Feature: International Women's Day - Dr. Annette Hay

General DOM News & Events

| 21 March 2024

In honour of International Women’s Day, we will be highlighting four inspirational women from the Department of Medicine this month.

Meet Dr. Annette Hay, Chair of the Division of Hematology in the Department of Medicine. She is cross appointed to the Departments of Oncology and Pediatrics and is a Senior Investigator with the Canadian Cancer Trials Group (CCTG).

Dr. Hay’s clinical practice includes all areas of Hematology, with special interest in hematological malignancies. Dr. Hay’s specific research interests, delivered through collaboration with national and international investigators, include:

Clinical trial design, conduct and analysis: Completion of phase I, II and III trials for patients with lymphoma, leukemia, myeloma and myelodysplasia.
Under-represented populations: Enhancing research opportunities and clinical trial uptake for the elderly, and adolescents and young adults with cancer.
Economic analyses: Determining the costs and benefits of healthcare interventions, aiding policy makers.
Data linkage: Piloting means to conduct clinical trials more efficiently, while maintaining patient safety and privacy, though linkage with existing data sources.
Data sharing: Creating the infrastructure for responsible data sharing in Canada to accelerate health care advances.

What initially sparked your interest in pursuing a career in medicine?

A combination of practical and emotional considerations led to me pursuing a career in medicine. Practical - I sought a career where I knew there was a good chance of getting a job and being able to clear student debt. Emotional - one of my close high school friends developed blood cancer. I was inspired by the outstanding relationship she had with her physician, and the treatment she received including bone marrow transplant.

What advice would you give to young women aspiring to pursue a career in medicine?

Do it. You've got this. But just in case plan A doesn't work, take pride in whatever you do. You can have an extremely rewarding career - making important scientific discoveries and meaningfully helping people - in many professions.

What do you find most rewarding about being a woman in medicine?

So many rewards. The ones that stay with you are the people impacted and the relationships made along the way. Patients listened to, diagnosed and treated. Learners' enthusiasm harnessed to achieve their goals. Colleagues bringing their ideas forward, supported in achieving their own independent successes. All of whom then continue to give back and impact others positively.

How do you unwind and de-stress after a long day at the hospital? Any guilty pleasures or favourite relaxation rituals?

I'm spoiled, usually arriving home to a delicious dinner enjoyed sitting round the dinner table where the teenage girls and Scottish husband chatter is always entertaining. I enjoy outdoor adventure - you'll see me make my way to the lake for weeknight sailing racing in the warmer months of the year. My next big adventure is hiking in the Peruvian Andes mountains in July. We #WoMMen are raising funds for multiple myeloma research. You can see a sneak preview at this link.

Feature: International Women's Day - Dr. Annette Hay

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Feature: International Women's Day - Dr. Annette Hay

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