Trailblazing Women in Rural Medicine
Trailblazing Women in Rural Medicine aims to highlight and celebrate women’s remarkable achievements and unique experiences in rural healthcare. Through a series of enlightening interviews, we’re proud to showcase the voices of inspiring women who are making a meaningful impact in rural communities in Canada.
Featured Story
Dr. Jill Konkin
(in memoriam, 1949–2025)
Dr. Jill Konkin was a professor in the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Alberta, dedicated to rural medical education and health equity. Growing up in rural Saskatchewan shaped her lifelong commitment to social justice. She developed a rural longitudinal integrated clerkship program and championed community engagement in medical education, preparing students to serve underserved and Indigenous populations.
Dr. Trina Larsen Soles
Dr. Trina Larsen Soles is a rural generalist physician who has served Golden, BC, since 1987. She has been a leader in advocacy, negotiations, policy development, and medical politics. A past President of both the SRPC and Doctors of BC, she has received numerous awards recognizing her mentorship and physician leadership.
Dr. Darlene Kitty
Dr. Darlene Kitty, a Cree family physician, has practiced in Chisasibi, northern Quebec, since 2006. She directs the Indigenous Program at the University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine, supporting and recruiting Indigenous students. As Chair of the CFPC Indigenous Health Committee, she advances Indigenous health nationally, addressing social issues, anti-racism, and cultural safety in the spirit of reconciliation.
Dr. Leslie Rourke
Professor emerita at Memorial University, she is an innovative leader in family medicine (FM), pioneering evidence-based pediatric preventive care through the renowned Rourke Baby Record. Her career includes 25 years of rural FM in Goderich, ON, and 10 years of academic FM in St. John’s, NL. Together with Dr. James Rourke, she received the 2017 WONCA 5-Star Doctor Award for North America.
Dr. Mary Johnston
A founding member of the SRPC, Dr. Johnston practiced in NB, Maine, and BC for over 30 years, delivering more than 1,500 babies and advancing women’s health. She co-founded the BC Rural Conference and expanded it nationally, introducing childcare and high school outreach programs. A leader in rural CPD, she has mentored students and residents since 1975 and remains deeply engaged in rural medical education.
