Celebrating Women in Medicine Month - Dr. Kavita Sridhar

September is Women in Medicine Month, a time to recognize the impact of current and future female physicians and the opportunities that still exist to support and advance women in their careers in medicine. 

This year, as part of how we’re marking this important month, we’re profiling a number of female physicians from across Lakeridge Health to showcase the incredibly talented team we have at our organization. Our first profile is Dr. Kavita Sridhar, an Intensivist in the Critical Care Unit (CCU) at Oshawa Hospital.

Did you have a role model growing up? If so, who and why?

My role model growing up was my older sister. As a physician herself, she was able to guide me through my years in training and help direct and support me as I embarked on a career in Medicine.

What has been your greatest moment as a physician?

My greatest moment as a physician occurred recently when a resident who had rotated through our CCU and done some extra training with us, got into a fellowship of her choice. The resident wrote me a thank you note stating that our impromptu discussions about being a female physician and an Intensivist had been the reason she pursued a fellowship in critical care.

What would say to your younger self that you feel is important for other female physicians to know?

Be kind to yourself. Your role as a physician is one of many that you will have to balance. Your priorities may change over time but do your very best at everything you do. Some days will be harder than others so surround yourself with a strong support system both at work and at home.

Where did you obtain your undergraduate and medical school education?

I completed my undergraduate degree at Queen’s University in Kingston, followed by medical school and residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Ottawa. I then proceeded to complete my Fellowship in Critical Care in Calgary. After that, I did a Master’s in Bioethics at the University of Toronto while I started as a staff Intensivist at Mount Sinai Hospital.

How long have you been a privileged staff member at Lakeridge Health?

I have been a privileged staff member at Lakeridge Health since 2012.