Joseph Brant Hospital celebrates Canadian Women Physicians Day by featuring Dr. Laura Waltman, Chief of Pediatrics and Co-Medical Director of the Maternal Child Program, whose career exemplifies the blend of compassion and scientific excellence in healthcare.
For Dr. Waltman, medicine represented "the perfect combination of the 'arts' and 'science.'" Her connection to medicine runs through family ties. "My Grandfather was a pediatrician, and I remember growing up seeing the compassion and care he provided to families and the impact that had on their experiences at times of stress or feeling unwell," she reflects. This early exposure created a template for her own practice, with her grandfather's patients still recalling his impact years later.
Her path to pediatrics was natural: "I knew I wanted to work with kids before I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in medicine."
When discussing challenges as a woman in medicine, Dr. Waltman acknowledges both progress and persistent inequities. While grateful that gender did not influence her medical school admission, she recognizes systemic factors in specialty selection. "I gravitated to a specialty that is very 'friendly' to women. Pediatrics also happens to be a specialty with lower earning potential."
Having children early in her training presented challenges. "When I was a resident, I worried that I would seem 'less dedicated' to my job if I didn't stay overtime." Her solution was pragmatic: "I worked on being efficient with my time, prioritizing tasks and setting clear boundaries and expectations."
Balancing a career with family requires support. "I have a partner who shares the family responsibilities allowing me to work when I need to." Her family understands they are her priority while accepting "there are things that I am going to miss out on because of my job."
To women considering medicine, Dr. Waltman acknowledges the complex choices involved. "You can choose to take on more responsibility at work, and that doesn't make you a bad partner or mother. You can choose to work less, and that doesn't make you a bad doctor. My hope is that our profession will allow women to make that choice on their own terms."
Looking ahead, Dr. Waltman hopes to be a mentor "for other women entering medicine who are looking to balance family and a career." Her vision extends to broader change: "I would love to see more women take leadership roles without feeling that they have to sacrifice their work-life balance or income. Providing mentorship programs and creating pathways for women to move into these positions is essential."
On this Canadian Women Physicians Day, Dr. Waltman's story illustrates how thoughtful navigation of professional and personal demands can create a fulfilling career that benefits patients and inspires future medical professionals.