International
Women’s Day
In honour of International Women’s Day (IWD), meet some of the outstanding women in the UBC Faculty of Medicine — learners, faculty and staff members — who are transforming health for everyone.
This year, as part of the worldwide celebrations of women’s achievements, the IWD organization asked women to share their perspective on the 2024 theme #InspireInclusion. The IWD campaign encourages us to imagine a gender-equal world that is diverse, equitable and inclusive, where difference is valued and celebrated.
Read on to learn what Faculty of Medicine community members chose to share.
“For International Women’s Day, please join me in celebrating the exemplary contributions and accomplishments of the women at the Faculty of Medicine. Today and every day, we reaffirm our commitment to inclusive excellence, recognizing that equity, diversity and inclusion are the very source of our strength and fundamental to achieving the greatest impact for the communities we serve locally, nationally and globally.”
Dr. Dermot Kelleher, Dean, Faculty of Medicine and Vice-President, Health, UBC
Dr. Tal Jarus
Professor, Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy
I will expose and defy misogyny, ableism, racism, homophobia, transphobia, and any form of discrimination.
Simran Gill
PhD Student, Women+ and Children’s Health Sciences
I will maintain a gender equal mindset.
Dr. Michelle Wong
Executive Director, Canada’s Immuno-Engineering and Biomanufacturing Hub, and Senior Director, Research
For me, inspiring inclusion means championing a culture of respect, where diverse voices are not just heard but valued, fostering a sense of belonging for everyone.
Asmae El-Bouhali
Embedded Counsellor, Graduate and Postdoctoral Education Office
For me, inspiring inclusion means fostering a sense of belonging and equipping individuals with resources to feel empowered to contribute their unique perspectives creating a truly diverse, equitable and enriching environment.
Kinwa Bluesky
Senior Manager, Indigenous Initiatives, Human Early Learning Partnership, School of Population and Public Health
For me, inspiring inclusion means building meaningful, heart-centred relations with all of Creation.
Jennifer Golinski
Senior Director, Education Programs and Services, Office of the Vice Dean, Education
I will challenge gender stereotypes, discrimination and bias
Suliat Yakubu
PhD Candidate, School of Biomedical Engineering
For me, inspiring inclusion means empowering the next generation of leaders to design solutions with everyone, for everyone.
Mansimran Kaur
4th Year Student, Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science
I will forge positive visibility of women from all cultures.
Dr. Arvind Kang
Clinical Professor, Department of Psychiatry
For me inspiring inclusion means gratitude for the opportunities and privileges we have and paying it forward for others.
Chanel Mandap
MD Student, Island Medical Program
Inspiring inclusion means having a voice, a seat at the table and ensuring that voice is not only heard but valued and acted upon.
Angelina Woof
Associate Head, Clinical Education, Department of Physical Therapy
I will challenge gender stereotypes, discrimination and bias
Dr. Saraswathi Vedam
Professor, Midwifery Program and Principal, Birth Place Lab
Inspiring inclusion means that I commit to challenge gender stereotypes, discrimination and bias in my work and in my life.
Judy Cheng
3rd Year PhD Student, Neuroscience
For me, inspiring inclusion means supporting and uplifting other women in STEM.
Dr. Lorienne Jenstad
Associate Professor, School of Audiology and Speech Sciences
I will challenge gender stereotypes, discrimination and bias
Qian Chow
Digital Marketing Specialist, Office of Creative & Communications
For me, inspiring inclusion means creating a safe space for dialogue and understanding where everyone’s unique perspectives are valued and celebrated, especially among historically and systematically excluded communities/groups.
Dr. Julia Wimmers-Klick
Co-Director of Faculty Development, Senior Lab Instructor and Portfolio Site Lead, Northern Medical Program
To me, inspiring inclusion means stepping beyond roles and defying expectations of who or what you should be, embracing authenticity in yourself and in others.
Jane Jun
Southern Medical Program Librarian
For me, inspiring inclusion means continuous learning, reflection, sharing and meaningful engagement with the communities around us.
Dr. Taiysa Rouault
Family Medicine Resident
I will forge positive visibility of women.
Sunny Pao
Senior Manager, Office of the Vice Dean, Education
I will forge positive visibility of women.
Dr. Inderdeep Kaur Mander
Emergency Medicine Resident
For me, inspiring inclusion means amplifying silenced voices and challenging norms globally. Empowering women transcends borders.
ONE-ON-ONE WITH DR. Amy Salmon
Director, Clinical Faculty Affairs
Meet Dr. Amy Salmon and learn about how she inspires inclusion in her leadership role.