Celebrating Women in Medicine

March 8 marks International Women’s Day, a global celebration of the achievements and contributions of women worldwide.

On March 11, we also celebrate the 5^th annual Canadian Women Physicians' Day, recognizing the dedication and impact of women+ physicians across the country. 

There is no shortage of women physicians in various roles at CSPM. Their diverse experiences, perspectives, and career trajectories within the field of medical practice are an incredible strength to our team. 

In honour of Canadian Women Physicians’ Day, we want to acknowledge, thank, and celebrate the women physicians at CPSM:

Sonja Bruin, MD, MBA MBBS CCFP(EM), Assistant Registrar, Quality

Nancy Dixon, MD, CCFP(COE), FCFP, Medical Consultant, Complaints & Investigations

Heather Lehmann, MD, CCFP, FCFP Medical Consultant, Physician Health Program

Ainslie Mihalchuk, MD CCFP FCFP, Registrar and CEO

Carine Minders, MBChB CCFP Medical Consultant, Complaints & Investigations

Liesel Moller, MBChB, CCFP, Medical Consultant, Quality Improvement Program

Marina Reinecke, MBChB, CCFP (AM), ISAM, Medical Consultant, Prescribing Practices Program

Marilyn Singer, MD CCFP Medical Consultant, Quality Improvement Program 

Dr. Carine Minders

1. What inspired you to pursue a career in medicine?

I became a physician because I witnessed firsthand the profound impact a doctor can have on individuals, families, and entire communities. Growing up, I watched my father, a dedicated family physician, serve not just as a healer but also as a trusted figure who influenced and uplifted those around him. Seeing the way he connected with his patients, supported them through difficult times, and made a tangible difference in their lives inspired me to follow in his footsteps.

The ability to care for others, provide comfort in vulnerable moments, and contribute meaningfully to people’s well-being is a privilege I deeply cherish. Being a physician allows me to continue this legacy of compassion, service, and advocacy for my community.

2. Looking back on your career, do you think there’s been an improvement in equity in the medical profession for women?

Over the past 20 years, I have seen significant strides in equity for women in the medical profession, but challenges still remain. One of the changes I’m most happy to see is the shifting narrative around work-life balance for female physicians. When I first became a medical student in 2001, I was told that I had to choose between being a mother or having a career—that there was no way to be a decent doctor and have both. For the longest time, I believed that and felt the pressure to prove that I deserved to be a physician just as much as my male counterparts. At the time, there were only two female professors at my university, both of whom had successful medical careers but had not had children.

Looking back, I honestly wish I had focused more on balance and family rather than feeling like I constantly had to prove myself. Today, I’m encouraged to see more women in medicine rejecting that false choice, pursuing fulfilling careers while also having families, and receiving more institutional support in doing so. While we’ve made progress, there is still work to be done in achieving full equity, particularly in leadership representation, pay equity, and cultural shifts that truly support women in medicine at all stages of their careers.

3. What advice do you have for young aspiring female physicians?

My advice to young aspiring female physicians today is to embrace both your passion for medicine and the fullness of your personal life without feeling like you have to choose between them.

The idea that you must sacrifice one for the other is outdated—women belong in medicine just as much as anyone else, and you don’t have to prove that to anyone. Set boundaries, seek mentors who uplift and support you, and don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself.

Medicine is a demanding field, but it’s also an incredibly rewarding one, and you deserve to build a career that aligns with your values and aspirations.

Prioritize balance early on, because success isn’t just about professional achievements—it’s also about fulfillment in all aspects of your life.

Lastly, support other women in medicine. Lifting each other up and fostering a culture of mentorship and inclusivity will create a better future for all of us.

Dr. Ainslie Mihalchuk

1. What inspired you to pursue a career in medicine?

I always knew that I wanted to be able to do something for the greater good. It is the humanity of medicine that brings me fulfillment.

To be a trusted person to care for someone in their time of great need or difficulty –you can do that in medicine.  Whether it’s caring for a newborn, helping someone with their mental health, to palliation –that is precious and a privilege.

That is my strength – my connection to humanity.  

After a radio interview in one of my early years at CPSM, I had an elementary school teacher contact me. She told me “I always knew you were going to do something in medicine.”

That was a good reminder that I am exactly where I am meant to be.  

2. How can we encourage more women physicians to take on leadership roles?

To be in any leadership role, there is power in being the connector that brings people together. I believe women are naturally skilled at creating connections between people and teams.

There is a place for structure and business and other “hard skills,” but leaders have to have some humanity to support and effect change. It’s people-first leadership; if you look after people, they will look after your shared purpose.

Women bring the humanity to bureaucracy. They are inherently flexible, open-minded and resourceful. These are important qualities in leadership and women have a lot to offer in that space.

Most women physicians are the CEOs at home, the CEOs of their medical practice and if you’re capable of that, you have what it takes to be a leader.

3. What advice do you have for male colleagues who want to be allies to women in medicine?

One of the simplest things is to ensure you have dual expectations of everyone, no matter their gender. This means not labelling behaviours such as being difficult or emotional, because males demonstrate those behaviors too, they just are not labelled.

Recognize the average woman has a mental burden that is immense. The ability to juggle and manage a never-ending list of things –that is not respected enough. What you don’t see behind the scenes is how much people are trying. Maybe ask them, what can I do to support you?

Don’t try to control things because they are doing it differently than you would. Just as important, don’t lower your expectations because you think they can’t do what you can do.

Colleagues who have helped me did so by embracing the idea that I brought something different and allowed me space to be me and do it my way. That made them good allies.