiences that you bring into medicine, the easier you will be able to connect with the patients.  Don’t give up. The system, although changing, was designed for people coming from a certain part of society. You may have to try more than once, or even twice! Find joy in learning and stay open to new ways of seeing and knowing.

Inaugural Waddington Family Community Research Capacity Building Program Director, DFCM

1. What brings you joy? 

I get joy from meaningful connections with other people, whether family, friends, colleagues or even strangers.  

2. Why is it so important for women to be represented in family medicine? 

I firmly believe that family medicine, like any specialty, profession or job, works best when it’s representative of the population it serves. Roughly half of our population is women, so our field should be the same. We also know there were many years when women, particularly women of colour, were under-represented in medicine in general, so we have a lot of catching-up to do. As a scientist, I have to point to the evidence, women doctors tend to provide high-quality care! 

3. What advice do you have for women aspiring to be in your field? 

Build a support network. It can be people directly working with you, old friends, people you connect with by text message, but it’s key to have people you can turn to, to vent with, laugh with, cry with, and share advice and tips. Also, imposter syndrome is a powerful force that many of us continue to fight every day. Just know that it’s normal, and that you DO belong.  

DFCM Faculty Partnership Lead, Mastercard Foundation Africa Health Collaborative

1. What does it mean to you to see the ever-growing number of women entering into medicine?

As a family physician and the mother of a daughter training to become one, seeing more women enter medicine is both inspiring and deeply personal. It honours the progress of those before us and underscores the urgent need to push for full gender parity. We must keep breaking barriers—so the next generation of women in medicine can reach their full potential, and so health care itself becomes more just, inclusive and representative of the communities we serve.

2. What piece of advice would you give to young women in the field?

Know your worth, advocate for yourself and lift others as you rise. Medicine needs your voice, compassion and leadership in every season of your life—so step forward with confidence and surround yourself with those who equip you to thrive and celebrate your journey!

3. What brings you joy?

Raising my family while caring for patients across generations, mentoring future physicians and strengthening global health systems. My journey shows why accelerating gender parity in medicine is crucial—empowering women to balance personal and professional roles strengthens health care for all.