Celebrating Women in Medicine Month - Dr. Shannon Trainor

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 next profile is Dr. Shannon Trainor, a Thoracic Surgeon.  

Did you have a role model growing up? 

Yes, I did. It was my dad who was a family doctor. He exemplified what it meant to be a physician – dedicated and going out of his way to take care of people. My family grew up in a small town and everyone would come up to my dad no matter where he went. He encouraged me from the time I could walk to do whatever it is I wanted to do, and that turned out to be a career in medicine. Dad just personified what it meant to dedicate yourself to the care of others and to do it with kindness and empathy. My mom was also a strong influence in my life. She was a nurse and took part in running dad’s practice. They both encouraged me to do what I wanted to do. As I grew up, they allowed me to work the office of my dad’s practice gradually teaching me how things worked. 

With both your parents in medicine, when did you decide that you wanted to pursue medicine as well?

My parents told me that I said I wanted to be a doctor by the age of two. My dad used to take me for weekend rounds on Sundays after church to see his patients. When I was a little older – around six or seven – I remember thinking I wanted to be a doctor. Initially, I wanted to be a paediatrician, but when I did a residency rotation in paediatrics, I realized it wasn’t for me. Then I had a general surgery rotation. I had the most exceptional senior resident who took me under his wing, showed me what was involved in surgery, and I loved it. Fixing what was wrong and solving problems, I haven’t looked back since!

Where did you obtain your undergraduate and medical school education?

I completed my undergraduate education at University of Prince Edward Island and then completed both my medical school and general surgery education at the University of Toronto. I did my thoracic surgery residency at McMaster University and completed a minimally invasive thoracic surgery fellowship in Pittsburgh at the prestigious University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

Why did you decide to pursue thoracic surgery as a specialty?

The complexity of thoracic surgery is just fascinating! It’s not just whether or not you can remove something, it’s more about if the patient is physiologically fit for surgery. It’s a very complex surgery that allows me to appreciate the beauty of the human anatomy. I also had lots of role models that encouraged me.

What has been your greatest moment as a physician?

If I look back over my 12 years at Lakeridge Health, the greatest moment is when after five years of cancer follow up, you get to discharge a patient from your active care because they’re cured. Having a relationship with a patient and following them for years and then joyfully sending them off. That’s the greatest.

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

You can do anything. If you set your goals and your priorities, you can do anything in this day and age. Another thing is to take care of myself. A well-rounded individual who also takes care of themselves will be a better health care provider.

What’s your favourite thing about working at Lakeridge Health?

My favourite thing about working at Lakeridge Health is the collegiality and the relationships I’ve developed. I’ve never stayed in one place as long as I have been here. I have phenomenal relationships with my colleagues and it just makes for a very wonderful working environment. Lakeridge Health has done a lot of wonderful things over the years I’ve been here. I have a lot of pride in working here.