McGill medical students launch culturally safe gynecology clinic for Indigenous women
Her Circle of Care offers 30-minute appointments and specialized care through partnerships with community organizations.
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A group of McGill medical students has launched Her Circle of Care, a gynecology and sexual health clinic designed specifically for Indigenous women in a culturally safe setting. The initiative, run by the Women's Health Awareness Movement (WHAM), addresses gaps in existing healthcare by offering appointments of 30 minutes or longer—double the standard 15-minute slot most women receive in the health-care system.
WHAM was founded by Allison Engo, a fourth-year McGill medical student, and Florence Millette, an obstetrics and gynecology resident at Université de Montréal. Millette observed firsthand the barriers Indigenous women face accessing care during a medical school clerkship in Maniwaki. "We have classes in medical school about Indigenous people and the care that we can provide, but it's very different seeing it in person," Millette said.
The clinic operates in partnership with the Native Women's Shelter, which connects WHAM with women who may benefit from services and helps organize clinics on an as-needed basis. Dr. Annie Leung, a gynecologic oncologist at McGill University Health Centre and the clinic's lead physician, said the model brings together different levels of training and expertise. "Here they can have the benefit of speaking with all different levels of training and also experienced doctors with expertise and get the full spectrum of care," Leung said.
Since its launch earlier this year, WHAM has held three clinics and is expanding to include women's health circles and educational workshops for front-line healthcare providers. Engo emphasized the importance of removing barriers to care. "A doctor's appointment shouldn't be scary. If they have a health issue, they should come and present because we can help them out," she said.
The source did not state how many Indigenous women have been served, the funding source for the initiative, or whether plans exist to sustain or expand it beyond the current three clinics.
How many Indigenous women has Her Circle of Care served since launch?
What funding supports the initiative, and how long will clinics continue?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
The facts
Who founded Her Circle of Care?
Allison Engo, a fourth-year McGill medical student, and Florence Millette, an obstetrics and gynecology resident at Université de Montréal, founded the Women's Health Awareness Movement (WHAM), which runs Her Circle of Care.
How long are appointments at Her Circle of Care?
Appointments at Her Circle of Care are 30 minutes or longer, double the standard 15-minute slot most women receive in the health-care system.
How many clinics has WHAM held since its launch?
Her Circle of Care has held three clinics since its launch earlier in the year.
