FMWC Podcast (FMWC Ottawa)

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 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

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 

For Episode 11, we sat down with Dr. Melanie Bechard (she/her) who is a pediatric emergency physician and an Assistant Professor at the University of Ottawa. She is currently the Chair of Canadian Doctors for Medicare, a nonpartisan organization of physicians advocating for an equitable, evidence-based, and sustainable health care system. In this episode we talk about the issues facing the Canadian healthcare system, limitations that come with privatization, and potential pathways to explore to alleviate the strain primary care physicians are facing. 

We would like to thank Kameela Alibhai for founding the FMWC podcast and leading the production of all the episodes to date. The podcast committee has lost an exceptional leader, but we wish her the very best as she starts her journey as a surgical resident in Toronto! 

In episode 9, we welcome Dr. Thais Coutinho, cardiologist and division head of Prevention and Rehabilitation at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, as well as Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Ottawa. Additionally, Dr. Coutinho sits as the chair of the Heart Institute’s Canadian Women’s Heart Health Centre, and is an internationally recognized clinician scientist in the field of arterial health. 

We discuss her calling to medicine, work-life balance, scope of practice, and future goals. Dr. Coutinho also offers some insight in regard to the mitigation of risks associated with arterial diseases in women, as well as the unspoken realities of her professional domain. She further provides an overview of the utilization of her grant from the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC).

The views expressed in this podcast belong solely to the speakers and do not necessarily reflect any institution/associations they are affiliated with. 

This podcast should not be considered a substitute for medical advice.

Ottawa Heart Institute - Women’s heart health: https://foundation.ottawaheart.ca/?gclid=CjwKCAjwge2iBhBBEiwAfXDBRwZARPv_Y6i0GlXRPyQ2j3YuAOmvXknvCcoA0lQX8IbKtF8TQ7YvthoCAlcQAvD_BwE 

Women’s Cardiac and Cerebrovascular Health Committee (WCCH) with FMWC: https://fmwc.ca/advocacy/advocacy-wcch/

In Episode 6, we welcome co-host Kira Bombay, a fourth year medical student at the University of Ottawa and member of the Rainy River First Nations. Our guest is Dr. Shannon Waters who is Coast Salish and a member of the Stz’uminus First Nation on Vancouver Island. She is a Public Health and Preventive Medicine physician who talks with us about the importance of supporting Indigenous rights and the vital but often underappreciated role the ecosystem plays in sustaining our health.

Dr. Waters has also published a variety of written works, including this piece titled: “How Can I Give Back”: https://medicalstaff.islandhealth.ca/news-events/dr-shannon-waters-asks-how-can-i-give-back-0

We recognize that while the urgency of the COVID-19 pandemic has lessened, our healthcare system remains under extreme pressure which must be addressed urgently. The views expressed in this podcast belong solely to the speakers and do not necessarily reflect any institution/associations they are affiliated with.

This podcast should not be considered a substitute for medical advice.

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Najma Ahmed, co-founder of Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns: a grasroot organization concerned about the increasing public health impact of firearms. Dr. Ahmed is the vice chair of education at UofT’s department of surgery and won the prestigious Royal College AMS/Donald Richards Wilson Award in 2016. We discuss her motivation, backlash and barriers she endured while founding her organization, as well as her thoughts on the new Bill C21.

The views expressed in this podcast belong solely to the speakers and do not necessarily reflect any institution/associations they are affiliated with.

This podcast should not be considered a substitute for medical advice.

Dr. Najmas organization:

https://www.doctorsforprotectionfromguns.ca/

Links about Gun violence in Canada:

https://www.cmaj.ca/content/191/16/E434

https://www.cbc.ca/cbcdocspov/features/gun-violence-by-the-numbers

https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/in-fighting-gun-crime-canada-has-an-american-problem-1.6004198

Other physician organizations against gun violence:

http://www.doctorsforrefugeecare.ca/

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Donna May Kimmaliardjuk, Canada’s first Inuk cardiac surgeon who is a staff surgeon practicing at Eastern Health located in St-John's in Newfoundland and Labrador. We discuss Dr.Kimmaliardjuk’s calling to become a surgeon as well as her lived experiences as an Inuk woman in the field of medicine. She provides insight into how she strikes a balance between her surgical career and her personal life and discusses her childhood experiences that have shaped her practice.

The views expressed in this podcast belong solely to the speakers and do not necessarily reflect any institution/associations they are affiliated with.

This podcast should not be considered a substitute for medical advice.

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.

Episode 10 features Dr. Alika Lafontaine, current head of the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) and award-winning physician. Dr Lafontaine currently practices as an anesthesiologist in Grande Prairie, Alberta, and is the first indigenous doctor listed in the Medical Post’s 50 most powerful doctors. In this episode, we delve into his early life and upbringing as a Cree and Anishinaabe as well as his personal journey towards a career in medicine. Dr. Lafontaine sheds light on his role as CMA president, alongside the association’s values and mission. We conclude this episode with a conversation on the negative aspects of the medical field, and Dr. Lafontaine imparts valuable advice on maintaining a healthy work-life balance.  The views expressed in this podcast belong solely to the speakers and do not necessarily reflect any institution/associations they are affiliated with.    This podcast should not be considered a substitute for medical advice. Canadian Medical Association (CMA): ⁠https://www.cma.ca/⁠

In the seventh episode, we welcome Dr. Ewurabena Simpson a pediatric hematologist/oncologist at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) She is also an assistant professor with the Department of Pediatrics and the Assistant Dean, Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) at the University of Ottawa

In this episode, Dr. Simpson shares her experience as a black woman in the medical system, as well as the impact that being a mother has had on her professional life. We also discuss Dr. Simpson’s current role on the EDI committee, highlighting the significance of her work in shaping the future of medicine for black students.

The views expressed in this podcast belong solely to the speakers and do not necessarily reflect any institution/associations they are affiliated with.

This podcast should not be considered a substitute for medical advice.

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 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 episode 8, we welcome Dr. Kathleen (Katie) Armstrong, a plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgeon in gender affirming top surgeries. She is the current coordinator of the medical ethics education for the university of Toronto’s plastic surgery residency training program. In this role, she trains medical students, residents and fellows in top surgery providing core lectures, office based and technical experience.

 

In this episode, we discuss Dr. Armstrong’s scope of practice, the history and accessibility of gender affirming surgery in Canada, as well as potential complications and limitations of these surgeries. Dr. Armstrong also touches on her experience with mentoring within the field, provides advice for medical students aspiring to pursue surgery, and shares lessons that she learned throughout her training.

 

The views expressed in this podcast belong solely to the speakers and do not necessarily reflect any institution/associations they are affiliated with. 

 

This podcast should not be considered a substitute for medical advice.

World’s Professional Organization for Transgender Health Membership: https://www.wpath.org/MembershipInfo

Pink News Instagram (@pinknews): https://www.instagram.com/pinknews/?hl=en

Egale Canada (@egalecanada): https://www.instagram.com/egalecanada/?hl=en 

Sherbourne Health Trans-Health Programs: https://sherbourne.on.ca/primary-and-family-health-care/2slgbtq-health/trans-health-care/ 

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Fahima Dossa. She is a general surgery resident and trainee in the Surgeon Scientist Training Program at the University of Toronto and we discuss her research on gender equity, her path as a surgeon scientist, and her lived experience with micro and macro aggressions as a female surgeon. 

The views expressed in this podcast belong solely to the speakers and do not necessarily reflect any institutions/associations they are affiliated with.

This podcast should not be considered a substitute for medical advice.

You can read some of her latest publications here:

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/356135617_Sex_Differences_in_the_Pattern_of_Patient_Referrals_to_Male_and_Female_Surgeons

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/355862668_Gender_differences_in_faculty_rank_among_academic_physicians_a_systematic_review_and_meta-analysis

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/355285241_Longitudinal_trends_in_physician_preferences_for_referrals_to_same-sex_surgeons_a_population-based_study

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/354033699_Gender_Differences_in_Faculty_Rank_Among_Academic_Physicians_A_Systematic_Review_and_Meta-Analysis

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/

We present the Federation of Medical Women of Canada- Celebrating 100 Years of Legacy Podcast Series with Chair, Dr. Beverly Johnson and Co-Chair, Isabella Churchill, 

In the first episode of this podcast series, co-hosts Dr. Beverly Johnson and Dr. Kameela Alibhai sat down with Dr. May Cohen, Medical Hall of Fame Laureate, Officer to the Order of Canada, physician and educator as our Past Honorary Chair. Together, they discuss her training and her experience as a woman in medicine, her general practice and advocacy work, the impact of the FMWC on her career trajectory and her term as FMWC President from 1990-1991. She also shares colourful personal and professional stories throughout her life. 

To nominate a FMWC member for the May Cohen Award, please visit: https://fmwc.ca/may-cohen-award/

Visit these links to learn more about Dr. May Cohen:

https://www.cdnmedhall.ca/laureates/maycohen

https://maycohen.com/

https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/1539433539961

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 the first episode of the Federation of Medical Women of Canada (FMWC) Ottawa podcast with Dr. Gigi Osler. She is an otolaryngologist at the University of Manitoba and is the 2022 president of the FMWC.  

In this episode, we discuss impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on gender equity and physician burnout and the role of social media in health care. Dr. Osler’s also shares her experience past CMA and current FMWC President and her vision for how we can empower physicians to promote gender equity and provide excellent patient care. 

The views expressed in this podcast belong solely to the speakers and do not necessarily reflect any institutions/associations they are affiliated with. This podcast should not be considered a substitute for medical advice.

In this episode, we welcome Drs. Nour Bakhache and Hava Starkman. They are both third-year ObGyn residents and co-chairs of Cover ContraceptiON: a grassroots, non-partisan, volunteer-run campaign with the goal of providing universal, no-cost contraception to all those in Ontario. We discuss the goal of the campaign, the various challenges they have faced, and what it means to be a health advocate in medicine.

Twitter: @Contracepti_ON

Instagram: @Contracepti_ON

Website: http://CoverContraceptiON.org 

The views expressed in this podcast belong solely to the speakers and do not necessarily reflect any institutions/associations they are affiliated with.

This podcast should not be considered a substitute for medical advice.