Celebrating outstanding women in health care

Vancouver, BC – If you have a stroke in BC you may come in contact with Dr. Thalia Field or one of her current or former students. That would be a stroke of luck, because Dr. Field is a leading stroke neurologist, researcher, and mentor for the next generation of clinicians, researchers and scientists. She is also one of the extraordinary nominees for this year's YWCA Women of Distinction awards. "To be nominated by VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation as a women of distinction is a tremendous honour," says Dr. Field. "Previous nominees have been champions of improving our community and I'm grateful to be among them."

Dr. Field treats patients in Vancouver General Hospital and at the Downtown Eastside Neurology Clinic, which she founded in 2016. The community-based clinic supports patients with neurological issues who have difficulty attending appointments in traditional settings. She augments her clinic work with visits to clients' homes to ensure they have access to quality neurological care. 

"International Women's Day is an opportunity to recognize extraordinary women like Dr. Field who've had a tremendous impact on BC health care as clinicians, researchers scientists, and other health professionals," says Mary Ackenhusen, President and CEO, Vancouver Coastal Health. "Women comprise 83 per cent of our team at Vancouver Coastal Health, and they bring a valuable and unique lens that is shaping the future of health care."

"I think women bring a different perspective in terms of advocating for patients," says Dr. Field. "It is concerning though that women are under-represented in stroke research. Women tend to be older and frail when they have a stroke and they often do worse than men after stroke, so it's vital that we have more women participating in our studies." Ironically, if researchers are looking for healthy volunteers, women are generally the first to sign up.

Dr. Field is currently leading a clinical trial investigating a rare cause of stroke affecting younger women. It is pioneering work in a field where two thirds of heart disease and stroke clinical research is based on men. She is passionate about raising awareness for stroke prevention and treatment and has worked with VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation to secure nearly $1 million in funding for stroke research.

"VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation is proud to support Dr. Field and the incredible work she has accomplished," says Angela Chapman, President & CEO of VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation. "Dr. Field is at VGH helping patients and physicians from across B.C. thanks to philanthropy. A donor-funded Fellowship helped attract her here, and seed-funding for her clinical research has helped her build an incredible team of clinicians and researchers, improving stroke care for all British Columbians."

VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation is Vancouver Coastal Health's primary philanthropic partner, raising funds for specialized adult health services and research for all British Columbians. We partner with donors to drive innovation and transform health care at VGH, UBC Hospital, GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute and Vancouver Community Health Services.

Vancouver Coastal Health is responsible for the delivery of $3.6 billion in community, hospital and long-term care to more than one million people in communities including: Richmond, Vancouver, the North Shore, Sunshine Coast, Sea to Sky corridor, Powell River, Bella Bella and Bella Coola. VCH also provides specialized care and services for people throughout BC, and is the province's hub of health care education and research.

To speak to Dr. Field or find out more about her work please contact:

CONTACT:

Carrie Stefanson

Public Affairs Leader

Vancouver Coastal Health

Office: 604.708.5340

Cell: 604.312.1148

E: carrie.stefanson@vch.ca

Sam Smith

Officer, Marketing and Communications

VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation

Office: 778.389.4897

E: Sam.smith@vghfoundation.ca