We asked some women in the Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine about their thoughts on equity and what an equitable world for women would look like for them.
Dr. Lisa Isaac, Anesthesiologist, Pediatric Pain Medicine Specialist and Director of EDI, Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine
In an equitable world, my daughter wouldn’t feel like she needs to lower her voice to be heard.
In an equitable world, my sister wouldn’t feel guilty for taking time off work to look after her newborn baby. In an equitable world, my mother would have “typical symptoms of angina” without the “in women” disclaimer when she presents to the ER feeling unwell. In an equitable world, I would walk home alone after dark with my keys and my whistle in my pocket.
In an equitable world, women would raise children without being sidelined in their careers or not raise children without being asked why. Women would be compassionate doctors without having to prove that they were “tough enough”. They would be brilliant researchers and never be asked how or if they balance work and life. They would be leaders in and outside medicine without being asked who helped them get there.
In an equitable world, there would be no need to justify of being a woman and a doctor and all the roles that come with being human while female.
I see change happening for women in many areas of life – from women standing up for equal pay in sport, to breaking glass ceilings in boardrooms all over North America. I see increasing numbers of women in medical and surgical specialties and more women in medical leadership positions. There is still ground to break, but if we can first recognize all the ways that women are not seen as equal and in which women need to compensate, we can then begin to reach for equity and for justice. Then women would live as people in a world where we have the right to choose our own paths.
Dr. Abeer Alomari, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialist and Pain Medicine Specialist
In an equitable world, we should acknowledge and celebrate the diversity of experiences and identities within our system. We should actively work to create spaces where everyone feels valued and welcome – going beyond merely allowing people to be present or have a seat at the table. Inclusion requires seeking out and embracing diversity, ensuring everyone can fully participate and contribute to our society.
Women in medicine confront distinct challenges with limited leadership opportunities and underrepresentation in academic medicine and healthcare leadership positions. Another obstacle that female physicians face is balancing their work and family responsibilities. As an International Medical Graduate and a mother of three, I have encountered difficulties that come with juggling long work hours, clinical duties, and family obligations. However, I have found that UHN's supportive work environment and positive culture have been tremendously helpful in managing my responsibilities.
Despite these challenges, I am proud to be a female physician working at an institution like UHN, which values equity and diversity. I believe that by continuing to advocate for policies which support women in medicine, we can create a more equitable and supportive environment for all healthcare professionals.
Dr. Tamiris Soares, Chronic Pain Management Fellow
I will start with a question: Are we aware?
Are we dedicating time to raising awareness of different aspects of the struggle for gender equality and women's empowerment? Are we countering the myth that gender equality is simply a women’s issue?
You don’t have to look far for evidence that gender equality is relevant and beneficial to people of ALL genders. We need to pursue ending gender-based violence, reducing poverty, empowering girls building inclusive leadership, and flexible work practices. It is an urge to build consciousness and create politics inside our hospitals, postgraduate programs, schools, and homes. At the same time, we need to rebuild the way we, as a society, think and act – starting by challenging gender stereotypes, practicing skills including learning how to set boundaries, building a culture of consent, and supporting family and friends who are dealing with abuse. However, to focus our efforts on the solution, it can be complex, and we first need to be mindful of the numbers.
