Now in its ninth year,  the Canadian Women in Medicine (CWIM) Conference has become a cornerstone event for thousands of women+ physicians across the country and beyond. In 2026, we’re excited to once again offer a hybrid experience with both in-person and virtual options, continuing the momentum that brought together over 1,500 women physicians in 2025. 

The Canadian Women in Medicine (CWIM) Conference was founded in 2018. Its purpose was to bring women physicians together to learn and connect, as well as to improve their personal and professional wellness in a fun and supportive environment. The event also served to honour the life of our colleague and friend, Dr. Elana Fric, by raising funds for her children, as well as charities supporting women struggling with Intimate Partner Violence (IPV).

What started as a one-time event quickly evolved into something much more.  It was clear that women physicians needed each others' support more than ever. The Canadian Women in Medicine (CWIM) Organization was founded, a not-for-profit national membership organization with a mission to connect and support women physicians in all aspects of their lives. The CWIM Organization serves to provide additional support to its members, known as CWIM Partners, throughout the year by way of elevating & celebrating each other and through advocacy & social connection.  The conference, now organized by CWIM Gather, continues to support CWIM Organization partners by providing early access and discounted registration, a forum for mentorship & networking, and the presentation of the annual CWIM Inspiring Woman Physician Awards.

More than just a conference, CWIM has become the largest gathering of women physicians in North America, delivering high-impact education and meaningful connections on topics aligned with the CWIM mission to help women physicians thrive in both their personal and professional lives.  And each year, we renew our commitment to honouring Dr. Fric and all women affected by IPV by continuing to raise awareness and funds in their name.

At the conclusion of this learning activity,  participants will be able to:

• Integrate evidence-based strategies for physician wellbeing, nervous system regulation, creativity, and sustainable self-care to mitigate burnout, enhance resilience, and support long-term professional fulfillment in medical practice. (CanMEDS–FM: Professional 6.1, Scholar 4.1, Leader 1.3)
• Apply trauma-informed, psychologically safe, and emotionally attuned approaches to clinical care, workplace interactions, and family systems, recognizing the reciprocal impact of physician wellbeing on patient and team outcomes. (CanMEDS–FM: Communicator 2.1, Professional 6.3, Health Advocate 5.1)
• Strengthen communication skills grounded in humility, empathy, boundary-setting, and inclusive listening to enhance therapeutic alliances, navigate misinformation, manage conflict, and foster trust with patients, families, and colleagues. (CanMEDS–FM: Communicator 2.1, Collaborator 3.1, Professional 6.2)
• Evaluate how environmental, digital, relational, and organizational systems influence physician performance and wellbeing, and implement practical strategies to optimize these systems for balance, efficiency, and psychological safety. (CanMEDS–FM: Leader 1.2, Leader 1.3, Professional 6.1)
• Recognize and address systemic and cultural challenges affecting women physicians, including Tall Poppy Syndrome, inequitable expectations, invisible labour, and misaligned definitions of success, and identify strategies that promote inclusive, psychologically safe medical cultures. (CanMEDS–FM: Health Advocate 5.2, Leader 1.1, Professional 6.2)
• Apply evidence-informed approaches to supporting patients and families beyond biomedical care, including nutrition, family dynamics, emotional regulation, and behaviour change, with attention to psychosocial and relational determinants of health. (CanMEDS–FM: Family Medicine Expert Core Principle 1, Communicator 2.1, Health Advocate 5.1)
• Develop intentional self-leadership and values-based decision-making skills to align daily actions with long-term purpose, legacy, and sustainable definitions of success in medicine and life.(CanMEDS–FM: Leader 1.1, Professional 6.1, Scholar 4.2)

CWIM Gather is pleased to support the following charities for CWIM Conference 2026.