From left: Kristiana Xhima, Melissa Lio, and Marley Gimblett
By: Anna McClellan, Communications Specialist, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
February 11 was the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, a day to recognize the contributions of women in healthcare and the health sciences, call for gender equality in the field, and empower future generations. From research, medicine, nursing and beyond, women in science are vital to the future of health care.
Hear from three healthcare professionals at Sunnybrook and their advice for the next generation of women in science.
Kristiana Xhima, Medical Student
Kristiana is a clinician-scientist trainee at the University of Toronto, and currently a medical student based at the Peters-Boyd Academy at Sunnybrook. She first joined Sunnybrook as a student in the Sunnybrook Research Institute (SRI) Focused Ultrasound High School Summer Research Program, and has since completed her PhD at SRI.
What are some current challenges women in science face?
Scientific discovery rarely follows a linear path. Hypotheses are often disproved and experiments fail. These challenges can be isolating and make it difficult to find a path forward, yet the solution is never an individual pursuit. Everyone has a role to play in fostering a scientific environment that is collaborative, diverse and inclusive in which these inevitable moments become opportunities for creativity to flourish.
Do you have any advice for young women and girls hoping to pursue a career in science?
Actively seek out research experiences! Fully immerse yourself in these opportunities, be curious and you'll learn more than you could possibly imagine. These experiences are also perfect opportunities to find and foster relationships with role models that will encourage you to study science and foster your growth.
Melissa Lio, Medical Laboratory Technologist
Melissa is a senior medical laboratory technologist (MLT) in Sunnybrook's Department of Transfusion Medicine and Tissue Bank. Blood Bank MLTs perform blood grouping, antibody screening and compatibility testing to ensure that patients receive safe transfusions.
What is one unique way women can impact the field of science and medicine?
One of the biggest issues that we're facing in healthcare is a shortage of healthcare professionals. Women have proven they're very effective leaders, so I think to make an impact in medicine and healthcare we just simply have to lead. Women can become mentors for younger generations and inspire them to consider pursuing a career in the health sciences. We need more and more women role models for our children to look up to.
Do you have any advice for young women and girls hoping to pursue a career in science?
Be prepared physically, mentally and emotionally. A career in the health sciences is no easy feat, but it's extremely rewarding. You must learn to embrace all aspects of your job and be able to take the bad and turn it into something positive, because at the end of the day you get to go home knowing you're saving lives.
Marley Gimblett, Registered Nurse
Marley has been a registered nurse in Sunnybrook's Emergency Department (ED) for the past 13 years. She plays a variety of roles in the department as a clinical care leader, triage and trauma nurse, and a resource to new staff joining the ED. She also represents the ED in many different research and management projects that work toward improving patient care in her department and across the hospital.
What are some ways we can make science more accessible and inclusive for women and girls?
I think beginning to talk about science when girls are young and in school is an important first step to getting young women excited about science and medicine. We are seeing a shift in the culture related to science, which is creating more and more female role models for the next generation to look up to.
Do you have any advice for young women and girls hoping to pursue a career in science?
There are an endless number of opportunities to pursue in science and healthcare, meaning there are so many different ways girls can apply their interests and goals. If you set your mind to it and work hard, you'll be able to succeed in a career in science, while simultaneously pursing a role that is meaningful to you and has positive impacts on the community.