Paving the way for the next generation of Island women in medicine

For five Island women, studying medicine means being part of something new: the opportunity to pursue their medical education at home in Prince Edward Island. 

Meghan Kiley, Lauren Reid, Hannah Fong, Monica Gollaher, and Sydney Riggs are part of the first cohort of the Memorial regional campus medical learners at the University of Prince Edward Island. While each has her own story and path to medicine, they share a desire to make a difference in the lives of others. 

For Meghan, studying medicine at home carries special meaning. 

“Growing up on the Island, attending medical school here was never an option,” Meghan says.  “Being able to pursue my education in the same communities that helped shape who I am is especially meaningful.” 

For Lauren, being part of the first cohort means setting an example for future students of what medical education looks like on PEI. 

“When I applied there were no medical students studying on PEI, which made it challenging to connect with peers who understood the journey,” says Lauren. “Now I feel fortunate to be in a position where I can provide that guidance and support to other Island women interested in pursuing medicine.” 

Their experiences also highlight the importance of women’s representation in health care, both in patient care and leadership. 

Hannah sees learning from women already leading in Island health care as an opportunity to help build a system that better reflects the needs of the people it serves. 

“Having more women in medicine brings more attention, research, and funding to women’s health issues,” Hannah says. “Having more representation in health care leadership means more women at the table when important decisions are made.” 

Sydney brings a unique perspective through her previous experience in health care finance and governance at Health PEI. 

“I saw firsthand that the people around the table shape which questions get asked and which priorities get funded,” Sydney says. “More women in health care leadership positions means those decisions better reflect the patients and workforce they affect.” 

Meghan says having more female physicians on PEI is an important step towards addressing gaps in women’s health research and care. 

“Greater representation will lead to a more inclusive health care system where women feel heard, supported, and equally represented,” she says. 

All five women also recognize the impact of the people who supported them along the way. Each can point to mothers, mentors, coaches, professors, friends, and colleagues who showed them what is possible and encouraged them to pursue their goals. 

Now, they have an opportunity to offer that same encouragement to others. 

“I hope girls growing up in PEI know that being from a small province doesn’t have to limit what they can do or what they want to achieve,” Monica says.

As they continue their medical education, these five women hope to help make that future more visible for the next generation of Island women… showing them that they can pursue ambitious careers, contribute to their communities, and build lives that reflect their own goals. 

Throughout October, the Government of Prince Edward Island is celebrating Women’s History Month by highlighting Island women whose experiences, achievements, and leadership are helping shape the future of their communities and inspiring the next generation.