International Women's Day 2022

VPSA celebrates the work of women physicians

International Women's Day is on March 8, 2022.  This is a day to celebrate the achievements of women.

As part of International Women’s Day in 2022, the VCH  Physician Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee is highlighting just a few of the thousands of incredible women who make up our medical staff. VCH leaders were asked to consider and nominate women who have made contributions to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion throughout their careers through clinical care, research, leadership and education.

Dr. Melanie Altas

Dr. Altas is the Director of the BC Centre for Vulvar Health at VCH.

Originally from the Maritimes, Dr. Altas finished residency in Obstetrics & Gynaecology at UBC in 2007.  A gynaecologist at VCH and a sexual medicine consultant at the BC Cancer Agency, her current clinical practice is dedicated to cancer survivorship, menopause, and sexual pain disorders. She is committed to empowering women with education and tools to heal themselves and is a passionate advocate for patient collaboration and shared decision making.

Aligned with her professional mission to promote patient-directed care, Dr. Altas regularly collaborates with community health-care providers to translate knowledge into practice and improve access to health services for individuals with undertreated conditions. She engages her passion for advancing sexual health equality as a member of the Society of OB/GYN of Canada Sexual Health and Reproductive Equity Committee.

Dr. Altas is actively involved in advancing women in medical leadership through her work with the VCH Physician Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee. She was the previous co-chair of the Culture & Environment Subcommittee and is a current member of the Meaningful Metrics Working Group.

#BreakTheBias

“I believe an important step towards breaking the bias is normalizing conversations and questions about diversity, equity and inclusivity on a day-to-day basis. Doing so ensures that this goal is a shared and visible priority.”