Women's Health Interrupted with Dr. Liisa Galea
Women’s Health Interrupted explores women’s health through scientific inquiry and storytelling, spanning themes like general health, brain health, socio-cultural determinants, and politics, policy, and advocacy. The podcast brings a multidisciplinary perspective, connecting research and personal experiences. It is produced by the Women's Health Research Cluster.
Episodes
S3E12: Making Women's Health Political with Former Minister of Science Dr. Kirsty Duncan
The Honourable Dr. Kirsty Duncan, former Minister of Science, geographer, and author of The Exclusion Effect: Why Women Are Underrepresented in Science, and How to Fix It, joins us on this episode to discuss the systemic barriers facing women in science and why equity in research matters for everyone. She explains how policy decisions shape scientific progress, why women’s health and women’s leade
S3E11: How Sex and Gender Bias Skews Medical Research with Dr. Kate Womersley
Dr. Kate Womersley, psychiatrist, Research Fellow at The George Institute for Global Health, and leader of the MESSAGE project (Medical Science Sex and Gender Equity), joins us on this episode to discuss sex and gender equity in medical research. She explains why research funders are such powerful levers for change, how pregnancy can act as a “stress test” revealing medical misogyny, and why sex-
S3E10: How Training Non-Specialists Can Fill the Perinatal Mental Health Gap with Dr. Daisy Singla
Dr. Daisy Singla, clinical psychologist, researcher, and global leader in perinatal mental health, joins us on this episode to discuss perinatal mental health. She explains why the perinatal period is such a vulnerable time and how task-sharing and telemedicine can expand access to mental health care for parents. Dr. Singla also talks about the urgent need to bring evidence-based psychotherapy int
S3E9: How Studying Women Led to an Effective Vaccine for Cancers with Dr. Gina Ogilvie
Dr. Gina Ogilvie, clinician-scientist, global women’s health leader, and Professor at the University of British Columbia, joins us on this episode to discuss HPV vaccination and the future of cervical cancer screening. She explains how HPV causes cancer, why vaccination is such an effective prevention tool, and how self-collected HPV testing is expanding access and equity in Canada and around the
S3E8: Why Women's Health Needs a Strategy with Jennifer Gillivan
Jennifer Gillivan, President and CEO of the IWK Foundation, joins us on this episode to discuss why Canada needs a national women’s health strategy and how systemic bias in science, medicine, and policy leaves women behind. She explains how decades of underfunding and male-default research have shaped today’s “illness-care” system, what she’s hearing from thousands of women across Atlantic Canada,
S3E7: How Your Gut Impacts Your Hormones and Mood with Prof Siobhain O'Mahony
Professor Siobhain O’Mahony, neurobiological scientist and microbiome researcher, joins us to discuss how your microbes talk to your hormones and your brain. She explains the gut microbiome, why most serotonin is made in the gut, and how the estrobolome can influence estrogen levels, touching endometriosis, perimenopause, and menopause. Professor O’Mahony also talks about “leaky gut,” stress, and
S3E6: Why Your Period is a Vital Sign with Dr. Sofia Ahmed
Dr. Sofia Ahmed, nephrologist, clinician scientist, and Academic Lead of Women’s Health Research at the Women and Children’s Health Research Institute (WCHRI), joins us on this episode to discuss why the menstrual cycle is a vital sign and how women’s health extends far beyond reproductive health. She explains why kidney and heart health are closely linked, and areas of study where research falls
S3E5: How Birth Control Impacts Our Mood with Dr. Inger Sundström Poromaa
Dr. Inger Sundström Poromaa, gynecologist and professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Uppsala University, joins us on this episode to unpack how hormones affect mental health across the lifespan. She explains why some people are more sensitive to hormonal changes, how birth control and menopause can affect mood, and why blood tests don’t tell the full story. Dr. Sundström Poromaa also shares emp
S3E4 Why Women Have More Severe Strokes Than Men with Dr. Farida Sohrabji
Dr. Farida Sohrabji, Professor and Director of Women’s Health in Neuroscience at Texas Agricultural & Mechanical University, joins us on this episode to discuss the science of stroke, and the role of sex differences in brain health. She explains why women often experience more severe strokes later in life compared to men, the complex role of estrogen in stroke, and how gut health influences stroke
S3 E3 Menopause Myths That Keep Women Suffering with Shirley Weir
Shirley Weir, founder of Menopause Chicks, joins us on this episode to discuss why menopause is still so misunderstood, and how we can replace confusion with confidence. She shares menopause myths, the symptoms that catch people off guard, and her perspective on the term “bothersome symptoms”. Shirley also talks about how to encourage more collaborative conversations between patients and healthcar
S3E2 How to Turn Women's Health Research Into Reality with Rachel Bartholomew
Rachel Bartholomew, founder and CEO of Hyivy Health and founder of Femtech Canada, joins us on this episode to discuss how femtech innovation is redefining women’s health. She explains the value of innovation in the women’s health landscape, shares tips for dealing with rejection, and discusses how governments can accelerate moving from research to the real world. Rachel also explores how research
S3E1 How Medical Research Ignores Half the Population with Dr. Cat Bohannon
Dr. Cat Bohannon, researcher and author, joins us on this episode to unpack how default assumptions in science have sidelined female bodies and what’s at stake when women’s biology and gendered experiences remain under-researched. She explains how men’s health benefits from women’s health research, the importance of a bio-psycho-social approach, and discusses the history of breastfeeding. Cat also
S2 E11: Breaking the Stigma Around Pelvic Floor Dysfunction - Kiran Mann
Kiran Mann joins us on this episode to discuss pelvic floor dysfunction and breaking stigmas. She explains what pelvic floor dysfunction is, how common it is and useful tips if you do have it. Kiran will also talk about the Be Pelvic Health Aware campaign – aimed to help those with this dysfunction feel comfortable talking to their healthcare providers and support systems.
Guest: Kiran Mann
Host(
S2 E10: Domperidone for Low Milk Supply: Is it Safe? - Dr. Janet Currie & Dr. Suzanne Hetzel Campbell
Domperidone is a dopamine blocker that is being increasingly prescribed off-label in British Columbia and other provinces to treat low milk supply. In this episode of Women’s Health Interrupted, we are joined by Dr. Janet Currie and Dr. Suzanne Hetzel Campbell to address the effects of Domperidone on breast feeding mothers. They will also be discussing criticisms, research and areas of development
S2 E9: This is How You Can Improve Your Quality of Life - Dr. Debra Anderson
In this episode of Women’s Health Interrupted, we are joined by Dr. Debra Anderson to discuss how you can improve your quality of life. Dr. Anderson delves into health behaviours like diet sleep, stress, exercise, and other lifestyle choices that can impact your quality of life, especially for women. She will specifically address how this can improve your life if you are dealing with a chronic dis
S2 E8: How Does Menopause Affect the Brain? - Dr. Claudia Barth
Dr. Claudia Barth is joining us to discuss the possible link between your brain health and menopause. She addresses how changes to your estrogen levels during menopause may be causing cognitive declines. Dr. Barth will also address other issues and things you can do to keep your brain healthy when going through menopause – and how to help other women during this period in their lives.
Guest: Dr.
S2 E7: Mommy Brain: It’s Not Just in Your Head - Dr. Ann-Marie de Lange
In this week’s episode of Women’s Health Interrupted, we are joined by Dr. Ann-Marie De Lange, to discuss pregnancy and brain health, also referred to as “mommy brain.” Dr. De Lange will delve into how pregnancy may have long-lasting impacts on the brain and what processes go on in the brain when you give birth. She will also address what women can do to improve their brain health and address many
S2 E6: Exclusion of Women from Health Research: Then and Now - Amanda Namchuk & Tallinn Splinter
Amanda Namchuk and Tallinn Splinter will join us in this episode to discuss the exclusion of women from health research and how that has impacted us in the past, present and foreseeable future. They discuss how a lack of research on women and their bodies has led to a gap in research on sex and gender. Amanda and Tallinn will also go over how to better address this gap both on an individual and sy
S2 E5: Housing and Health Barriers Faced by 2SLGBTQ+ Youth - Dr. Alex Abramovich
In this episode, Dr. Alex Abramovich will be highlighting the barriers that 2SLGBTQ+ youth face when accessing housing and health services. He will discuss how the issue of safety comes into place and how important it is for 2SLGBTQ+ youth to feel like they can be their full authentic selves when choosing different programs.
Guest: Dr. Alex Abramovich
Host(s): Chhavi Mehra & Sarah Williscraft
E
S2 E4: Abortion Rights with Precarious Immigration Status - Dr. Lindsay Larios
In this episode of Women’s Health Interrupted we are joined by Dr. Lindsay Larios to discuss reproductive care in Canada when you have a precarious immigration status. Dr. Larios addresses our questions related to how abortion and reproductive care rights work in a healthcare system that often discriminates against marginalized groups.
SUBJECT/HOST CREDITS:
Guest: Dr. Lindsay Larios
Host(s): Ch
S2 E3: All You Need to Know about Gynecological Cancer
In this episode, we are joined by Nicole Keay and Stephanie Lam from The Gynecologic Cancer Initiative. Nicole and Stephanie co-host the Gynecologic Oncology Sharing Hub (GOSH) podcast. They joined us to discuss all things gynecological cancer from what it is, to treatments, and how to support patients or survivors. You will also hear about new initiatives based in B.C. that the Gynecological Canc
S2 E2: Why are Women's Cardiovascular Concerns Often Downplayed?
In this episode, we spoke to Dr. Najah Adreak, who brought her expertise to discuss the knowledge gaps in women’s heart health. In this episode, she will go over the risk factor, diagnosis and treatment for women’s cardiovascular concerns. Dr. Adreak will also address the long-standing knowledge gaps in women’s cardiovascular health. She delves into how health research is often solely based on mal
S2 E1: Cultivating Female Sexual Desire through Mindfulness - Dr. Lori Brotto
Dr. Lori Brotto joins us in the first episode of Season 2 to discuss cultivating female sexual health and empowerment. She addresses myths, sex research and other historical issues that may impact why many women may experience sexual concerns today. Dr. Brotto will go over how one can cultivate sexual desire through interventions, mindfulness and female empowerment. Dr. Lori Brotto is a professo
Field Trip EP 5: How Women’s Socio-Economic Status Correlates with IPV?
In this episode, Dr. Siwan Anderson talks about how women’s socio-economic status strongly correlates with their health outcomes, especially Intimate Partner Violence (IPV). Dr. Anderson discusses some interesting findings in her research on how women are less likely to suffer abuse if they have access to a share of the household. Her current research looks at the women’s relationships with power
Field Trip EP 4: Social and Behavioural Epidemiology
In the fourth episode of our mini series, we talk to Dr. Kiffer Card about social and behavioural determinants of health and how healthcare researchers can improve the study of these determinants. Dr. Card discusses the historical failures of governments and researchers to provide adequate care for marginalized communities and how his work aims to begin filling those gaps. Links to resources ment
Field Trip EP 3: How Migration Status Impacts Health and Healthcare of Refugees?
In this episode of our mini-series, we talk to Dr. Elif Sari about how the notion of “becoming sick” is related to people’s migration experiences, especially those who are part of the 2S/LGBTQIA+ community. Dr. Sari discusses how this notion is rooted in the idea of harsh working environments and discriminatory practices of healthcare. She also addressed how both of these factors contribute to the
Field Trip EP 2: The Impacts of Gender and Intersectionality on Health Policy
In the second episode of our mini series, we talk to Dr. Veena Sriram about the role of power structures, such as gender, in global healthcare systems and policies. She highlights the importance of interdisciplinary study between public health and social sciences to better critically analyze healthcare systems.Resources Discussed:Veena’s papers that questions were based on: Introduction to “Recont
Field Trip EP 1: What Does Justice Mean for Women who Seek Reparations?
In the first episode of our mini-series, we talk to Dr. Ketty Anyeko about how economic barriers prevent many women from seeking justice and reparations in their lives. She discusses storytelling as a powerful tool for many women who have experienced sexual violence in Northern Uganda and the importance of listening to the community. Resources Discussed:Storytelling and Peacebuilding: Lessons from
Field Trip mini-series Trailer
We’re taking a field trip away from our regular Women’s Health Interrupted content to bring you a special mini series!Hosted by Dr. Marina Adshade and Damara Featherstone, this mini-series aims to find out what every women’s health researcher should know about socioeconomic status. Socioeconomic status is a combination of economic factors—like income, education and occupation—and social factors in
How do Oral Contraceptives Impact Your Brain Health?
In this week’s episode, we sit down with Dr. Emily Jacobs and Dr. Cailtin Taylor to discuss how oral contraceptives (OC) impact women’s brain health. We break down the science behind oral contraceptives, discover gaps in research, and discuss the need for safer birth control options for women.Rate, review, and subscribe to our podcast on your favourite podcast platform. Don't forget to check out t
The Must-Knows of Dense Breasts & Cancer Screening
Please rate, review, subscribe, and share our podcast.In this week’s episode, Rebecca sits down with researcher, Dr. Paula Gordon, and breast cancer survivor and Executive Director of Dense Breasts Canada, Jennie Dale, to break into the science behind breast cancer screening and the importance of early detection practices. We talk about why women with dense breasts are at higher risk for developin
Endometriosis - What We Know and Don’t Know
Thank you for listening. Please subscribe, rate, and review our show on your podcast platform of choice. Content Warning: Mentions of suicide/self harmIf you are experiencing thoughts of self harm and need support contact someone here: Canada:https://www.crisisservicescanada.ca/en/Find your local crisis center: https://www.crisisservicescanada.ca/en/looking-for-local-resources-support/ If you or
The Gendered Impacts of Drug Policy on Women
Please subscribe, rate, and review our podcast on your favourite streaming platform.In this week’s episode, Rebecca and Sidney sit down to talk with Dr. Jade Boyd, of the BCCSU to discuss the gendered impacts of drug use and drug policy. They go over some of the ways in which researchers, harm reduction services, and state services could all better support women who use drugs. Dr. Boyd also highli
Advocating for a National Perinatal Mental Health Strategy
In this episode, Rebecca sits down with Jaime Charlebois and Patricia Tomasi, co-Founders of the Canadian Perinatal Mental Health Collaborative, which advocates for the treatment of all individuals during preconception, pregnancy, and the postpartum periods. We get into the topic of perinatal mental health and how advocacy platforms can be used to inform policy and to improve perinatal mental heal
How Does Intimate Partner Violence Impact Women's Brain Health?
Content Warning: discussions of partner violence and traumatic brain injury.In this episode, Sidney and Rebecca sit down with Karen Mason and Dr. Paul van Donkelaar, co-founders of SOAR, or Supporting Survivors of Abuse and Brain Injury through Research - a multi-disciplinary research collaboration between University of British Columbia Okanagan and Kelowna Women’s Shelter. We talk about some of t
The Lack of Information on Perimenopause and Menopause
In this episode, Sidney and Rebecca sit down with personal trainer, nutrition coach, and best-selling author, Amanda Thebe, to talk about all things menopause. We get into some of the major misconceptions and research gaps around menopause and perimenopause and how it impacts women’s health. We also look at what resources are out there and outline some steps women can take to make this major trans
What You Didn't Know About Women's Brain Health
In this episode, Sidney speaks to Dr. Sherri Hayden, a clinical neuropsychologist and assistant professor at the University of British Columbia. Dr. Hayden speaks about the increased risk of neurological and mental health issues among women and the differences in the way that symptoms of these manifest in comparison with men, as well as the lack of clinical research reflecting these sex difference
How Has COVID-19 Impacted Women's Health?
In this episode, Sidney and Rebecca sit down with gender, intersectionality, and health systems expert, Dr. Rosemary Morgan. We dig into how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted everything from women's physical and mental health to their professional lives. We also look at how the pandemic has fueled setbacks on gender equality initiatives within our health systems. Plus, Dr. Morgan breaks down what
Why Focusing on Sex Differences is Not the Full Answer for Better Women’s Health
Links to the resources mentioned in this episode:“The Research Divide” https://assets.bcwomensfoundation.org/2020/11/02162501/BCWHF-The-Research-Divide-2020.pdf“In Her Words: Women’s Experience with the Healthcare System in BC” https://www.bcwomensfoundation.org/inherwords/ "Ms.Understood: Women’s hearts are victims of a system that is ill-equipped to diagnose, treat and support them"https://www.h
Women's Health Interrupted debuts Wed Aug 11th
Women’s Health Interrupted explores women’s health across four overarching and multidisciplinary themes: general health and wellness, brain health, socio-cultural determinants of health as well as politics, policy and advocacy.
The podcast debuts Wed Aug 11th on the UBC Medicine Learning Network and will be available every second Wednesday of the month thereafter. Subscribe now!
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