Women in Medicine Month is an annual celebration to recognize the growing number of women in the healthcare field. It is a time to showcase the past and present accomplishments of women in the profession and reflect on the ongoing challenges they have and continue to face day-to-day.

Dr. Daniela Caprara and Dr. Yang Guo are physicians at Humber River Health (Humber), who have demonstrated consistent dedication in developing their careers to be strong leaders in the medical field.

Tell us about your role.

Dr. Caprara: I am one of the staff physicians in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) at Humber.

Dr. Guo: I have been working as a physician in the Emergency Department at Humber since 2021. I also sit on our Department’s external review committee and work collaboratively with the Information Technology, Pharmacy and Nursing Teams to improve efficiencies in our Electronic Medical Record system.

 

What inspired you to pursue a career in medicine?

Dr. Caprara: I have always valued the importance of women’s health and have wanted to play an important role in women’s care. Being an OB/GYN allows me to share many special moments with my patients, while helping to empower them in prioritizing their health and wellness.

Dr. Guo: Since I was a child, I have always enjoyed science. During my undergraduate studies, I worked in the environmental health research field in Nunavut. That particular experience was rewarding, but I felt that I was missing the human connection in my day-to-day work. I, then, decided to reorient my career and applied to medical school.

Have you faced any obstacles as a woman in medicine?

Dr. Caprara: As a woman in any career, I feel the biggest challenge has been finding a balance between being a caring physician for my patients, a loving mother and partner at home, and an effective leader in my community. Every woman wears different hats at different points in the day, which can feel very overwhelming at times. I have been very fortunate to have a strong support network, which has been pivotal in helping me balance my career, my family, and my well-being.

Dr. Guo: Unfortunately, yes. People continue to carry conscious and unconscious biases towards female physicians. We are often taken less seriously and are more likely to be the object of harassment compared to our male counterparts. Moreover, women are still expected to take on a caretaker role at home, which can limit career advancement opportunities and contributes to the gender pay gap.

Nonetheless, at Humber, I have found allies, including men, who not only acknowledge these barriers, but also help to remove them. There is still a lot of work to be done, but steps are being taken to produce positive change.

What advice would you give to your younger self if you had the chance?

Dr. Caprara: This is something that so many others have shared with me over the years. Try to enjoy every experience and phase in life. Time passes too quickly. We often look forward to the future, but forget to enjoy the moment.

Dr. Guo: Medicine is a team sport and, when in doubt, one should not be afraid to ask for advice. I know I am a better physician thanks to the wisdom and support of my colleagues at Humber.