Speakers at the Women in Health Symposium
Women are highly influential in the health and wellness of their families and community. Recently, Lakeridge Health capitalized on the critical role women play and hosted the first ever Women in Health Symposium in Durham Region. The inaugural event brought together over 350 people from across the region, from many different communities.
“The Women in Health Symposium was born from a powerful question: How can we connect with, empower, and learn from women in Durham Region to enable them take control of their health and careers?” said Dr. Nadia Ismiil, Deputy Chief of Staff, Chief Academic Affairs and Research and co-chair, Women in Health Symposium. “By bringing women together through community and embracing the Region’s diversity, we created an incredible evening of learning, connection and empowerment.”
For Cynthia Davis, President and CEO of Lakeridge Health, the symposium marked a significant milestone.
“The inaugural Women in Health Symposium was a proud moment for Lakeridge Health— fostering trust, advancing women’s health, and promoting equity,” said Cynthia. “It connected our teams with the community, spotlighted sustainable, local care options, and empowered participants with knowledge to support healthier lives and a more inclusive, resilient health care system.”
Cynthia Davis, President and CEO, Lakeridge Health, with attendees at the symposium
At the heart of the event were "revolving door" presentations. These quick, ten-minute talks covered a wide range of topics that matter to women at every stage of life. Experts spoke about everything from preventative health and screening to fertility, menopause, and mental health.
“As a health care professional, I thought it was an amazing way for women to learn about being advocates for their own health for the different phases in their lives,” said Nilani Sritharan, event attendee. “As a relatively new resident of Durham Region, I appreciated learning more about Lakeridge Health, which I was not too familiar with prior to this event. And as an Eelam Tamil woman myself, it was awesome to see another Eelam Tamil woman up on the stage! I appreciate that we have a space to share our stories especially in Durham where our Tamil community is rapidly growing.”
Dr. Julie Ann Francis, Division Head, Gynaecology Oncology, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Lakeridge Health and Tab Carroll, Health System Executive, Clinical, Lakeridge Health
Lakeridge Health’s Women in Health Symposium wasn’t just about inspiring talks—it was also about action and connection. Four local colleges and universities set up booths to showcase opportunities for students and young professionals in health care.
Thirteen community agencies, including the Durham Ontario Health Team, shared valuable resources, while 12 booths from Lakeridge Health highlighted vital services like the Durham Regional Cancer Program, Durham District Stroke Centre, Mental Health and Addictions Services, and Diagnostic Imaging.
“I loved the diversification in every way, real stories of real people,” said Carla, a local health advocate. “The interactions with the team were comforting. Thank you for the wealth of information you poured out to us, free of charge.”
The evening also included a delicious array of food from local vendors, offering a taste of Durham Region’s diverse culture with options that were gluten-free, Halal, and Kosher. This made the event feel even more like a celebration of community, where everyone’s needs were valued.
As this is the first event of its kind for Lakeridge Health, a feedback survey was conducted to gauge interest in future events and gather input on topics for the Women in Health Symposium. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with guests rating the event an impressive 4.78 out of 5 stars. Additionally, 98 per cent of respondents indicated they would attend a future Women in Health Symposium, or another symposium hosted by Lakeridge Health.
Attendees visiting the informational booths
“We believe that when we listen and engage with our communities, we can create better, more personalized care,” said Cynthia. “By understanding the people we serve, our organization can offer tailorized health care solutions that strengthen the entire Durham Region.”
Staging an event of this magnitude was made possible because of the generosity of the Ontario Power Generation and Lakeridge Health’s four foundations: The Ajax Pickering Hospital Foundation, Bowmanville Hospital Foundation, Lakeridge Health Foundation, and Port Perry Foundation.
“It’s about coming together and shaping a future where everyone’s voice matters,” said Cynthia. “The Women in Health Symposium is just the beginning of an exciting journey toward a brighter, healthier future for all. We can’t wait to host the next one!”