This year’s theme is Accelerate Action, and we're proud to shine a spotlight on these incredible women within our hospital who are driving healthcare excellence across Northeastern Ontario.
In honour of International Women's Day, we are sharing the responses from these of outstanding women who are making a difference in healthcare every day. These trailblazers inspire us with their dedication, passion, and leadership.
✨ Together for you this International Women's Day. Together for you every day in healthcare and research excellence. ✨
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Teresita de Jesús Escandón Saavedra
PGY-2 pediatric resident at Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM)
Teresita described the barriers in gender equality that she has experienced, saying, “throughout different stages of my life and in various settings, I have faced challenges related to gender equality. Growing up in a rural town in Chiapas, Mexico, I witnessed firsthand the deeply ingrained belief that education was not a priority for girls; instead, their primary role was to build a family. Many of my female peers were forced to leave school and marry between the ages of 14 and 16, or they had to work to support their families financially.
I was fortunate that my stepfather valued education, but it was treated as a privilege rather than a right. To continue my studies, I had to maintain excellent grades while also contributing to my family’s economy. From the age of seven, I sold eggs and cheese door-to-door—products from our small farm. There were times when I had to work in the fields, gather cattle, or feed the chickens early in the morning before walking three kilometres to school, accompanied only by other children. During medical school, I worked part-time to support my education, and I experienced negative comments from staff.
In Canada, I have encountered a different set of challenges shaped by my intersectionality. Beyond gender, my background as an IMG has, at times, led to being ethnically stereotyped. I have also experienced hostility from both patients and colleagues simply because I do not fit their preconceived image of a doctor—not only because I am a woman, but because I am a woman of colour with an accent.”
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Dr. Bindu Bittira
Chief of Service for Cardiac Surgery at HSN, Associate Professor at NOSM, and a pre-eminent clinical researcher in Sudbury.
When asked what advice she would give young women who want to enter the healthcare field, Dr. Bittira shared that, “you will be pulled in a million directions, but don’t take the first no you hear as the ultimate no. It might be a longer route, but women are resilient, and ultimately if you believe it’s what you’re meant to do then keep reaching towards your goals.”
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Valerie Ross
Clinical Manager, Northern Outreach and Crisis Response
When asked to share a memory or example where accelerated action led to significant positive change, Valerie recalled that,
“Last September, our team started inviting Indigenous Elders to the Medicine Lodge to facilitate sessions for staff and patients. Since then, Elders have hosted 24 sessions in the last 6 months, with over 350 hospital staff, patients, and visitors attending these sessions. Sessions include either ceremonial teachings, smudging, or 1:1 with an Elder.
This initiative was fueled by passion—our Indigenous Health team wanted to create a space where staff could learn about Indigenous ways of being while also providing much-needed cultural support for our patients. What made a real difference was having leadership say, 'I trust you—run with it.' That trust allowed us to take action.
The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Staff have expressed a strong appetite for learning more, and patients frequently visit the Medicine Lodge, looking forward to connecting with an Elder. Moments like these reinforce how important it is to have both the passion and the support to serve Indigenous peoples in meaningful ways.
Personally, this passion comes from my grandmother, a residential school survivor who dedicated years to advocating for Indigenous peoples, especially in areas like MMIWG and Truth and Reconciliation. Her resilience and advocacy inspire me every day.
Moving forward, our team is committed to continuing this work—bringing in Elders, creating space for learning and healing, and ensuring that Indigenous patients and staff feel supported and valued in our hospital.”
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Carole Delorme
Volunteer Advisor with HSN since November 2007
When prompted, Carole said this is how an organization can better support accelerated action towards gender equality.
- Leadership Commitment: Emphasize the importance of gender equality in the workforce.
- Measure Inequality: Assess inequalities by collecting data on career development and pay equity.
- Work-Life Balance: Provide opportunities and flexibility for work-life balance. The Wellness Committee at HSN is a great initiative, offering awareness and supportive networks that can target gender equality.
- Inclusive Culture: Celebrate diversity and encourage inclusive behaviors.
- Career Development: Make mentorship programs available.
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Tammy Bourque
Nurse of over 34 Years, Dedicated Activist
We asked Tammy what advice she would give to other women looking to drive accelerated action in their careers or community.
“Together, we can be apart of a global movement making strides towards gender equality through all our choices and actions. By embracing our power as strong women to become our best selves, mentally, physically & financially, inspiring the next generation to break barriers. As individuals, we can all take steps in our daily lives to positively impact women's advancement, by calling out stereotypes, challenge discrimination, question bias, celebrate women's success, and so much more.”
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Dr. Sarah McIsaac
Anesthesiologist and Intensivist at HSN, an active researcher with HSNRI, and a community leader in education on women’s health and bystander CPR through Northern City of Heroes.
When asked to share a memory where accelerated action led to significant positive change, she told us about being able to be a part of…
“Co-organizing the Wear Red Canada event in Sudbury, raising awareness about women’s heart disease—the leading cause of death in women worldwide. With an all-women team and expert panel, we provided a platform for advocacy, mentorship, and education, engaging over 300 attendees in discussions on gender-specific differences in heart health. The event was intentionally free to ensure accessibility. One of the co-organizers was accepted into medical school, highlighting the lasting impact of empowering women in healthcare. This experience reinforced that when women support and uplift each other, we don’t just create change—we accelerate it.”
To read their full stories, click here.