This article originally appeared in the Fall 2022 issue of the Ontario Medical Review magazine.
Ten women physicians offer words of wisdom to the next generation following in their footsteps
Current women physician leaders offer encouragement to the next generation of doctors to achieve personal and professional success in the face of adversity.
Ottawa
"Honour the women who came before you…You are amazing…Increase your level of confidence to match your level of competence."
Burlington
"Value and respect yourself! Listen with curiosity not ferocity. Speak up! Especially in advocacy for those whose voices are muffled…Failure is simply an opportunity to learn, reflect and strategize."
Ottawa
"Mentors, young and old, have cheered me on when I’ve been up against obstacles that felt overwhelming…Persist. Stand up to misogyny, racism, ableism and other forms of discrimination."
Toronto
"Find allies amongst your peers, a supportive network and non-medical outlets. Stay true to who you are and who you want to be. Be bold and when you don’t feel bold, fake it until you feel it anew."
London
"I learned to find my own voice and not be intimidated by ‘loud’ voices...Get to know yourself, focus on your personal values whether you are interacting with a patient or a colleague and be authentic."
Vaughan
"I will share the same mantras I kept saying to myself all these years: Believe in yourself…Decide what your moral compass and philosophy are and stick by them."
Ottawa
"Remember you don’t have to do it all and it doesn’t have to be done perfectly…You can chart your own course; don’t be afraid to imagine and then ask for the job you want."
Stouffville
"Strive to have a work-and-life balance. I would suggest not putting a hold on your life like having children. If it is a priority, please go for it."
Nepean
"Despite the pressures that you will feel and the expectations others may place on you, remember to place the first priority on maintaining your own health. Without that there is no way to help others."
London
"Your life does not have to be static in so far as your profession or job is concerned. Look for different opportunities if you feel the need to develop yourself as a person. Some change can be good."