Women physicians are an integral part of the health care team at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC). Each month, we will highlight some of the exceptional women physicians and surgeons who provide clinical care, education and leadership within our Hospital and beyond. A special ‘thank you’ to all of the women physicians who agreed to be interviewed.
Name: Dr. Kristina Pulkki
Specialty: Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery
Medical School: NOSM University
Residency: University of Ottawa
What is one thing that you love about practicing in Thunder Bay?
It’s my hometown and it’s great to be back. Also the collegiality of the clinicians at TBRHSC and the region makes it a good place to work. You actually get to know people versus being a random physician at a big hospital. The familiarity of being back home is special.
What does it mean to be a woman physician at TBRHSC?
Overall women are under-represented in surgery, but I haven’t found negative aspects so far. Patients also seem happy about seeing a woman physician.
What is your vision for otolaryngology in Thunder Bay?
I want to expand the otolaryngology curriculum at NOSM University to show how it intersects with other aspects of medicine such as rheumatology and paediatrics for example. I also want to develop more regional clinics and build a more robust otolaryngology practice that is not super specialized but rather a comprehensive generalist practice that will serve the needs of the region.
Finally, having another physician practice share for a few years will give me the time to develop other aspects of my practice and to continue longstanding collaborations such as outreach to Nunavut with the University of Ottawa.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
Infinite time!
How could TBRHSC better support women physicians?
Mentorship would be nice. For me it’s happened organically but a supported program would be a great addition.
What does it mean to be a woman (aspiring) leader at TBRHSC?
We are showing learners that we can do it, that there is room for us at the table as well.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I’m doing some research on button battery ingestion with multi-site team that has been rewarding. Also, it’s been great having general surgery residents join me in the Operating Room.
