In early 2017, an idea was born to create a Canadian Women in Medicine “get together” of sorts. A place where all women physicians from across our country could gather, connect, network and mostly, support each other. These were the early days of the CWIM Conference brainstorming sessions.
As we got closer to the first CWIM Conference, which was held in Ottawa in June 2018, we realized that one gathering would not suffice. There was a need for so much more than that. With the guidance, love and support of Dr. Chandi Chandrasena, Dr. Sandra Landolt, Dr. Nicole Shadbolt & Dr. Tonja Stothart, we set the wheels in motion for the CWIM Organization to get on its feet. With much perseverance and passion, this truly grassroots national organization came to be.
CWIM was created to act as a beacon for us all: to have a place to go to, to fight for what is right, to connect us in times of difficulty and times of joy, to teach us ways to improve our lives and ourselves. CWIM was created to be our bolster, to give us strength and allow us to give strength and belonging to others when they need it most. And of course, CWIM was created to give us all healthy dose of confetti, hugs and laughter. Here’s to Canadian Women in Medicine. Thank you all for your support over the past few years.
Sincerely,
Dr. Caitlin Schwartz & Dr. Setareh Ziai
Co-Founders, Canadian Women in Medicine