Women's College Hospital clinician-scientist to receive prestigious YWCA award
Women's College Hospital clinician-scientist Dr. Ophira Ginsburg has been named a recipient of the 2013 YWCA Women of Distinction Awards for her innovative work to improve the lives of women and girls.
The award, recently announced by the YWCA, will be presented to Dr. Ginsburg and six other women at a formal reception on May 2 at the Metro Convention Centre.
"I am thrilled to be selected for this honour," said Dr. Ginsburg. "The incredible work of the Toronto YWCA is so very inspiring and I am truly humbled to be considered among this community of amazing women."
Dr. Ginsburg, a medical oncologist and scientist at Women's College Research Institute (WCRI), is an advocate for women's access to medical care both locally and abroad. She educates immigrant women on breast cancer and the importance of proper diagnosis and treatment, and has volunteered in Vietnam and Bangladesh where access to treatment for breast cancer is limited. In Bangladesh, Dr. Ginsburg co-founded the Amader Gram Breast Care clinic so that disadvantaged women can now receive breast cancer treatment for free. She also created clinical guidelines to help doctors in the area provide the best breast cancer treatment possible.
"The YWCA gives out this award because we want to acknowledge the determined, innovative work that is being done to address the specific barriers and challenges faced by women and girls. The award recipients are doing tremendous things to build a world in which all women and girls can thrive. We want to celebrate that work and encourage others to join in," said Heather McGregor, YWCA Toronto CEO.
The six other recipients of the prestigious award include:
- Amanda Dale, Social Justice
- Gloria Epstein, Law
- Esther Linares, Young Woman of Distinction
- Ophira Ginsburg, Health
- Denise LaBarge, Public Service
- Mayo Moran, Education
- Cheryl Stoneburgh, Volunteerism
Provided by Women's College Hospital
