Dr. Alexandra Bastiany, Interventional Cardiologist at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, has been awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal.

The award is given to those who have made a significant contribution to Canada or to a particular province, territory, region or community of Canada, or have made an outstanding achievement abroad that brings credit to Canada.

Dr. Bastiany has made history in Canadian medicine by becoming the first black woman to practice as an Interventional Cardiologist. As a role model, she is actively committed to addressing racial and gender inequities in health. She was the inspiration for the doll “Dr. Alex”, a cardiologist in her image, and aims to encourage young girls to believe in their dreams and to consider careers in science. Her exceptional career demonstrates that diversity and inclusion are essential to advancing medicine.

Congratulations Dr. Bastiany, on this incredible achievement, and thank you for your continuing work towards equity in health care.

“To any student from the minority, never tone yourself down. Do not lose sight of who you are. To those of you who ever felt like you had to shrink yourself to survive, spread your wings. Speak up. Stand up.”

Dr. Alexandra Bastiany