Joseph Brant Hospital celebrates Canadian Women Physicians Day by featuring Dr. Abiola Fajobi, a Family Medicine physician whose inspiring journey reflects the passion and resilience that defines women in medicine.
For Dr. Fajobi, medicine was an early calling. "From a very young age of 5, I knew I wanted to be a doctor," she shares. This aspiration took root as she grew up surrounded by medical professionals at the teaching hospital where her mother lectured. As her education progressed, she developed twin passions: a fascination with the human body and science, alongside a deep empathy for those suffering from illness.
Her academic path was comprehensive and purposeful, earning bachelor's degrees in Nutrition and Biology before completing a master's in public health. When she finally entered medical school, she was driven by a commitment to "excellent patient care while retaining my humanity."
Family medicine became her specialty of choice for its unique combination of continuity and variety. "I chose family medicine for the opportunity to build lifelong patient partnerships and address diverse health needs across all life stages," Dr. Fajobi explains. She particularly values how the field allows her to practice in different settings while continuing her professional growth, appreciating "the flexibility of family medicine that allows for a dynamic career that adapts to life's changes."
Throughout her career, Dr. Fajobi has navigated challenges that come with being a woman of colour in medicine. These have ranged from subtle micro aggressions to outright questioning of her expertise and commitment. Her response has been one of strength and wisdom: "I persevere by affirming my expertise, relying on trusted colleagues for support, and understanding that these are key systemic issues that require ongoing dialogue and education."
Like many physicians, Dr. Fajobi views the balance between professional demands and personal life as "an ongoing journey of learning." Her strategy involves creating distinct spaces for her various roles while recognizing that "we're all juggling numerous demands, but some, like family, are more delicate than others."
When advising young women considering medicine, particularly those facing barriers, her message blends encouragement with realism: "Pursue it with all the passion and dedication in you. Embrace mistakes as learning opportunities, however difficult, and remember, you deserve the same space, honour, respect and consideration as everyone else."
Looking to the future, Dr. Fajobi advocates for increased women's leadership in medicine. "Women physicians bring valuable perspectives that will be critical as we navigate the future of medicine, particularly with the rise of AI and technology," she believes. Having already served on her professional staff association's executive team, she remains committed to supporting other women while continuing to seek leadership roles herself.
On this Canadian Women Physicians Day, Dr. Fajobi's story exemplifies how dedication and perseverance can shape not only an individual career but also the broader landscape of healthcare in Canada.