Looking Elsewhere

Nov 12, 2025 · 22m 6s

Description

Where does Canada sit on the world stage when it comes to women’s healthcare? We have some catching up to do. In this episode of The Fifth Wave: Curing the...

Where does Canada sit on the world stage when it comes to women’s healthcare? We have some catching up to do. In this episode of The Fifth Wave: Curing the Healthcare Bias Against Women, we look at what places like the UK, Australia and Nordic countries are doing right, and what we can learn from them. Expert voices Dr. Jocelynn Cook and Dr. Martha Hickey weigh in on the importance of data, as well as tailored policies and community informed research. While systems differ, it’s clear that in order to move forward, Canada must build a women centred strategy that reflects its own reality. And that starts by listening to women and gathering the right data.

Key Takeaways:

Countries like the UK and Australia have national strategies for women’s health that include menopause care, stillbirth prevention and access to contraception and abortion.
The barrier in Canada is solvable. Differences in delivery from province to province can make national coordination difficult, but we can still adopt best practices rooted in solid gender specific data.
It has to start with listening to women. With accurate data on women’s health issues, we can start to build an effective strategy. Asking women what they want is the first step towards real progress.

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Dr. Jocelynn Cook, Chief Scientific Officer for the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada. https://www.pehe-esep.ca/jocelynn-cook
Dr. Martha Hickey, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Melbourne. https://www.thewomens.org.au/research/research-centres/womens-gynaecology-research-centre/wgrc-our-people/martha-hickey

The Fifth Wave is produced by Story Studio Network.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by the hosts, guests, and participants of the Fifth Wave belong solely to the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the IWK Foundation. The information discussed in this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical, legal, or professional advice from the IWK Foundation. While we strive for accuracy, the IWK Foundation makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its use. Listener discretion is advised.

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