International Women's Day Campaign Feature: Caitlin Cahill & Grace Ma, Colorectal Surgeons
This International Women’s Day, we are celebrating two extraordinary women who are breaking barriers in medicine. Meet Dr. Grace Ma and Dr. Caitlin Cahill, two strong, independent, and highly effective colorectal surgeons at Health Sciences North.
As female surgeons in a traditionally male-dominated specialty, Dr. Ma and Dr. Cahill are reshaping the landscape of colorectal surgery in northeastern Ontario. Dr. Ma, a respected leader in both HSN and the Ontario Medical Association, has been an inspiring mentor to Dr. Cahill since she moved to Sudbury in 2021. Now, both women are mentoring the next generation of surgeons, teaching at NOSM, and helping to shape the future of medical education—where female surgery residents now outnumber men!
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced throughout your career, and how did you overcome them?
Caitlin: As cliché as it may sound, one of the biggest challenges in my career has been finding harmony between my professional and personal life. My work encompasses a busy surgical practice, a role in academics and education at NOSM, as well as clinical and academic research. On the home front, I have a husband (also a surgeon!) and two kids! While I don’t believe in the concept of 'work-life balance,' I’ve come to realize that it’s more about dedicating my attention to different aspects of my life at different times: work-life synergy. This understanding, coupled with the support of my incredible family and colleagues, has made my life possible.
Grace: Some of the biggest challenges that I have faced in my career are unique to my person. I come from a quiet and reserved culture and wanted to be the leader of a surgical team in the role of primary surgeon. This required commitment and sacrifice personally and professionally. I was able to achieve my goals by identifying strong mentors in my profession and, through humility, by learning early to get back up and carry on despite some difficult lessons.
Can you share a defining moment in your career that solidified your passion for your position?
Cailtin: There wasn’t one specific defining moment, but I truly credit the mentors in my life for inspiring me to become a General Surgeon and eventually a Colorectal Surgeon. I've been fortunate to have some incredible role models along the way.
Grace: When I was in medical school in London, ON I did a 2 week elective with the Thoracic Surgery team there. The surgeons were inspirational, the team was so collegial and impactful that I felt I could thrive in that type of environment and setting. I have come a long way since then with (obviously) some modifications to the original plan but overall not too far off. If I were to choose a single defining moment, it would be during that medical student elective when I was scrubbed into a thoracotomy and lobectomy (lung resection for cancer) and realized I would love the opportunity to do something this impactful every day for the rest of my career.
What qualities do you believe make women particularly strong leaders in high-pressure fields like yours?
Caitlin: Humility, thoughtfulness, and expert multi-tasking.
Grace: It has taken me over a decade to learn how to communicate effectively as a strong leader and I continue to develop this fundamental skill. There are so many voices that will try to overpower or speak over you. Learning to stand up, speak firmly, and to expect that you will enact change (either in a small or big way) are essential skills. True leadership is not just about being heard, but about making a meaningful impact.
If you could go back in time and give advice to your younger self at the start of your career, what would you say?
Caitlin: Slow down, stop trying to do it all at once, and focus on enjoying the journey instead of just chasing the finish line!
Grace: Be generous to others but also to yourself. Celebrate the small wins, value self, and ensure you invest in the one thing that will always be there (You!).
Looking to hear more from these talented surgeons? Caitlin will be speaking at Northern MedTalks 2025 in April talking about colorectal awareness: https://www.sciencenorth.ca/adults#medtalks