celebrating International Women's Day

Reflecting on how much has changed since we began our careers and how work environments have evolved for women, we are filled with optimism.  While change is moving in a positive direction, we must never take for granted the need to recognize and promote the hard-won rights and achievements of women.  We celebrate the role that women contribute to our workplace, our sector and our society – today, and every day.

Boundaries and limitations are being opened. Our workplace relies on the wonderful, accomplished and talented women who work across every area and level of health care. There are more female leaders than ever before in our sector.

As health-care providers, we also care for women who come from diverse backgrounds and experiences. We see first-hand, vulnerable women, women who have been abused, women who have not been able to live freely, independently and safely – and also women, who are strong and well-equipped to partner with us in their experience.  Together with all our colleagues, we work to elevate and care for the women who come through our doors.

Today, we are highlighting just a sampling of outstanding women that are making an impact across Sinai Health, while recognizing that our organization has breadth of inspiring stories of many, many women who are transforming the patient experience, our people mandate, and shaping the future of health care.

We are honoured to be working alongside the extraordinary women of Sinai Health each and every day. Please join us in acknowledging the contributions of women of Sinai Health and in wishing them a Happy International Women’s Day!

Warmest regards,

Susan Brown, EVP, People and Culture and Chief Human Resources Officer
Jane Merkley, EVP, Chief Nurse Executive, and Chief Operating Officer
Dr. Maureen Shandling, EVP, Academic and Medical Affairs

Our stories:

Meet Dr. Carolyn Steele Gray, who is developing digital tools that put patients’ own health goals at the centre of care. She works at our Bridgepoint Collaboratory for Research & Innovation, part of the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute.
“People appreciate when you treat them like a human being, and not just as a sick person.” Meet Charlotte Koven, Hospice Case Manager at Circle of Care.
Meet Maria Ma, an occupational therapist who supports Circle of Care’s Exercise and Falls Prevention program.
Led by Linda Muraca, Clinical Nurse Specialist and Dr. Pamela Goodwin, Director of the Marvelle Koffler Breast Centre, the team at the centre launched a new education tool to empower women to learn more about breast health and breast cancer risk.
“I’m here for the patients first.” Meet Von-Sudan Lorde, a cleaner at Bridgepoint, part of the Environmental Services team.
Meet Rayjean Hung Senior Scientist at the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute who is looking to develop a blood test, or “liquid biopsy” to detect cancer.
Meet neonatologist Karel O’Brien who published an important study showing that the Family Integrated Care model of treating the tiniest and most fragile babies in the NICU helps improve the well-being of both children and parents.
Meet Michelle Nelson, a scientist at Bridgepoint’s Collaboratory for Research and Innovation (part of the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute) who is charting a new course for research to enhance rehabilitation care and outcomes for stroke patients with multiple medical conditions.
“It felt like a true calling”. Meet Crystal Whitred, an registered nurse at Mount Sinai Hospital.
Meet Catherine Varner, a physician at Mount Sinai’s Schwartz/Reisman Emergency Centre and Researcher at SREMI, who is looking to strengthen care for women experiencing early pregnancy loss.