“I would say know yourself as a person, and understand yourself outside of your role as a doctor, outside of your career in medicine, because it's just part of who you are. It's not all of who you are.” - Dr. Shirin DasonIn this episode, we chat with Dr. Shirin Dason, a Gynecologic Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) fellow. We learn about her journey with family planning, juggling fellowship with having young children and her valuable advice to other medical learners. We appreciate your feedback - please leave a comment and subscribe so you never miss a new episode!----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Contact InformationDr. Shirin Dason, M.D.Email: shirin.dason@alum.utoronto.caTwitter: @dason_shirinDr. Shirin Dason is an obstetrician gynecologist and currently completing her clinical fellowship in reproductive endocrinology and infertility at Mount Sinai Fertility, University of Toronto. She has spearheaded the resource hub at www.familyplanningfordocs.com with her team to highlight useful information about family planning in a medical career.

“We love having kids because we see them as better versions of ourselves, and we have the opportunity to try and guide them into people who are just really good people.” - Dr. Bev YoungIn this episode, we chat with Dr. Bev Young, psychiatrist and co-founder of BRIA. We talk about rebranding your career in medicine, how childrens’ perspectives on your job change over time, mental health for women across the reproductive ages, and nurturing your relationship with your partner over time. We appreciate your feedback - please leave a comment and subscribe so you never miss a new episode!----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Contact InformationDr. Bev Young, M.D.Email: bev@betterbria.comDr. Bev Young is a psychiatrist and co-founder of BRIA, a Canadian virtual mental health clinic for women across the reproductive life stages (trying to conceive, pregnant, postpartum and perimenopause). You can check out BRIA here: www.betterbria.com

“I think it's just important to decide what you want in your career and decide what you want in your personal life, and not let one stop you from achieving your goals in the other. Because you just need to make the decision and then figure out all the details later, you can make it work.” - Dr. Andrea CopelandIn this episode, we chat with Dr. Andrea Copeland, a recent graduate of the Plastic Surgery residency program at McMaster University. We talk about her experience having children during residency, starting a new fellowship in Australia and the supportive circle she has.We appreciate your feedback - please leave a comment and subscribe so you never miss a new episode!----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Contact InformationDr. Andrea Copeland, M.D.Email: acopeland91@gmail.com

“I guess people looking at me from the outside must have thought that I had to make a decision or a compromise between a career and a family, but I always knew that I was going to do both.” - Dr. Heather ShapiroIn this episode, we chat with Dr. Heather Shapiro, an Obstetrics and Gynecologist and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) specialist. We learn about Dr. Shapiro’s leadership roles, her perspectives on the change in work culture over the years, and the best parts of being a mother and grandmother. We appreciate your feedback - please leave a comment and subscribe so you never miss a new episode!----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Contact InformationDr. Heather Shapiro, M.D.Email: Heather.shapiro@sinaihealthsystem.caDr. Heather Shapiro is an obstetrician gynecologist by training. She also completed a clinical fellowship in reproductive endocrinology and infertility. Dr. Heather Shapiro focuses on reproductive endocrinology and infertility at Mount Sinai Hospital, and currently holds the position of Vice-Chair Education at the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Toronto. She is also an Associate Professor at the University of Toronto. She is interested in the laboratory education of embryologists.

“The first thing I’m going to say, and this is what I encourage to all our residents, is to ensure that you do set aside prioritized time.” - Dr. Peter FergusonIn this episode, we chat with Dr. Peter Ferguson, an Orthopedic surgeon and Chair of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Toronto. We talk about his perspectives balancing fatherhood and residency 20 years ago, the evolution of medical training policies in support of family planning, and the work that’s still left to do. We hear about his own challenges and support systems as a parent, and his encouragement for residents to prioritize family. We appreciate your feedback - please leave a comment and subscribe so you never miss a new episode!----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Contact InformationDr. Peter Ferguson, MSc, M.D.Twitter: @Toronto_OrthoEmail: Peter.ferguson@sinaihealth.caDr. Peter Ferguson is an Albert and Temmy Latner Professor, Chair of Orthopaedic Surgery and an Orthopaedic surgeon at the University of Toronto. He was the former program director for Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Toronto. His research interests include tissue engineering techniques, wound healing and biomechanical modeling of metastatic lesions in long bone.

“Part of what physician wellness ends up being is your ability to balance your career with your parenting goals” - Dr. Sharon DombIn this episode, we chat with Dr. Sharon Domb, an academic family physician at Sunnybrook Hospital, with a fellowship in women’s health and obstetrics. We talk about changes in maternity leave policies, the importance of soul searching in medical school, and her relationships with her children. We also hear about Dr. Domb’s thoughts on using priorities to guide important career and personal life decisions.We appreciate your feedback - please leave a comment and subscribe so you never miss a new episode!----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Contact InformationDr. Sharon Domb, M.D.Email: Sharon.domb@sunnybrook.caDr. Domb is a family physician who has been practicing full-spectrum obstetrical care for over 20 years. After completing a residency in family medicine she pursued additional training through a fellowship in women’s health and obstetrics. Dr. Domb teaches obstetrical skills to residents and has taught numerous obstetrical emergency skills courses to physicians and midwives. She has been the recipient of multiple teaching awards. Dr. Domb is passionate about the critical and unique role that family physicians play in the provision of obstetrical care to women, while integrating the needs of their families.

“You can still have, you know, a wholesome, fulfilling and satisfying life, even if you always wanted kids and don't get them as you go through life” - Dr. Sarah PattersonIn this episode, we chat with Dr. Sarah Patterson, a Hematologist. We talk about how family plans don’t always go to plan, her journey as a married physician without children, and the importance of finding your people. We appreciate your feedback - please leave a comment and subscribe so you never miss a new episode!----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Contact InformationDr. Sarah Patterson, M.D.Email: sarah.patterson@medportal.caSarah Patterson is a Hematologist working in the McMaster Hemoglobinopathy Clinic at Hamilton Health Sciences in Hamilton, Ontario. She completed medical school at Queen’s University and her internal medicine and adult hematology residencies at McMaster University.

“You have to have the mindset to just deal and keep moving. And I feel that was something that helped me through those tough years”. - Dr. Sony SierraIn this episode, we chat with Dr. Sony Sierra, an OB/GYN and REI specialist. We talk about how mentorship was integral to her journey as a medical trainee and now, as a practicing physician. We delve into what it’s been like being a single mom and a physician, and what positive role modeling can look like for your teenagers. We appreciate your feedback - please leave a comment and subscribe so you never miss a new episode!----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Contact InformationDr. Sony Sierra, MSc., M.D.Email: ssierra@triofertility.comSince 2006, Dr. Sony Sierra has been a Reproductive Endocrinologist and Infertility Specialist, as well as a specialist in recurrent pregnancy loss. Alongside her role as Deputy Medical Director and Partner at TRIO, Dr. Sierra is the Medical Director at EVOLVE Egg Freezing Clinic. In addition to her fertility practice, Dr. Sierra and Dr. Carl Laskin also run the early Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (RPL) program — the largest program of its kind in Canada.Dr. Sierra is an Associate Physician at Women’s College Hospital and an Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology in the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the University of Toronto.

“I think the best part about kids is sitting back and just enjoying life and special moments”. - Dr. Liza PulcineIn this episode, we chat with Dr. Liza Pulcine, a pediatric neurologist and associate program director at SickKids Hospital. We talk about slowing down as a parent-physician, support systems that help them succeed and newborn cuddles!We appreciate your feedback - please leave a comment and subscribe so you never miss a new episode!----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Contact InformationDr. Liza Pulcine, MSc., M.D.Email: liza.pulcine@sickkids.caTwitter: @lizapulcineDr. Liza Pulcine is a paediatric neurologist who specializes in caring for neonates, children and adolescents with stroke. Her clinical care and research focuses on all aspects of childhood stroke including etiology, diagnosis, early treatment, prevention and rehabilitation. She is an Associate Program Director for the Pediatric Neurology Residency Program and the Fellowship Director for the Children’s Stroke Program.Dr. Pulcine completed her Master of Science degree studying the safety of antithrombotic therapy in children with congenital and acquired heart disease and stroke. Her research focuses on stroke prevention and management of cardioembolic stroke in children, including those supported with ventricular assist devices.Dr. Pulcine is also interested in neurorehabilitation research. Her goal is to develop a cost-effective, home-based, virtual reality treatment therapy for pediatric arterial ischemic stroke survivors.

“You know, the old adage is, “It takes a village” - Dr. Elisa GrecoIn this episode, we chat with Dr. Elisa Greco, a vascular surgeon and program director for the Vascular Surgery Program at the University of Toronto. We talk about the need for ancillary support for medical trainees looking to family build, and her own journey navigating motherhood as a staff physician.We appreciate your feedback - please leave a comment and subscribe so you never miss a new episode!----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Contact InformationDr. Elisa Greco, MA, M.D.Email: Elisa.Greco@unityhealth.toTwitter: @efgrecolekasDr. Greco completed her residency in General Surgery, followed by a residency and fellowship in Vascular Surgery both through the University of Toronto. During this time, she completed a research fellowship at The Wilson Centre for Research Education, while also obtaining a Master’s Degree in Education through the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, at the University of Toronto. Dr. Greco’s clinical focus is in Renal Access, Wound care and Limb Salvage, open and endovascular intervention for peripheral arterial disease. Dr. Greco’s research interests include vascular enhanced recovery, research in education, and wound management in diabetic foot ulcers.

“So that recognition that you're only human and that you have to step back sometimes…but you have to, because that's what you have to do”. - Dr. Crystal ChanIn this episode, we chat with Dr. Crystal Chan, an OB/GYN and REI specialist. We talk about how she pivoted her career from academia to private practice, the unexpected challenges of parenthood and the importance of taking care of yourself. We appreciate your feedback - please leave a comment and subscribe so you never miss a new episode!----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Resources: Episode 3 (where we chat about egg freezing):  https://familyplanningfordocs.buzzsprout.com/2216022/13181130 https://www.familyplanningfordocs.com/fertility-preservationContact InformationDr. Crystal Chan, MSc., M.D.Email: cryssie.chan@mail.utoronto.ca Dr. Crystal Chan is a physician trained in Obstetrics and Gynecology & Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. She is currently a co-owner and scientific director of Markham Fertility Center.

“Make sure to constantly be checking in with yourself and taking care of yourself for the longevity of you” - Dr. Dawn ArmstrongIn this episode, we chat with Dr. Dawn Armstrong, a resident physician in the Department of Psychiatry at Dalhousie Medical School. We learn about her journey as a non-traditional medical student, being a mother to five children while also being in medical school, and navigating family life during residency. We appreciate your feedback - please leave a comment and subscribe so you never miss a new episode!----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Contact InformationDr. Dawn Armstrong, M.D.Email: armstrongtroop@gmail.com

“As physicians, we need to live through the hard parts in order to have empathy for those we care for” - Dr. Jocelyn CharlesIn this episode, we chat with Dr. Jocelyn Charles, a family physician and associate professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Toronto. We learn about her experiences in leadership roles, how she started her first year of practice as a mom, and the importance of having a strong support system to keep you afloat.We appreciate your feedback - please leave a comment and subscribe so you never miss a new episode!----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Contact InformationDr. Jocelyn Charles, MSc., M.D.Email: Jocelyn.charles@sunnybrook.caDr. Jocelyn Charles is a family physician at the Sunnybrook Academic Family Health Team, through which she provides comprehensive, interprofessional, team-based family medicine and contributes to family medicine education in an academic teaching unit. She also provides home-based primary care to frail seniors and housebound patients with a team of learners and interprofessional team members. She is an associate professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Toronto and the Medical Director of the Veterans Centre at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. Dr. Charles previously held the role of chair of Sunnybrook’s Medical Advisory Committee and served as the physician advisor, Primary Care, for the Toronto Central Local Health Integration Network.With a strong commitment to her own ongoing education, Dr. Charles has completed numerous leadership and quality improvement training programs, including the Master of Science in Community Health in Health Practitioner Teacher Education program at the University of Toronto’s Dalla Lana School of Public Health in 2010. She has participated in the development of the Toronto Central Primary Care Strategy and multiple models of care for veterans with dementia and complex health needs. She especially enjoys caring for frail seniors and teaching at the undergraduate, postgraduate, and master’s levels.

“I’m just going to do what I can with what I have - which is a very engineering way to think” - Dr. Stephanie ChanIn this episode, we chat with Dr. Stephanie Chan, an ophthalmologist working in Ottawa, Canada. We learn about her journey having children as a resident and twins as a staff physician, the importance of compression socks in pregnancy and balancing personal life and career. We appreciate your feedback - please leave a comment and subscribe so you never miss a new episode!Resources: https://myparo.ca/, https://www.whattoexpect.com/maternity-products/health-wellness/best-compression-socks-for-pregnancy/Facebook Groups: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CanadianWomeninMedicine/,  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1238307236179819/----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Contact InformationDr. Stephanie Chan, B. Eng., M.D.Email: drchan.bureau@gmail.comDr. Chan received a Bachelor of Engineering in electrical and biomedical engineering from McMaster University. She later received her medical degree from McMaster University before completing a residency in ophthalmology at the University of Ottawa Eye Institute at The Ottawa Hospital.Dr. Chan's  work has been recognized on numerous occasions. She was the recipient of a Canadian Institutes of Health Research Health Professional Student Research Award as well as a Program for Interprofessional Practice, Education and Research (PIPER) Interprofessional Education Initiative Grant.She has also had her work featured in a variety of publications and journals, including the Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology, the International Journal of Ophthalmology and Clinical Research, Canadian Family Physician, the Canadian Journal of Surgery, and McMaster University Medical Journal.

“This whole process, even with all the support, is very isolating. Having someone to talk to and having people around you is critical” - Dr. Tess FitzpatrickIn this episode, we chat with Dr. Tess Fitzpatrick, a neurologist working in the GTA. We learn about her journey with IVF, being pregnant and a full-time physician, and the importance of role modelling.We appreciate your feedback - please leave a comment and subscribe so you never miss a new episode!----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Contact InformationDr. Tess Fitzpatrick, M.D.Email: tfitzpatrick@qmed.caTwitter: @tessfitzneuroDr. Tess Fitzpatrick completed her Neurology residency at the University of Ottawa in 2019 and a stroke fellowship at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto. She is passionate about teaching medical students/residents and is especially interested in acute stroke therapy and cerebrovascular disorders in the young.

“Your family needs you to be well” - Dr. Pip HoughtonIn this episode, we chat with Dr. Pip Houghton, a rural family doctor and mother of 3. We talk about perinatal mental health, postpartum depression, transitioning from medical trainee to physician-parent and the importance of online communities.We appreciate your feedback - please leave a comment and subscribe so you never miss a new episode!----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Contact InformationDr. Phillippa (Pip) Houghton, MBBS. CCFPEmail: dr.houghton@makingmamawell.caWebsite: www.makingmamawell.caDr. Houghton attended medical school in Wollongong, NSW, Australia. After completing her degree she attended UBC for residency training in family medicine. Prior to studying medicine she completed a B.Sc. in Kinesiology at the University of Victoria and spent time working in the fitness industry as well as in exercise rehabilitation.Dr. Houghton is a rural family doctor with a passion for supporting new mamas and a special interest in perinatal mental health care. She is dedicated to providing evidence-based content on perinatal mental health and the common issues that women and families face in pregnancy the first postpartum year. Her hope is that through education and advocacy women will feel more supported and less alone as they navigate their transition to motherhood.

“Your children are only loaned to you, so use the time that you have with them”  - Dr. Dionne Gesink In this episode, we sit down and talk to Dr. Dionne Gesink, a Professor in Epidemiology and Associate Dean of Academic Affairs at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health. We chat about her journey with family planning and family building as a doctorate and post-doc student. You’ll learn about how she paved the way for other professionals, the importance of leadership and how she navigates having adult children.We appreciate your feedback - please leave a comment and subscribe so you never miss a new episode!----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Contact InformationDr. Dionne Gesink, MSc., PhD. Email: dionne.gesink@utoronto.caGoogle scholar: https://scholar.google.ca/citations?user=fCvuRfcAAAAJ&hl=enDr. Dionne Gesink, MSc, PhD is a Professor at the University of Toronto and Associate Dean of Academic Affairs at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health. She completed her Doctor of Philosophy at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her research investigates the social epidemiology of sexual health, including the spatial movement of diseases and ideas through social/sexual networks. She uses mixed methods to investigate sexual health as a complex system, with connections to physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and social health. The projects she is involved with are often community based and consider culture. She has worked with Indigenous, marginalized, and hard-to-reach communities, as well as the general population, to develop effective interventions that transform sexual health at individual, community, and provincial levels.#Graduate #PostDoc #Doctorate #PhD #miscarriage #UniversityofToronto #Parenting #PublicHealth #Teenagers #SexualHealth

“Google Calendar becomes another member of the family” - Dr. Stephen In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Stephen, a family physician and palliative care doctor, about his experiences with family building. We chat about the importance of locum coverage as a staff physician, balancing fatherhood with medicine, daycare waitlists, and the ins and outs of paternity leave. We appreciate your feedback - please leave a comment and subscribe so you never miss a new episode!#PalliativeCare #FamilyMedicine #PaternityLeave #MaternityLeave #Locum #Fatherhood

I once had a professor tell me: “It’s easy to forget to have children.” - Dr. Maxime BillickIn this episode, Radha chats with Dr. Maxime Billick, an Infectious Disease resident physician, and Dr. Joseph, a family physician, about their experiences with egg freezing. In this special episode, we talk about the financial aspects of egg freezing, the psychological challenges of the process and the peer support systems available for medical trainees. We appreciate your feedback - please leave a comment and subscribe so you never miss a new episode!Contact InformationDr. Maxime Billick, M.D.Email: maxime.billick@mail.utoronto.caTwitter: @maximebillick#EmergencyMedicine #FamilyMedicine #InfectiousDisease  #UniversityofToronto #IVF #EggFreezing #Residency #FamilyPlanning

“The fact that I am a mom makes me a better doctor and the fact that I'm a physician helps me be a better mom in some ways” - Dr. Malika Sharma In this episode, we chat with Dr. Malika Sharma, an Infectious Disease specialist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Toronto, about her journey with family planning and family building during residency and fellowship. Join us as we talk about healing your inner child, the dual stigma of being a physician-parent and a little bit of magic. We appreciate your feedback - please leave a comment and subscribe so you never miss a new episode!----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Contact InformationDr. Malika Sharma, M.D.Email: malika.sharma@utoronto.caDr. Malika Sharma is an HIV and Infectious Diseases physician and Clinician Teacher at St. Michael’s Hospital. Clinically, she focuses on caring for people and communities who are often marginalized and oppressed by our healthcare systems, including those who use substances and people living with HIV. Her teaching and scholarly interests center on anti-racist and feminist practices within medical education, harm reduction, and the structural determinants of health.#InfectiousDisease #UniversityofToronto #Parenting #InternalMedicine #Relearning