When contemplating issues of diversity and inclusion, medicine needs to consider menopause. A commentary in CMAJ argues that discussion about and, where needed, accommodation of menopause is a necessary step toward providing women physicians with a supportive and comfortable work environment.

On this episode, Drs. Bigham and Omole speak with the lead author of the commentary “Hot Flash: Experiencing menopause in medicine.” Dr. Marie Christakis is an OB-GYN at St Michael’s hospital in Toronto. She has completed a fellowship in Menopause and Mature Women’s Health at Mount Sinai Hospital.

They discuss why there has been little discussion on the effect, and potential burden, of menopause on mature- or potentially peak-career women physicians. And they explore what needs to be done to better support physicians through menopause.

Drs. Bigham and Omole also speak with Dr. Kim Wynd, an anesthesiologist who practices in Peterborough Ontario, about her experiences during menopause. Dr. Wynd began having symptoms of perimenopause in her early 40s at a time when her practice was thriving. 

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