J.M. LEE
Dr. Baljit Pawa’s journey has been shaped by curiosity, resilience, and a deep sense of purpose. Trained as a pharmacist and later as an integrative physician, she gained a unique perspective on medicine, from dispensing medication to prescribing it, and came to recognize the vital importance of stress and diet and their effects on the body. “Early in my career,” she recalls, “I recognized a need: many women were suffering from hormonal and midlife health issues, yet their concerns were often minimized or misunderstood, or worse, misdiagnosed.”
That realization changed the course of her career. More than twenty-five years ago, she co-founded what became one of Canada’s first dedicated integrative clinics for menopause and hormone health. She and her colleague, Dr. Nishi Dhawan, set a simple yet ambitious goal: to create a place where women could receive evidence-based, compassionate care and feel truly heard. Over the years, Dr. Baljit has taught physicians and pharmacists, spoken publicly about women’s health, and written books to empower women with knowledge of their bodies.
“Leadership, for me, grew naturally from that mission,” she avers. “When you care deeply about solving a problem and helping people live healthier lives, you find yourself leading conversations, building teams, and generating ideas that push the field forward.”
Indeed, women’s empowerment begins with reliable information. When they understand their bodies, health, and choices, they gain confidence and agency in their lives.
“Empowerment does not always look dramatic,” Dr. Baljit says. “Often, it is quiet yet powerful: a woman advocating for herself at the doctor’s office or at work, or making consistent lifestyle changes that protect her health for the future. The ‘awareness’ that better health is often a choice and is the true catalyst of change is key for women.”
Women support one another, nurture, care for, and steward our society. When they discuss once-taboo topics, such as periods and menopause, it creates a ripple effect of confidence and solidarity that crosses all obstacles.
“In my world, confidence is a verb, a progress in action. The greatest teachers in my life have been my patients and my children. Listening to people and walking alongside them through their health and life journeys, you learn from them and are taught courage and confidence.”
“Those experiences give me the confidence to speak openly and clearly about what I know, what I’ve learned, and what I believe can genuinely help others. I lead with authenticity, curiosity, and a commitment to continuous learning. In many ways, leadership means serving others honestly and using my voice to make a difference.”
Her leadership style is collaborative, especially when people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives come together around a shared mission. Her role is to connect the dots among science, patients, practitioners, and the broader community.
“My earliest understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion came from my childhood in Newfoundland, where my family was the only Indian family in town. Instead of feeling like outsiders, we received curiosity, warmth, and kindness. People looked for what we had in common, built friendships, and fostered a deep sense of belonging. That early experience stayed with me and continues to shape how I see the world and my personal life.”
Dr. Baljit believes that diversity and inclusion are not just ideals but responsibilities. “Every person deserves access to knowledge, respect, and compassionate healthcare. We all have something to learn from one another. I have been inspired by mentors, colleagues, and patients who demonstrate courage in the face of adversity. I admired Jane Goodall, who loved all living things. Kindness does not equate to passivity; standing up for what you believe in is admirable. Kindness without boundaries is not sustainable.”
Her mother was her inspiration for approaching life with generosity, resilience, and curiosity. “She was not afraid to learn new things or admit when she made mistakes. That spirit of lifelong learning has stayed with me and made me aspire to be a better version of myself than I was the day before.”
In medicine, Dr. Baljit believes success can help a woman understand her health in ways that change her future. In leadership, it may mean mentoring someone who goes on to help thousands more. The next generation of women should ask questions and never underestimate the power of daily learning across all areas of life. Confidence grows when you keep learning, stay aligned with your values, and remain open to challenging your beliefs with new information. Support other women. Collaboration is more powerful than competition.
Dr. Baljit loves books. Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning resonates with her. When asked to describe herself in three words, she replied: Curious. Compassionate. Focused.
