Medical women: finding yourself, caring for yourself

Medical women: female doctor with colleagues

I graduated from medical school in 1981 when there were only 20 women students in a class of 80. Our training included very subtle brainwashing that we had to function as one of the guys and not so subtle brainwashing that dedication equals workaholism. Despite increasing numbers of female docs in medical school, we still face barriers and stressors unique to us.

The most significant lesson I learnt after 10 years of general practice and having four kids was to find a way to really sing my song and not just have a medical career but find a path in medicine that allowed me to take care of myself as well as feel deeply fulfilled at the end of every day. It took me a couple of career changes to get there and find myself with ongoing attention to caring for myself.

There are lots of things you can do to care for yourself. Why not learn them from your peers--other medical women facing the same realities? I invite you to take a weekend for yourself, and come to the Federation of Medical Women of Canada’s conference, Trailblazers: Catching our Dreams in Vancouver, 16 - 18 September 2011.

You can connect and be inspired by medical women who are trailblazers in their spheres of medicine, learn about new advances in women’s health, and network, laugh, and dance with colleagues and students.

You’ll be cared for with delicious food, yoga, and tai chi breaks. Invest your time in this CME-accredited conference for medical women. You will leave with your spirit rejuvenated and ready to pursue joy and fulfillment in your personal and professional life. Visit the conference website [4] for more information.

I look forward to seeing you there.
--Teresa Clarke, MD
Vancouver Branch President, FMWC