Lakeridge Health is celebrating Women in Medicine Month by recognizing the female physicians, researchers and health-care leaders who care for patients across Durham Region, including at Ajax's hospital site.

The recognition comes in a piece written by Dr. Nadia Ismiil, Deputy Chief of Staff and Chief of Research, Academic Affairs and LHEARN at Lakeridge Health, according to a Lakeridge Health post. Ismiil said the hospital network wants to be a place where people can learn, teach, lead and research as it grows into an academic, integrated community health system.

"During Women in Medicine Month, we celebrate the remarkable female physicians, researchers, health-care professionals and leaders at Lakeridge Health who are making a difference, advancing care, learning and discovery," Ismiil wrote.

Physicians praised by colleagues

The post features tributes from colleagues highlighting individual doctors and the impact they have had on patients and peers.

Dr. Kavita Sridhar, Co-Chair of Lakeridge Health's Ethics Committee, was recognized for helping lead a rewrite of the organization's resuscitation policy, work that has been adopted across the region as core guidance.

Dr. Lisa Huzel, a respirologist and intensivist at Lakeridge Health, was described by colleagues as the most experienced female intensivist in her department. The post also noted she is a national and international fencing champion.

Dr. Varuna Prakash, a leader in the Critical Care Response Team and Critical Care Clinical Assistant program at Oshawa Hospital, was credited for bringing calm to busy shifts so reliably that hectic days are nicknamed the "Prakash Effect" by staff.

Dr. Nedalina Kaneva Alexieva of Bowmanville Hospital's Emergency Department was recognized for the compassion she showed a patient experiencing a miscarriage, providing a private space and taking time to answer questions.

Mentorship and quiet leadership

Several tributes focused on mentorship. Dr. Betty Lee was credited with opening the door to palliative care training for a colleague balancing a young family and hospitalist work, changing the direction of that person's career.

Dr. Suha Eltayeb of Obstetrics and Gynecology was praised for giving a fellow physician opportunities to build surgical skills and confidence, while Dr. Donna Birbrager was valued for making every member of the hemodialysis team feel heard and respected.

Dr. Rebecca "Becky" Wray, described as a mother, physician, educator and palliative care provider, was recognized for her work during COVID-19 supporting vaccine efforts and education, and for receiving the 2024/25 Local Healthcare Hero Award.

Ismiil also singled out health-care leaders Bronwen Carling, Carley McPherson, Kelly Fusco, Kathleen Corey, Heather Lithgow and Heidi McHattie, calling them accomplished women who lead with courage, vision and commitment to their teams and communities.

"To everyone who took the time to recognize someone this month, thank you," she wrote.