Online Health & Wellness

Navigating the Healthcare System: A Doctor's Guide to Self-Advocacy

Friday, Sept. 18, 2026
12:00pm to 1:00pm

Free
More Information
Organized by: University of Alberta
Sept.
18

Too often, patients feel overwhelmed or dismissed within the healthcare system. Drawing on decades of experience as both a clinician and a patient, Dr. Sheila Wijayasinghe, '00 BSc, '04 MD, co-host of The Doc Talk Podcast and the resident health expert on CTV's The Social, shares practical tools to help people advocate for themselves and their loved ones.

Dr. Sheila Wijayasinghe, '00 BSc, '04 MD, is a nationally recognized family physician, health communicator, and advocate who empowers audiences to navigate healthcare with confidence. With over 20 years of clinical experience and a decade as the resident health expert on CTV's The Social, she translates complex topics — from menopause to equity in care and patient self-advocacy — into actionable insights. As Medical Director of Primary Care Outreach at Women's College Hospital and a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner, she blends evidence with empathy and humour, leaving audiences informed, validated, and ready to own their health journeys.

Wijayasinghe is also a columnist for The Globe and Mail and co-host of The Doc Talk Podcast, where she provides practical, compassionate insights to help Canadians navigate the healthcare system. Her expertise spans women's health, reproductive and sexual medicine, and midlife and menopause care, with a strong emphasis on patient advocacy and system navigation. Through her work at Women's College Hospital, she leads initiatives to expand access for underserved communities, including equity-focused outreach clinics and educational programs.

Beyond medicine, Wijayasinghe is passionate about mentorship, media literacy in health, and bridging the gap between clinical expertise and public understanding. Her work has been recognized with teaching awards, national media features, and leadership roles on advisory boards. Whether on stage, on screen, or in clinic, Wijayasinghe brings authenticity, clarity, and compassion, helping audiences feel both informed and empowered about their health.


Related events

Loading...

Loading events...

Wills Week

Wills Week

Oct. 5 to Oct. 9

Join us for free sessions on wills, estates, executors, taxes, business succession and more—led by experienced local professionals.

Wills & Estates 101
Oct. 5

Wills & Estates 101

Monday, Oct. 5

Starts at 10:00am

Online

If you've been putting off writing a will or aren't sure where to start, this session is for you.

Edmonton Startup Week

Edmonton Startup Week

Oct. 5 to Oct. 9

Edmonton Startup Week isn't just another event—it's the momentum you've been waiting for.

Post-Secondary Startup Showcase
Oct. 5

Post-Secondary Startup Showcase

Monday, Oct. 5

Starts at 11:00am

Enterprise Square

​Join us at Enterprise Square for the Post Secondary Startup Showcase happening right in the heart of downtown during Startup Week.

Wills & Estates 101
Oct. 5

Wills & Estates 101

Monday, Oct. 5

Starts at 1:30pm

Central Lions Seniors Association

If you’ve been putting off writing a will or aren’t sure where to start, this session is for you

Startup & Investor Speed Dinner
Oct. 5

Startup & Investor Speed Dinner

Monday, Oct. 5

Starts at 6:00pm

Enterprise Square

​The University of Alberta is delighted to host an exclusive, invitation-only dinner connecting startups and investors during Edmonton Startup Week.

More events