As an administrator working in the Faculty of Medicine for the past 15 years, I have been inspired by the opportunity to contribute to discussions and decisions related to the reshaping of the undergraduate curriculum. Given that my educational background is based in the humanities and social work, I am pleased to see that topics such as the social determinants of health and interprofessional collaboration have been identified as priorities for the Faculty and our learners. As a resident living in a northern location, these are important topics that have the potential to positively impact the lives of women from all backgrounds across our region.
My advice to those women wanting to pursue a career in the field of medicine is to not let perceived stereotypes or barriers stop you. While my advice might seem simple or straightforward, I believe that it is a testament to the changes over time that have opened up opportunities for females, including mature students, those with or wanting to start families or those who wish to enter “non-traditional” fields, to pursue a career in the medical field.