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Reflections

Vol. 18 No. 1 (2020)

Women in Medicine: Dr. Theresa Tam

DOI
https://doi.org/10.26443/mjm.v18i1.327
Submitted
October 10, 2020
Published
2020-10-14

Abstract

Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Theresa Tam (BMBS (UK), FRCPC) attended medical school in the United Kingdom before immigrating to Canada where she trained in pediatrics and specialized in infectious disease. She has maintained a ‘pourquoi pas’ attitude throughout her career that has helped her realize her vocation in public health, gain experience in the healthcare field—both around the globe and on Canadian soil—and advance into prominent leadership positions. Today, as Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer, known colloquially as Canada’s Top Doctor, Dr. Tam has been thrust into the spotlight as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This article outlines her exciting career trajectory and explores the challenges she faces while informing Canadians of guidelines for staying healthy during the pandemic.

References

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  2. Dr Theresa Tam, BMBS (UK), FRCPC [Internet]. Geneva: World Health Organization; [Date unknown] [updated 2020; cited 2020 Oct 5]. Available from: https://www.who.int/about/who_reform/emergency-capacities/oversight-committee/theresa-tam/en/
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  4. Tam, T., Grimsrud, K. The Canadian Pandemic Influenza Plan for the Health Sector [Internet]. Toronto: Longwoods Publishing Corporation; 2006 [cited 2020 Oct 5]. Available from: https://www.longwoods.com/articles/images/Canada_Pandemic_Influenza.pdf
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  6. Tam, T. Addressing Stigma: Towards a More Inclusive Health System [Internet]. Ottawa: Government of Canada; 2019 [cited 2020 Oct 5]. Available from: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/corporate/publications/chief-public-health-officer-reports-state-public-health-canada/addressing-stigma-toward-more-inclusive-health-system.html
  7. Public Health Agency of Canada [Internet]. Ottawa: Government of Canada; 2020 [updated 2020 Mar 7; cited 2020 Aug 20]. Available from: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health.html
  8. President of the Public Health Agency of Canada: President Iain Stewart's biography [Internet]. Ottawa: Government of Canada; 2020 [updated 2020 Sept 28; cited 2020 Oct 5].Available from: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/corporate/organizational-structure/president.html

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