Every day, we value the unique and substantial contributions women across Sinai Health make in the workplace, health care and the communities we serve. We are committed to collaborating and creating an environment where women’s voices and experiences are heard, valued, honoured and celebrated.
This International Women’s Day, we are using this year’s theme of #BreakTheBias to highlight the exceptional ways women across our organization continue to pave the way and mold a more inclusive future for all women.
What do you think everyone can do to help achieve equality and #BreakTheBias?
“We should celebrate women in health care every day and keep the conversation going beyond the month of March! We should acknowledge and call out bias and find ways to break down barriers for women in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). We should also be mindful that women who identify as BIPOC and 2SLGBTQ+ may have other barriers to achieve careers in STEM. As an organization, we should strive for diversity, equity, justice and inclusivity.”- Ronni Teitelbaum, Prenatal Genetic Counsellor, Mount Sinai Hospital.
“Growing up with a physical disability, my parents often had to find a balance between protecting and empowering my independence. ‘You can do it’ was a phrase that my father often said to me. My father’s words and his recognition that I have skills I can share with others became a part of me. We need to be that boost in confidence for other women.”- Cathy Choi, Occupational Therapist, Hennick Bridgepoint Hospital.
How does your work at Sinai Health help break gender bias?
“I speak a lot on caring for transgender patients. I hope that in so doing, I am educating those around me about other genders. I try to have conversations to remind people that there are more genders that exist outside of the male or female binary.”- Dr. Nadia Primiani, Emergency Physician, Mount Sinai Hospital.
“I care for sarcoma patients and I lead a translational research program at the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute. Combining these two careers is an opportunity that both women and men should be able to accomplish. Sinai Health has had a notable track record of supporting female surgeons who have broken down barriers and led by example. We continue to be invested in creating a future of equity, diversity and inclusion while -training the next generation of surgeons in Canada and globally.” – Dr. Rebecca Gladdy, Surgeon and Clinician-Scientist, Mount Sinai Hospital and Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute.
What advice do you have for women working health care that may be facing gender bias?
“Always stand up for what you know is right. If you’re wrong then you’ll grow and learn. In the few instances where I’ve observed gender bias, my only regret is not saying or doing more.” – Juli Marr, Molecular Technician, Pathology, Mount Sinai Hospital.
“You are strong and you know what you’re doing. Stand up for what you know. For those who see the bias around them, stand up for those female (and those who identify as female) colleagues and friends who are in need of a reminder of their strength. We are in this together and we have to support each other.” – Dr. Nadia Primiani, Emergency Physician, Mount Sinai Hospital.
What is the most important advice you have received as a woman in health care?
“This has been my first in-person clinical rotation, so I’ve been taking everything in like a sponge. My instructor emphasizes the importance of advocating for yourself because you can’t advocate for your patients if you can’t advocate for yourself. You have to put yourself first. It’s something that has now become a fundamental part of how I think about care.”- Brittaney Lynas, Practical Nursing Learner, Hennick Bridgepoint Hospital.
“Always work with others in a collaborative and respectful manner. When we treat others respectfully, we are able to serve others in the best way possible. I’ve also been told that we should never be afraid to speak up or stand up for what is right whether I’m experiencing or witnessing gender bias. This advice is my guiding principle not only as a volunteer, but as a woman.” – Chelsey Des Neves, MAUVE Volunteer, Mount Sinai Hospital.
Happy International Women’s Day. Thank you to all of our people who identify as women for your continued dedication to push the way forward towards a more equal world.