Join us for an inspiring conversation with Dr. Ramneek Dosanjh, the 2024-2025 President of the Federation of Medical Women of Canada (FMWC), as we celebrate FMWC’s 100th anniversary. Dr. Dosanjh reflects on the significance of this milestone and the importance of challenging the status quo, amplifying FMWC’s efforts to drive change in addressing gender-based violence. She offers a stark reminder of the national prevalence of violence against women and girls and its pervasive nature as an everyday problem.

Dr. Dosanjh discusses actionable steps healthcare providers can take to mitigate violence in practice, targeting it as a determinant of physical, psychological, reproductive, and social health. She emphasizes the need to lean in, challenge systemic barriers, and build accountability and community support to combat this crisis. Finally, she highlights the power of allyship and envisions an empowering path forward, framing the fight against gender-based violence as a fundamental human rights issue.

Tune in for a powerful discussion on leadership, advocacy, and creating systemic change in healthcare and beyond.

For More Information:

WHO 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence Campaign Page:https://www.who.int/campaigns/16-days-of-activism-against-gender-based-violence/2023

Government of Canada: Women and Gender Equity Informationhttps://www.canada.ca/en/women-gender-equality/campaigns/gender-based-violence-its-not-just.htm

Dr. Dosanjh’s professional website and biohttps://www.drramneekdosanjh.com/about-me

In Episode 8 of the FMWC 100th Anniversary Podcast Series, the focus is on the pivotal shifts in women’s health legislation during the 1970s and 1980s, and the key role that female physicians played in the feminist movement. Building off the previous episode’s introduction of the Royal Commission on the Status of Women in Canada, this episode examines how feminist groups mobilized for change and how second-wave feminism shaped reproductive rights in Canada.

The episode concludes by acknowledging the significant progress made during the second wave of feminism while also highlighting the ongoing intersectional struggles faced by marginalized women, particularly Indigenous women. It sets the stage for the next episode, which will explore the evolution of women's health and leadership from the 1990s to the present day.

In this special episode, host Dr. Isabella Churchill sits down with two inspiring past presidents of the Federation of Medical Women of Canada (FMWC) to discuss their journeys, achievements, and the evolving landscape for women in medicine. Join us as we explore the personal and professional stories of Dr. Alanna Danilkewich and Dr. Janet Dollin—two accomplished physicians who have not only broken barriers but have paved the way for future generations of female physicians.

We also dive into open-ended conversations about the highlights of being FMWC president, overcoming biases as mothers in medicine, and what these leaders envision for the future of female physicians. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about mentorship, leadership, and the collective strength of women in the medical profession.

In today’s episode we explore the landscape of medicine between 1945 and 1970 and the female trailblazers that paved the way for women in medicine in the modern era. We begin by introducing Dr. Bette Stevenson; the first female president of both the OMA and CMA and follow her impressive medical and political career. We also explore the concept of the feminine mystique, first introduced by Barbara Freidan in the late 1960s. We hear about the beginnings of females in research and the strides made in the field of cancer therapeutics by Dr. Vera Peters. Finally, we speak to Dr. Bernice Wylie, former FMWC president from 1964-1965 about her experiences training and practicing in the time of the feminine mystique.

Podcast Voices: Dr. Beverly Johnson, Dr. Suja Sri Satgunarajah and Alexandra McCartney

In this special podcast episode, resident physician Justina Melkis had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Bev Johnson, Dr. Shelley Ross and Dr. Kari Smedstad.

We’re honoured to host a compelling conversation with three distinguished past presidents of the Federal of Medical Women of Canada: Dr. Bev Johnson, Dr. Shelley Ross, and Dr. Kari Smedstad. Join us as we explore their journeys through medical training, their impactful tenures as FMWC presidents, and their experiences navigating the dual roles of being a woman and a mother in the medical field. From personal anecdotes to professional insights, this episode promises a rich discussion on the challenges and triumphs of leading in medicine. Tune in for an inspiring dialogue with these remarkable physicians who have shaped the landscape of women's contributions in healthcare.

FMWC 100 Celebration September 2024 in Ottawa: https://fmwc.ca/events/100th-anniversary/

In this podcast episode, medical student co-hosts Odessa and Justina had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Kathleen Ross, President of the Canadian Medical Association (CMA). 

Dr. Ross shared her journey to medicine and leadership, fuelled by a passion for advocacy and equitable patient care. As a mother of two and rural-based family medicine physician with a diverse scope of practice, she brings a unique perspective to her leadership role, with prioritization of national healthcare reform, physician wellness, and advocacy. During our conversation, Dr. Ross highlights the importance of systemically promoting women's health issues and offers advice for women physicians and medical learners aspiring to pursue leadership roles while simultaneously prioritizing balance, boundary setting, and personal passions. We discuss the importance of mentorship throughout medical training and pursuits of advocacy  She also poignantly emphasizes the need for cultural change to better support physician wellness and calls for broad healthcare revitalization via shifting political priorities towards preventative health initiatives. 

Reflecting on her journey, Dr. Ross advises her younger self to embrace resilience and self-assurance. She offers meaningful advice regarding remaining open to opportunity, embracing authenticity and normalizing seeking support, collaboration, and mutual empowerment. 

Her ‘big picture’ words encapsulate the spirit of perseverance and determination that defines her remarkable career in medicine and leadership.

FMWC 100 Celebration September 2024 in Ottawa: https://fmwc.ca/events/100th-anniversary/

Welcome to Episode #4 of the FMWC 100 series which explores the remarkable history of medical women in Canada.

In this instalment,  Dr. Beverly Johnson, Mahakprit Kaur and Isabella Churchill narrate a journey of the first women trailblazers in medicine during the late 1800s - Dr. Emily Stowe and Dr. Jennie Trout. Listeners will hear about their indomitable courage and unwavering determination to become the first practicing and first licensed female physicians, respectively.  They also explore the inception of the Federation of Medical Women of Canada, sharing excerpts from the original meeting notes during those early years which paved the path for future generations of Canadian female physicians. Let’s dive in!

Credits:

Podcast Voices: Dr. Bev Johnson, Isabella Churchill, Mahakprit Kaur

Historical Researcher: Mahakprit Kaur

Social Media: Justina Melkis

Editor : Brandon Kaltabanis 

In Episode 3 of the FMWC 100 Series, Dr. Beverly Johnson and Isabella Churchill sit down with Santanna Hernandez, the Future Honorary Chair of the FMWC 100th celebration. She is a current 3rd year student at the University of Calgary’s medical school, a mother and recipient of the FMWC Student Leadership Award. Ms. Hernandez talks about breaking down barriers as a female and mother in medicine and shares with us her non-traditional path towards becoming a physician. Santana is a Canadian Medical Hall of Fame Winner and first Indigenous President of the Canadian Federation of Medical Students. The next step in her journey is her family medicine residency at the University of Calgary in Medicine Hat. 

To learn more about Ms. Hernandez, please visit the following links:

https://www.cma.ca/about-us/who-we-are/board-directors/santanna-hernandez-student

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IztYuFM3tNI

In Episode 2 of the FMWC 100 Series, Dr. Beverly Johnson and Isabella Churchill have the honour of interviewing Dr. Jane Philpott- honorary chair of the FMWC 100th celebration, a remarkable figure whose career spans diverse realms of healthcare, academia, and public service. Dr. Philpott's journey as a family doctor, former member of parliament, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Director of the School of Medicine at Queen’s University, and CEO of the Southeastern Ontario Academic Medical Organization offers a rich tapestry of experiences and insights. As the honorary chair for the FMWC 100, Dr. Philpott brings a wealth of wisdom and expertise to our discussion, shedding light on the intersections of medicine, policy, and leadership. Join us as we delve into her multifaceted career, exploring the challenges and triumphs that have shaped her remarkable trajectory in healthcare and beyond.

To read more about Dr. Philpott, please visit the following links:

https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/event/health-care-reform-for-the-people-a-conversation-with-former-canadian-health-minister-jane-philpott/

https://healthsci.queensu.ca/stories/blog/solving-family-doctor-crisis-through-education

Episode 12 features Dr. Christopher Tran, endocrinologist at The Ottawa Hospital. Dr. Tran is the current Program Director of the Endocrinology and Metabolism residency training program at the University of Ottawa.

In this episode, we gather Dr. Tran’s insights on osteoporosis, starting from the basics of what a fragility fracture is, to how the management of osteoporosis has evolved in the last 5-10 years. We discuss ways in which other specialists and medical learners can assist in optimizing bone health for patients that cross our paths. Dr. Tran explains why women are more likely to develop osteoporosis than men, and touches on the risk of osteoporosis is patients who identify as trans.

Clinical practice guideline for management of osteoporosis and fracture prevention in Canada (2023): https://osteoporosis.ca/2023-clinical-practice-guideline/