We Are IH: Breaking the bias against female leaders in health care

March 4, 2022

Medical Health Officer Dr. Carol Fenton

We know that representation matters in health care. Women hold a number of key leadership roles at IH including CEO, members of the IH board of directors, and chiefs of staff. In addition, 1,091 of the physicians with privileges at IH health-care facilities are women.

But, even with women taking an increasing role in leadership, gender bias can still be an issue.

“Before I understood how gender bias can affect referrals to medical specialists, I was definitely guilty of unconsciously perpetuating this practice,” says Dr. Shauna Tsuchiya, a physician at Royal Inland Hospital.

Dr. Tsuchiya learned that identifying as female does not automatically equate to practising female gender equality in the workplace.  

“I now challenge myself and others to recognize and learn about gender biases that exist in clinical medicine and medical leadership,” she says. 

Dr. Shauna Tsuchiya, a physician at Royal Inland Hospital

Dr. Shauna Tsuchiya, a physician at Royal Inland Hospital

Medical Health Officer Dr. Carol Fenton appreciates being a member of a diverse team that recognizes gender equity as an important determinant of health. Dr. Fenton advocates for family-friendly policies—such as protected bicycling infrastructure, on-site childcare, as well as equal sharing of parental leave and domestic duties in every family.

“These types of family-friendly policies and individual choices reduce the burdens and barriers for women to succeed,” she says.

In his leadership role with physician engagement, Dr. Harsh Hundal sees a diverse workforce as fundamental to creating a strong and successful team. As the medical profession becomes more diverse, he sees a shift away from approaching solutions with a ‘we know what’s best’ mentality, towards employing a listen, learn, and co-design mindset.

“I am grateful to the articulate, thoughtful and authentic female leaders who have moved into leadership positions, thereby bringing inclusive voices to the conversation,” says Dr. Hundal. “The key is creating a community of leaders that supports each other, and accepts and learns from each other that there are different and equally valid ways of leading.” 


Interior Health is proud to participate in International Women’s Day on March 8 and help #BreakTheBias. Celebrate women's achievement. Raise awareness against bias. Take action for equality.

Learn more on the IWD website

top employer

Stories@IH

Read our latest stories

3 Minute Read
Health & Wellness

Learn how to stay safe in B.C. waters when blue-green algae blooms, or cyanobacteria, are present.

3 Minute Read
Community & Culture

Robert Gignac works hard to make Parkview Place in Enderby a site that residents are proud to call home and where staff are proud to serve at.

3 Minute Read
Health & Wellness

The Health & Housing Program launched the Extreme Cold Weather Grant in 2024, supporting 26 communities in providing essentials to vulnerable residents.

5 Minute Read
Community & Culture

A highly skilled registered nurse, Bettina was the missing piece needed to increase health-care services for residents in the hidden gem of Blue River.

6 Minute Read
Health & Wellness

Your emergency kit should always include critical supplies like water, food, and a wind-up radio, but you can also add items that are unique to your situation.

3 Minute Read
Community & Culture

On July 1, 2025, Dr. Robinson will celebrate 10 years as a urologist at Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital (KBRH).

STAY CONNECTED

Receive news and alert posts, and Stories@IH blog posts, right to your inbox!

mail