Niagara Health is marking International Women’s Day, March 8, by sharing profiles of women who are helping shape the organization. This is the second in a three-part series.
Dr. Jennifer Robert, Chief of Primary Care, Hospitalist, Niagara Health
What did your journey to Niagara Health look like?
I grew up in St. Catharines and chose to complete my residency in Family Medicine at McMaster University's Niagara Campus, knowing I wanted to settle and build my life in our community. During my residency I worked and completed most of my rotations at Niagara Health and was able to explore opportunities for practice within the hospital. Within the first three months after graduating, I had the opportunity to locum as a Hospitalist at both the Marotta Family Hospital in St. Catharines and the Niagara Falls Hospital. I knew right away this was the perfect fit for me. Ten years later I am still practicing as a Hospitalist in the Department of Medicine at the Niagara Falls Hospital and over the last two years I have taken on the role as the first Chief of Primary Care for Niagara Health.
What do you enjoy about working at Niagara Health?
I love working at Niagara Health because it truly feels like my home. I get to provide care to members of the community where I grew up. At the same time, I get to practice alongside colleagues who have helped shaped my career. We are not just work colleagues, we are friends; and that makes all the difference when going into work each day.
What progress would you like to see in the future as a female physician working in Niagara?
As a female physician working at Niagara Health, I want to continue to see women being recruited to work at our hospitals. Furthermore, I want these physicians encouraged and supported to step up as leaders within our organization.
What progress have you already seen that you’d like to highlight?
Over the last several years, there has been a significant increase in women stepping into leadership roles across our organization. I am proud to be one of the five female Physician Chiefs for Niagara Health.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
International Women's Day is a day of celebration where we get to reflect, acknowledge and honour the progress of all our achievements. Whether they are professional or personal, it is a day to feel proud to be a woman.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
As a mother to a nine-year old boy and three-year old girl, I plan on bringing awareness to this special day in my home. I want to instill in my children the importance of celebrating all the sacrifices and achievements women have made to be where we are today.
