Latest news with #KingCharlesIIICoronationMedal
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Why Being ‘The First' Isn't Enough: Dr. Alexandra Bastiany's Mission to Make Excellence Expected, Not Exceptional
When she said she wanted to specialize in interventional cardiology, her teacher laughed. Not a chuckle of encouragement or even nervous disbelief—but the kind of dismissive laugh reserved for students who clearly don't understand their place. That was five years ago. Today, Dr. Alexandra Bastiany is the only Black woman in Canada threading catheters through blocked arteries, stopping heart attacks in real-time, and performing procedures so delicate they're measured in millimetres. At just 36, she's already achieved more than many do in a lifetime. Her work with Indigenous communities, her role at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, and her social media advocacy for women's heart health earned her a King Charles III Coronation Medal—Canada's recognition for significant community contributions. Her historic achievement as Canada's first Black woman interventional cardiologist is a testament to her success and also a reflection of a system that never expected her to succeed. The extra scrutiny, the constant need to prove you belong, the weight of representing an entire community. 'I'm not excited about being the first,' she says, her Montreal accent cutting through the politeness expected of medical professionals. 'Being the first in 2025 means we failed somewhere along the way. I want to talk about how we fix that.' A post shared via Instagram Bastiany's journey exposes uncomfortable truths about the diversity problem in medicine. While medical schools have made strides in enrolling diverse students, something happens as these students progress through training. The 'leaky pipeline' phenomenon shows minority students disappearing as specialties become more competitive and prestigious. It means you're walking into rooms where no one looks like you, and sometimes, no one expects you to be the expert. 'I get told I look too young to be a doctor all the time,' Bastiany admits. But the pressure goes deeper. Black medical students and residents report being 'over-policed' by supervisors and subjected to heightened scrutiny that their white counterparts rarely face. They navigate micro and macro aggressions while being expected to remain professionally composed. Many learn to 'code-switch' or, as Bastiany puts it, 'mute their Blackness' to survive academic medicine. The result? A medical landscape where, according to the Black Physicians' Association of Ontario Black physicians represent just 2.3% of all doctors in Ontario. In interventional cardiology—a field requiring years of specialized training and significant institutional support—that number drops to nearly zero for Black women. Born in Montreal to Haitian immigrant parents, Bastiany grew up in a home where hard work was non-negotiable and community was everything. Her father, a chemist, and her mother, a nurse, modelled excellence—but also humility. 'My dad is the type of person who treats the janitor and the CEO the same way,' she says. That lesson stuck. Medicine wasn't always the dream. 'I initially wanted to be a teacher,' she laughs. But her love of science, leadership, and helping others pulled her toward medicine. She attended the University of Montreal for both medical school and her residencies, then moved to the University of Alberta for a two-year fellowship in interventional cardiology—a field where women, especially Black women, are rare. Bastiany is quick to point out that her story goes far beyond personal achievement. 'It's a symbol. It's not about me, but what I represent for people who look like me.' She's using her platform to drive systemic change through mentorship, healthcare equity advocacy, and honest conversations about representation because diversity across the medical field leads to better patient outcomes. In the words of Bastiany: 'It improves compliance, builds trust, and helps patients feel truly seen and heard.' Bastiany's also putting this vision into action, publishing articles on empowering women to take charge of their heart health and championing the idea that individual success only matters if it sparks broader change. 'When patients are engaged and represented, everyone benefits,' she says. For Bastiany, every procedure she performs serves a dual purpose: saving lives and proving that Black women belong in medicine's most elite specialties. Until true representation is the norm at every level of healthcare, she will keep doing what she does best—saving hearts, opening doors, and making sure Black excellence is no longer the exception but the expectation.
Cision Canada
14-05-2025
- General
- Cision Canada
Final Official Ceremony for the Presentation of the King Charles III Coronation Medal
MONTRÉAL, May 14, 2025 /CNW/ - The Honourable Manon Jeannotte, Lieutenant Governor of Québec, had the great honour of presiding over the final official ceremony for the presentation of the King Charles III Coronation Medal organized by her Cabinet. " It is a true privilege to honour so many Quebecers from every region of the province. I am proud to highlight that our institution is the one, among all provincial institutions across Canada, that awarded the highest number of King Charles III Coronation Medals — and the second highest overall in the country, after the Canadian Armed Forces," declared the Honourable Manon Jeannotte. The evening event, held on May 13 at the Institut de tourisme et d'hôtellerie du Québec (ITHQ), was an opportunity to recognize the contributions of 30 citizens from the Greater Montréal Area. It also marked the conclusion of the official ceremonies associated with this distinction, at the end of which a total of 1,650 medals will have been awarded to citizens throughout Quebec. Any remaining Coronation Medals will be presented during the Lieutenant Governor of Quebec's medal ceremonies as part of her provincial tour or at smaller-scale events organized according to various logistical and human factors. Among the distinguished recipients honoured during this final official ceremony, the Lieutenant Governor had the privilege of awarding the King Charles III Coronation Medal to the Honourable Liza Frulla, Director General of the ITHQ; Ms. Ginette Reno; Mr. Daniel Jutras, Rector of the Université de Montréal; Ms. Véronique Rankin, Executive Director of Wapikoni; Ms. Marie-Josée Bastien, director of the Projet Polytechnique; as well as several other notable honourees. The King Charles III Coronation Medal The King Charles III Coronation Medal is a special commemorative distinction designed to honour Canadians who have made significant contributions to their communities or abroad. It celebrates their achievements, dedication, and commitment to the well-being of Canadian society. Highlights The King Charles III Coronation Medal marks a historic occasion, as it is the first Canadian commemorative medal awarded for a coronation since that of Queen Elizabeth II. The Government of Canada will award 30,000 medals across the country to recognize significant contributions made by citizens in various fields. The presentation of the King Charles III Coronation Medal in Quebec is part of events celebrating those who contribute, often behind the scenes, to the advancement of Canada at the local, national, and international levels. Details of the Medal The medal features the effigy of His Majesty King Charles III and his royal monogram and is attached to a ribbon in dark blue, bright red, and white. This ribbon is identical to that used for the Coronation Medal in the United Kingdom. The design of the medal was created by the Canadian Heraldic Authority and approved by His Majesty.
Winnipeg Free Press
14-05-2025
- General
- Winnipeg Free Press
Honouring remarkable Manitobans
Point Douglas As the MLA for Point Douglas, I had the privilege of nominating three outstanding community members for the prestigious King Charles III Coronation Medal and I wanted to use this opportunity to introduce them and their work. Dr. Patrick Choy is an active community leader and a respected voice within the medical field. He is internationally recognized for his expertise and research in cardiovascular studies. He is now professor emeritus at the University of Manitoba. Dr. Choy is an active member of the Winnipeg Chinese community and was influential to the foundation of Chinatown in Point Douglas. He has served as the vice-president of the Winnipeg Chinese Cultural and Community Centre and founded the Winnipeg Chinese Community Fund. Dr. Choy's engagement contributes to the cultural vibrancy and diversity of our communities. Haven Stumpf is the executive director of Urban Circle Training Centre Inc. Urban Circle is a school with a focus on Indigenous teaching methods providing holistic adult education and professional education programs. Haven is a dedicated and brilliant educator, who has been committed to the work of Urban Circle for 30 years. Through her work, she's helped countless people get the skills and education that they need, to grow and succeed in life. Her dedication to supporting and enabling community members is remarkable, and I want to say miigwech for uplifitng so many folks on their journey. Supplied photo Point Douglas MLA Bernadette Smith with King Charles III Coronation Medal recipients Haven Stumpf, Tom Lussier, and Dr. Patrick Choy. Last, but certainly not least, is Tom Lussier. He has been an educator for the past 30 years and is currently serving as executive director for Gonzaga Middle School, where he is making a positive difference for so many students from low-income families. Previously, Tom worked at St. Paul's High School where he taught chemistry, biology, science, and religion courses and was the principal for 11 years. His work with the Winnipeg School Nativity Feasibility Study was pivotal to the creation of Gonzaga Middle School, which provides holistic, wrap-around and culturally sensitive support to its students to give them their best chance at success in life. Mondays A weekly look at news and events that matter in your communities. All three of these outstanding individuals hold a deep sense of passion for education, leadership, and community, and I want to say miigwech for all their amazing work. It is a privilege to be able to nominate you for the King Charles III Coronation Medal. Your work in Point Douglas and dedication to making our communities better will help inspire the next generation of community leaders. I want to send warm wishes to everyone and to all the wonderful folks contributing to our communities every day. If you want to get in touch with me, feel free to visit us at 804 Selkirk Ave., phone us at 204-414-1477 or email us at Bernadette SmithPoint Douglas constituency report Bernadette Smith is the NDP MLA for Point Douglas. Read full biography Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Cision Canada
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Cision Canada
/R E P E A T -- Media advisory - Final Official Ceremony for the Presentation of the King Charles III Coronation Medal/ Français
MONTRÉAL, May 12, 2025 /CNW/ - The Honourable Manon Jeannotte, Lieutenant Governor of Quebec, will preside over a special ceremony at the Institut de tourisme et d'hôtellerie du Québec (ITHQ) to honour 30 citizens from the Greater Montréal Area, recipients of the King Charles III Coronation Medal. This ceremony will mark the conclusion of the official presentation events for the King Charles III Coronation Medal, through which a total of 1,650 medals were awarded to citizens across Quebec. Among the distinguished recipients are the Honourable Liza Frulla, Director of the ITHQ, Ms. Ginette Reno, Mr. Daniel Jutras, Rector of the Université de Montréal, as well as several other notable honourees. The King Charles III Coronation Medal is a commemorative honour presented to Canadians who have distinguished themselves through dedication and commitment to the well-being of Canadian society. It aims to recognize the outstanding contributions of individuals—many of whom work quietly behind the scenes—who have made a significant impact in their communities, in the province, and sometimes at the national and international levels. Media Notes Please register in advance by contacting the media representative. Media Contact: Ian Préfontaine Communications and Media Relations Officer Mobile: 514-943-7625 Email: [email protected] Stay connected: Be the First to Know! Subscribe to our updates and press releases by creating an account at:
Cision Canada
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Cision Canada
Media advisory - Final Official Ceremony for the Presentation of the King Charles III Coronation Medal
MONTRÉAL, May 12, 2025 /CNW/ - The Honourable Manon Jeannotte, Lieutenant Governor of Quebec, will preside over a special ceremony at the Institut de tourisme et d'hôtellerie du Québec (ITHQ) to honour 30 citizens from the Greater Montréal Area, recipients of the King Charles III Coronation Medal. This ceremony will mark the conclusion of the official presentation events for the King Charles III Coronation Medal, through which a total of 1,650 medals were awarded to citizens across Quebec. Among the distinguished recipients are the Honourable Liza Frulla, Director of the ITHQ, Ms. Ginette Reno, Mr. Daniel Jutras, Rector of the Université de Montréal, as well as several other notable honourees. The King Charles III Coronation Medal is a commemorative honour presented to Canadians who have distinguished themselves through dedication and commitment to the well-being of Canadian society. It aims to recognize the outstanding contributions of individuals—many of whom work quietly behind the scenes—who have made a significant impact in their communities, in the province, and sometimes at the national and international levels. Media Notes Please register in advance by contacting the media representative. Media Contact: Ian Préfontaine Communications and Media Relations Officer Mobile: 514-943-7625 Email: [email protected] Stay connected: Be the First to Know! Subscribe to our updates and press releases by creating an account at:
