I first entered medicine to be a cardiac surgeon. But when I assisted to a cardiac valve replacement and coronary bypass… I realized the surgery was interesting but way too long for my taste!

As a Professor of Radiology at the Université de Montréal, former Vice Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, and Director of the Diagnostic Radiology Program, Professor Dubois has consistently demonstrated exemplary leadership and expertise in the realms of interventional radiology, particularly in the diagnosis and treatment of vascular anomalies.

Seeing the range of procedures that IRs performed, the innovation involved in the day to day practice and industry side of things drew me even more to the career.

Diversity in the doctors in IR means more understanding in the diversity of our patients and providing an overall more inclusive place for our patients to come to for their health concerns. It matters greatly when there are cultural or language barriers to getting treatment, and having a specialty with many physicians from all walks of life can help alleviate some of those barriers.

Francine Heelan is a PGY3 resident in Radiology at Dalhousie. Francine's research in the gender discrepancy in IR within Canada was recently selected for an oral presentation at the SIR conference in March.

Dr. Aida Ahrari is a second-year radiology resident at the University of Toronto. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Ottawa, and MD-MSc at the University of Toronto. In her role as a member of the CAIR-RFS committee, Aida is involved in organizing a variety of educational opportunities for trainees interested in the field of interventional radiology.

Dr. Supersad is currently a PGY-4 resident in diagnostic radiology at the University of Alberta.  She was born and raised in Edmonton, and after medical school at the University of Calgary is back in her hometown to complete residency.

Through education, mentorship, and conversation this five-year program is on course to empower existing and future Women in Interventional Radiology.

Dr. King is currently the lead for the Department of Interventional Radiology at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer or questioning + (LGBTQ+) experience higher rates of healthcare disparities compared to their heterosexual or cisgender counterparts.  Identifying factors contributing to these disparities have included perceived discrimination from health care providers and denial of healthcare, in addition to racial identity and geographic location.