Women’s History Month – Canada’s first female First Nations’ surgeon
Dr Nadine Caron is also a leader, professor, researcher, athlete, role model, mentor, coach, and advocate.
Doctor Nadine Caron is notable for being the first female First Nations surgeon. Graduating from UBC’s medical school, she completed post-graduate fellowship training in endocrine surgeon oncology, earning her a master’s degree in public health.
“I’m often asked what it feels like to be the first female First Nations graduate from UBC School of Medicine, and that means a lot,” says Caron. “I was the first not because I was special, but because of where we are as a society in Canada. I think it’s made a lot of people reflect on the fact that we need to focus on increasing the numbers not only of First Nations female physicians and surgeons, but of the representation of indigenous peoples in Canadian health-care professions across the board.” firstnationsdrum.com
When asked what advice she would give to an indigenous youth right now in Canada, “There’s much, but above-and-beyond any other would be believe in yourself. Don’t let what other people say sway you from your beliefs, sway you from your dreams, sway you away from what you want to do. There are enough people in the world who will tell you that it’s going to be too hard, that you won’t be able to make it. Don’t ever let your voice be one of those who you hear saying that.”
In addition to being a passionate physician and surgeon, Dr. Caron is also a leader, professor, researcher, athlete, role model, mentor, coach, and advocate.
She practices in Prince George, B.C.
~Wakenya Canada
