As we sat in a circle with Dr. Donna May Kimmaliardjuk, she told us about her path to getting into medicine and heart surgery, stating that her grandfather’s passing was what initially sparked her interest in medicine.
Dr. Kimmaliardjuk specifically highlighted the fact that she is a woman and an Indigenous Canadian, as it comes with certain struggles and challenges. In fact, she is the first Inuk heart surgeon in Canada and one of very few female heart surgeons.
Regardless of the challenges she has faced, one of which being underestimated by her peers and bosses, Dr. Kimmaliardjuk has remained optimistic as to completing her residency and starting her career in heart surgery.
Thank you for reminding us to keep striving for our dreams and that hard work pays off!
