A Lifetime of Care: Rethinking Chronic Illness in Women's Health
Time & Location
May 05, 2026, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Hilton Toronto, Toronto, ON
About the event
Chronic conditions are a major and often overlooked issue in Canadian women's health.
From cardiovascular disease to diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and mental health conditions, women face unique challenges in managing long-term health issues. This panel will explore the intersection of gender, chronic illness, and healthcare access in Canada, emphasizing the physical, emotional, and social impact these conditions have on women.
This panel will explore the urgent need for more research, better healthcare policies, and targeted treatments to improve outcomes for women living with chronic conditions. Speakers Dr. Vivien Brown, MDCM, CCFP, FCFP, MSCP, Family Physician and Assistant Professor, University of Toronto
Dr. Grace L. Chua, FRCPC, FACC, Cardiologist, Mackenzie Health
Dr. Paula Rochon, MPH, FRCPC, Director of Research, Weston and O’Born Centre for Mature Women’s Health, Sinai Health
Derek Sham, Founder and CEO, Cosm Medical
Dr. Woganee Filate, MHSc, FRCPC, MSCP, Co-Founder and CEO, Lume Women + Health (Moderator)
*The views expressed on the Economic Club of Canada platform are not that of the Economic Club or its affiliates but of the speakers alone and the organizations they represent.*
Explore the Conversation
Watch the Recording
Audio Recap
Key Takeaways
The discussion highlighted how chronic illness in women is often tied to missed prevention opportunities, the role of menopause in long-term health, and persistent research gaps that limit evidence-informed care. Panelists emphasized the need to treat women’s health as a core priority, supported by better data, equitable access, and a more coordinated national approach.
To read further and explore the full insights from this event, download the complete Key Takeaways document below.