October 15, 2012

As a teaching hospital fully affiliated with the University of Toronto (U of T), Women’s College Hospital (WCH) is committed to hosting educational events that inspire our physicians, staff and their peers to further their understanding about women’s health issues.

That’s why WCH’s Women’s Mental Health Program took the opportunity to kick off the academic year for U of T’s division of equity, gender and population with an event highlighting the role of gender in mental health.

Dr. Valerie Taylor, psychiatrist-in-chief, WCH, and division lead of equity, gender and population at U of T began by thanking Mrs. Ruth de Winter for sponsoring the event in memory of her husband, Paul de Winter, and then introduced the keynote speaker, Dr. Mary Seeman, professor emerita, department of psychiatry, U of T.   

“Dr. Seeman’s expertise and the kind generosity from Ruth have brought us together to learn about a critical topic,” said Dr. Taylor. “Through collective education we can bridge equity gaps in mental health care, research and treatment.”

Dr. Seeman explained how the differences between men and women can result in them being affected differently by mental illness. She provided several examples of neuropsychiatric diseases that impact women differently than men. Today, many scientists devote their entire careers to learning about why mental illnesses impact men and women differently.

“To the young researchers who are interested in studying gender differences within psychiatry, I urge you to find good mentors who can guide you and help you see the bigger picture,” said Dr. Seeman. “We have already come so far and we continue to progress as we discover new evidence that helps us understand and ultimately prevent mental illness.”

For more information about WCH’s Women’s Mental Health Program click here.

Dr. Valerie Taylor, Dr. Mary Seeman and Ruth de Winter