Celebrating International Women's Day 2025

Teresita de Jesús Escandón Saavedra

PGY-2 pediatric resident at Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM)

We asked Teresita to tell us a bit about herself and answer a few questions. “My name is Teresita de Jesús Escandón Saavedra, and I am a PGY-2 pediatric resident at NOSM. I am an international medical graduate (IMG) from Mexico and have been working at HSN for almost two years, with rotations in other northern hospitals as well as at CHEO in Ottawa.”

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.”

When asked to share a memory or example where accelerated action led to significant positive change, she recalled that, “One moment that stands out involved a particularly difficult interaction at the hospital, where I was treated in a patronizing and demeaning manner. However, the pediatric staff immediately stepped in to support me and advocate on my behalf. While the individual responsible never acknowledged or apologized for their actions, the solidarity from my colleagues set a precedent and reinforced my sense of belonging at HSN.”

When prompted, Teresita said this is how an organization can better support accelerated action towards gender equality.

“Organizations can drive change through accelerated actions by fostering inclusion and equity education, creating opportunities and support systems for vulnerable individuals, implementing data-gathering strategies to quantify these issues, and enforcing policies that ensure accountability."

To conclude, we asked Teresita what advice she would give to other women looking to drive accelerated action in their careers or community.

“My advice to any woman seeking to drive meaningful change in her career or community through accelerated action is to embrace empowerment. Know that you are not alone, that your experiences and efforts matter, and that your voice deserves to be heard. By standing together, we can create lasting impact and challenge the barriers that have held us back. Your commitment to women’s equality will not only shape the present but also inspire and uplift future generations.”

Dr. Bindu Bittira

Chief of Service for Cardiac Surgery at HSN, Associate Professor at NOSM, and a pre-eminent clinical researcher in Sudbury.

A series of happy coincidences brought Dr. Bindu Bittira (@BBittira on X, formerly Twitter) from her East coast upbringing and medical training to her work today as Chief of Service for Cardiac Surgery at HSN, Associate Professor at NOSM, and a pre-eminent clinical researcher in Sudbury.

Through her surgical work, she is invested in providing patients with access to clinical trials that are otherwise often restricted to larger urban centres in Southern Ontario, such as the ROMA-W trial. Dr. Bittira emphasizes the need to bridge the historical gap in understanding the outcomes of women undergoing cardiac surgery. While men and women exhibit different symptoms when experiencing a cardiac event, Dr. Bittira also notes the gender-based differences between blood vessels during surgery.

She is dedicated to furthering research in this area to improve future outcomes for cardiac patients.

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.”

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.”

Carole Delorme

Volunteer Advisor with HSN since November 2007

We asked Carole to tell us a bit about herself and answer a few questions. "I’m grateful for my career in the volunteer sector, especially at HSN. These past 17 years have been the highlight of my professional life. The work suits my personality and skills so well that it never feels like a job. It's a real privilege to work with volunteers who generously give of themselves and support our community hospital. It’s an immeasurable gift of time, where its impacts are felt deeply and widely across our community.

Carole described the barriers in gender equality that has experienced saying, "I have faced significant challenges balancing work and the demands of unpaid care work. As a mother, I have spent countless hours on child care and housework, often without the support of flexible work policies. While there has been progress over the past 40 years, women still bear a disproportionate share of unpaid care work. The lack of policies for flexible work hours and personal days to care for sick children has been particularly challenging. However, as women continue to advocate for better work-life balance, there is hope for more supportive policies in the future."

When asked to share a memory or example where accelerated action led to significant positive change, she recalled that, “after graduating and embarking on my career as a Computer Programmer, I initially worked on a contract basis. During a gap between jobs, I applied for Employment Insurance (EI) but was denied benefits. Determined to fight this, I appealed the decision and found myself in a meeting with a panel of four government employees.

Despite this unexpected hurdle, I persevered and ultimately won my case, receiving the benefits I was rightfully entitled to. This experience not only reinforced my determination but also highlighted the importance of challenging outdated stereotypes and advocating for fair treatment in the workplace.”

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.

To conclude we asked Carole what advice she would give to other women looking to drive accelerated action in their careers or community.

"Advocate for yourself, embrace opportunities that take you out of your comfort zone, and remember that setbacks are part of the journey!"

Tammy Bourque

Nurse of over 34 Years, Dedicated Activist

We asked Tammy to tell us a bit about herself and answer a few questions. “My name is Tammy Bourque, I am a daughter, sister, wife, mother (to a strong-minded young lady), union activist and a dedicated nurse for over 34 years in many different health care settings. Started my career at HSN in 2003, for the past 12 years have had the privileged to do some rewarding work within the HAVEN and Hemophilia Programs. More recently, my role as Clinical Lead RN has presented the opportunity in being instrumental in opening a new Hemoglobinopathy Clinic.” 

Tammy described the barriers in gender equality that has experienced saying, ‘Over the past decade disparity of healthcare access for women with hemophilia and gender-specific issues are gaining significant attention in hemophilia care. We emphasize the importance of recognizing women as more than carriers and advocate for gender-specific research, improved diagnostic strategies and tailored treatment options.

By acknowledging and addressing the unique challenges faced by women with hemophilia, we can optimize care and improve the quality of life.”

When asked to share a memory or example where accelerated action led to significant positive change, she recalled that she, “Completed the “Leadership Development Program” Master Class in 2020 and last year become a member of the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, Anti-Racism (IDEAA) committee, both these good fortunes have allowed me to grow and make significant positive changes personally & professionally.”

When prompted, Tammy said this is how an organization can better support accelerated action towards gender equality.

“Accelerating action for women in the organization requires a comprehensive & strategic approach that focuses on addressing systemic barriers, creating inclusive environments where women feel valued, heard and empowered to succeed. We all can contribute by organizing awareness programs and mobilizing actions to promote equality and empowerment for women. It can start at home raising our strong-willed daughters, then spread into our workplaces to be a champion in solidarity.”

To conclude, 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.”

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.

She recognizes heart disease in women as being “unrecognized, understudied and underdiagnosed”, and is committed to tackling this issue through leading events like Her Heart Matters

When asked about barriers or challenges related to gender equality she has experienced, she shared that, "I have certainly encountered moments of gender inequality in my career, but I also recognize and am deeply grateful, that my ability to work as a physician and leader today, is because of the generations of women before me who broke down barriers. Their struggles opened doors that were once firmly shut, making it possible for women like myself to pursue medicine and research.

When I was growing up, I did not know any women physicians and was often told it was a difficult career for a woman. That narrative has changed, and my children are growing up in a world where they see men and women as equals in medicine.”

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.”