Equity Initiatives

 

EK Equity is dedicated to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion across the medical profession in the East Kootenay. Led by local physicians and supported by the East Kootenay Division of Family Practice, EK Equity creates safe, inclusive spaces and advocates for system-level change that supports physicians who identify as women+, racialized, Indigenous, LGBTQ2S+, disabled, internationally trained, or otherwise historically marginalized within medicine. 

Rooted in collaboration and allyship, EK Equity works across communities to strengthen physician wellbeing, improve retention, and foster inclusive clinical, academic, and leadership environments that reflect the diversity of the region’s medical workforce. 

Persistent inequities within the medical profession continue to affect physician safety, career progression, compensation, and wellbeing. Gender-based discrimination, racism, barriers to leadership, and limited access to safe reporting and support structures remain common experiences, particularly for physicians with intersecting marginalized identities. EK Equity was formed in response to these realities, with a shared commitment to addressing barriers through evidence-based advocacy, education, and collective action. 

The EK Equity initiative is grounded in:

EK Equity is guided by a physician-led group committed to collaboration, allyship, and accountability. The initiative works in alignment with Doctors of BC Gender Equity Policy and broader EDI commitments, while remaining responsive to local physician experiences and feedback. 

 

Women in Medicine is a physician-led initiative created to address the unique challenges faced by women physicians across the East Kootenay. Spearheaded by local female physicians with support from the East Kootenay Division of Family Practice, the initiative fosters professional development, promotes wellness, and advances gender equity, while creating meaningful opportunities for connection, mentorship, and advocacy.

Spanning eight communities across more than 80,000 square kilometres, Women in Medicine brings physicians together—virtually and in person—to share experiences, build skills, and support system-level change that strengthens the future of medical practice in the region.

In a 2024 survey conducted by the East Kootenay Division of Family Practice, 100 per cent of female physicians reported experiencing gender-based challenges. These include balancing personal responsibilities, navigating gendered workplace expectations, experiencing discrimination, and feeling underrepresented in leadership roles.

“We need to empower all physicians with the knowledge and skills to identify inequities, create change, and lead the next generation of doctors to a better future for everyone.”
— Dr. JoyAnne Krupa, Physician Lead

The Women in Medicine initiative is grounded in three core areas:

The initiative is guided by a physician-led steering committee representing communities across the East Kootenay. The committee meets quarterly to review survey findings, assess emerging needs, and guide program development.

Women in Medicine continues to grow through collaboration, shared learning, and physician feedback.