The VCH Medical Staff Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee invited VMDAS members to recognize and celebrate women at VCH, including cisgender women and trans women who drive change, inspire others and demonstrate leadership in advancing gender equity in the workplace or in health care.
Here are your submissions.
Dr. Mollie Carruthers, Lead, UBC Rheumatology Mentorship Program
Nominated by Dr. Raheem Kherani
“Dr. Carruthers has been an astute clinician and clinical teacher in the subspecialized area of IgG4-related disease, with clinical work, teaching and research in this newly described condition (in 2011). In the midst of all these efforts, she continues a rheumatology practice, in addition to exploring opportunities for mentorship, first within our Rheumatology Division, that has now expanded to our Rheumatology community around the province. She was recently the senior author on a publication describing the gender pay gap in Rheumatology, which will assist our community in Rheumatology and outside, for many years to come, all the meanwhile mentoring co-authors such as Dr Hu, myself and others. Please join me in applauding Dr Carruthers and her many efforts that are worthy of being recognized on IWD.”
Dr. Sarah Barrett, Staff Radiologist
Nominated by Dr. Faisal Khosa
“Dr. Barrett exemplifies strong leadership and teamwork, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to drive meaningful change. Her ability to inspire, support, and guide others has not only strengthened workplace culture but has also led to innovative solutions benefiting the broader community. Through her mentorship, advocacy, and commitment to excellence, she has empowered countless colleagues and students, ensuring that underrepresented voices are heard and uplifted.”
Dr. Joy Masuhara, Family Physician, VCH Regional Medical Director, EDI
Nominated by Kanykei Omorova, Leadership Development Lead, VCH – Regional
“Working alongside with Joy has been both a privilege and an inspiration—her passion for equity, diversity, and inclusion is not just theoretical, but deeply embedded in everything she does. Her depth of expertise in this field is phenomenal and I am always amazed how much information and data and research she can offer back when we build any leadership development work for medical staff.
“At the same time, she remains so humble and modest which makes her even more inspiring to look up to and learn from that.
“As a key and crucial partner in embedding EDI principles into leadership development for medical staff, she brings practical guidance through the lens of medicine, ensuring that equity is not just a concept but a lived reality. Thank you, Joy, for spreading your passion and empowering people around to be kinder, considerate and caring to each other. Small steps every day will lead towards big impact along the way!”
Dr. Judith Hammond, Family Physician, Home-ViVe POCUS Lead, Medical Co-ordinator at LTC facility
Nominated by the Home-ViVe Team
“Dr. Hammond’s contributions to the workplace or community have helped build strong and loving sense of community in Home-ViVe in thoughtful and caring ways! Our Wellness Champion! Brings joy to the entire Home-ViVe group, physician/NP group and allied group! In Home-ViVe, it is commonplace to have fairly emotionally and clinically challenging cases of the homebound elderly, a marginalized group. Also, there has been some fairly emotional recent program upscaling transition. Judith has helped us through these with baked cookies, humor, clinically intellectually stimulating questions/discussions, and her positive upbeat spirit.”
“Over past 10 years has championed several learning and wellness initiatives in Home-ViVe including regular REAL groups (small group learning), point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) learning group/community, and project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) for eldercare.”
“Uplifts weary spirits and empowers with positive energy!”
Dr. Lynn Straatman, Cardiologist
Nominated by Dr. Esaba Kashem, Palliative physician
“Dr. Straatman actively advocates for equitable opportunities for us all and inspires others to the same. She led a discussion group that highlighted the barriers women face and we collectively strategized how to overcome them. She shows up authentically with courage and empathy every day.”