Mentorship Matters June 2024: In gratitude to a master mentor, Dr. Gillian Hawker
The Culture and Inclusion team would like to dedicate this blog with immense gratitude and huge THANK YOU to our fearless leader, Dr. Gillian Hawker. Over the past 10 years as the Chair of the Department of Medicine, Gillian has guided and inspired more than one thousand academic physicians, leaving a legacy that will continue to shape minds and hearts for years to come. Reflecting the lasting impact on those mentored by her, past and current leaders in the C&I portfolio would like to express their gratitude.
“Gillian had a great impact on my professional life, providing guidance and resources to help me excel in my role. I will always be grateful for her support both personally and professionally.” — Dr. Mireille Norris
“I am honoured to have worked with Gillian in my time as Mentorship Lead for the Department of Medicine. In this role, I saw a passionate, goal-oriented and self-reflective woman who sought to nurture all of those around her. Gillian is not complacent - she sees potential and she pushes gently and firmly. I am grateful to have been within her sphere. ❤ Gillian embodies the following quote: 'The best mentors empower their mentees to become even better than they are.' - Michelle Obama, Becoming (2018)"
— Dr. Catherine Yu
“It was during the fall of 2015 when I was scheduled to meet the Chair of Medicine for the first time. I had been recently hired as a clinician-scientist and had a diagnosis of breast cancer right after starting the academic job. I was meeting with Gillian after completing chemotherapy and, while I still had short hair, I was thrilled to start my academic career at U of T. As a Brazilian Endocrinologist with preconceptions about academic leadership positions in North America at that time, I was expecting to meet with a very formal leader. I had pictured Dr. Hawker as a stereotyped trailblazer like Margaret Thatcher or another strong and scary woman-leader speaking Shakespearean English and practicing social distancing. I came prepared to the meeting having an organized outline of my academic plan, research program, and even had my first proposal to CIHR as a PI ready to present if needed (true story!). I was sweating as I was still in the tropical zone and concerned about making any stupid English mistake because I felt like I was about to have my pitch at Shark Tank!
But then I saw a woman with an open smile coming to greet me in the waiting area and walking alongside me towards her office. After introducing herself, she invited me to a seat with a warm, kind, and friendly approach that I would appreciate months after as being her personal characteristic. Gillian asked me how I was feeling (that was her only concern during that encounter!). She did not follow the protocol for that meeting. She did not ask me anything about my research plans, nor anything about my clinical work, with neither a word about teaching. She started the conversation talking about Brazilian culture which made me feel more relaxed and welcomed. Then we talked about challenges I had during my treatment and she told me how heartbroken she was when she learned about my diagnosis. At the end of that meeting, I received a warm hug from the Chair of Medicine and left her office with the certainty that I had just met with a leader who cares about people. Dr Hawker had just provided me in real time with a masterclass of mentorship and support that I will always take with me. Muito Obrigada, Gillian!” — Dr. Caroline Kramer
“Despite her demanding and busy schedule, Gillian has been a committed and devoted mentor. I recall a particularly challenging experience early in my career. Seeking advice and guidance, I reached out to Gillian in a panic, and within a few hours, I was in her office debriefing and strategizing. During times like these, having a supportive mentor and champion on your side makes all the difference.” — Dr. Alanna Weisman
“Prior to my work with the VCT committee, I saw Gillian as an incredible leader and role model for female physicians. I have never heard anyone say more than her: 'I really care about our faculty. I want things to keep getting even better.' I admire her ability to push for so much positive change in our DOM and advocacy behind improving the value for our clinician-teachers. Thank you Gillian!” — Dr. Martina Trinkaus
“Gillian’s efforts and leadership in fostering gender equity in academic medicine is inspiring and courageous. There were many obstacles but she remained steadfast and achieved gender parity in leadership roles, elevating women physician leaders and diversifying the department. The creation of the Culture and Inclusion portfolio is instrumental in this work and provides legitimacy and value to this important area. Additionally, she is a fierce advocate of faculty wellbeing, as well as the broader department. She has made deep lasting impact in her tenure as Chair of the Department and we are grateful for her leadership and mentorship.” — Dr. Christine Soong
"A mentor is someone who sees more talent and ability within you than you see in yourself, and helps bring it out of you." — Bob Proctor
“The journey of an internationally trained physician to pursue a dream of an academic carrier requires resilience and perseverance with effective mentorship. As I reflect back on this journey, I would not be serving as the Vice Chair, Culture and Inclusion in the Department of Medicine without ongoing support and mentorship from Gillian. Her ongoing encouragement, advice and words of wisdom strengthened my confidence in my abilities and skillset as an academic leader. She is an incredible role model and a trailblazer. Her work in gender equity has opened doors for many women in medicine, including myself. Thank you for all you did for our department; it is an honour and privilege for my team and I to continue this important work in the Culture and Inclusion portfolio.” — Dr. Umberin Najeeb
