Dear Physicians,
Today, on National Physicians’ Day, I want to take a moment on behalf of all of us at LifeLabs to recognize you for the remarkable work you do every day.
Physicians are at the heart of Canada’s healthcare system. You are caregivers, innovators, advocates, and leaders, shaping not only the lives of your patients but also the future of public health across the country. On May 1, we honour your dedication to delivering care, advancing medical knowledge, and advocating for a stronger, more resilient healthcare system in Canada.
At LifeLabs, we are proud to support more than 50,000 physicians in diagnosing, treating, monitoring, and providing preventative care to empower healthier Canadians. Together, we share a commitment to ensuring accessible, high-quality healthcare services for Canadians from coast to coast. We are equally proud of the exceptional physicians who lead within our own organization, driving innovation, championing quality stewardship, and helping to enhance diagnostic access for communities across the country.
The Canadian Medical Association selected May 1 as National Physicians’ Day to commemorate Dr. Emily Stowe, born on this day in 1831. Dr. Stowe was the first woman to practice medicine in Canada. She is remembered as a trailblazer for women in medicine and higher education, a leader in the women’s suffrage movement, and an advocate for health equity.
Her legacy of leadership and advocacy for health equity continues to inspire us. I am especially proud that today, 72% of LifeLabs’ medical leadership team are women, a reflection of the impact of her legacy.
LifeLabs’ physician leaders are crucial voices within our operations, guiding everything from testing platform selection to quality management, national policy development, and providing valuable clinical insights. They are active contributors to medical education and research, provincial and national associations, external organizations and working groups that shape the standards Canadians trust every day.
On behalf of LifeLabs, thank you for the trust you place in us, for the collaboration you foster, and for the profound difference you make in the lives of Canadians.
Sincerely,
Catherine Ross MD MSc FRCPC
Vice President,Medical and Quality Affairs