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

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.

From communication strategies to understanding rights and system navigation, this session empowers audiences to move from uncertainty to confidence in their care.

Speaker

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.