Two members of the UBC Medicine community — Dr. Tamara Shenkier and Dr. Melissa Lem — were recipients of the 2024 YWCA Women of Distinction Awards.
The 41st annual YWCA Women of Distinction Awards winners and nominees were celebrated during a gala ceremony on May 13. Several members of the UBC Faculty of Medicine were nominated for the awards across categories including Education, Training and Development, Environmental Sustainability, Health and Wellness, and Research, the Sciences and Technology.
The YWCA Women of Distinction Awards honour extraordinary women leaders for their contributions to the well-being of communities across Metro Vancouver.
Congratulations to this year’s recipients from the UBC Faculty of Medicine:
Education, Training & Development
Dr. Tamara Shenkier, Clinical Professor, Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine
Tamara is former Head of the UBC Medical Oncology Residents Training Program and, as the first woman to lead the program, she transformed the curriculum, emphasizing the importance of emotional support, education, and research for residents. Dr. Shenkier also introduced new evaluation models to provide trainees with ongoing feedback, communications skills development and support to increase their chances of a successful career in oncology. Tamara chaired the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada Medical Oncology subspecialty committee, where she revamped the educational program and instituted ongoing assessments to provide students with tools for success to improve the quality of graduating oncologists. Tamara also created and was President of the BC Cancer Medical Staff Engagement Society to fund activities which enhance MD wellness and address clinical inefficiencies.
Environmental Sustainability
Dr. Melissa Lem, Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Family Practice
Melissa is President of the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE) and Founding Director of PaRx, Canada’s national nature prescription program. PaRx has mobilized over 12,500 health professionals in Canada to register and prescribe nature. Making history as the first President of colour in CAPE’s nearly 30-year history, her campaign work to end fossil fuel promotion in BC schools resulted in a commitment by BC’s Education Minister to review and revise provincial policy on educational resources. As an ambassador for CAPE, Melissa significantly increased its annual budget, helping to secure approximately $1.5M in funding. Her dedication to sustainability extends to her role as a climate columnist for CBC Radio’s Early Edition, and Clinical Assistant Professor at UBC, where she mentors and advocates for environmental initiatives.