Dr sheila wijayasinghe biography of christopher

Dr. Can you tell us how you were able to navigate this process for yourself?

(Dr.

People are going to say no if you don’t have experience and that’s ok. When you start a new family, knowing that there are others there to help is incredibly important.  I wanted to work with the Red Door Shelter because they do so much for our community and as a way for those who bought the book to show their support and maybe feel a little more connected during this time when we all feel alone and isolated.

(Pink Tank Group): What was the best outcome of the entire process of writing the book:

(Dr.

Can you tell us more about this?

(Dr. Sheila): I’m a family doc in Toronto and mom to our two busy babes and pup.  I have a general practice with a diverse group of patients at St Michael’s Hospital. There may be lots of no’s before you get that one yes that will open all the next doors in your path.

I’m also the Medical Director of Primary Care Outreach at Women’s College Hospital in Toronto and work to support patients in the community who struggle to access health care. She brings valuable clinical experience to the practice. I actually cold-called CBC when Steven and Chris was on and shared that I was keen and had an interest in sharing health information.  They initially dismissed me because I hadn’t done any media work before but they kept my name on file in case one of their health experts wasn’t available.  By chance, the opportunity came up that they needed someone and I was booked.  It was nerve racking but a great start to sharing health related information to a larger audience.  Soon after this, I was able to connect to the Globe and Mail as they were looking for to create an Ask a Health Expert column.

We decided to donate all the presale proceeds of the book to the Red Door Shelter in Toronto that does work in support families leaving situations of violence and newcomers to offer safe shelter.  We raised over $5,500 and will continue to donate to them with ongoing sales of the book. Sheila is a Jane of all trades. Tell us how your journey got you here?

(Dr.

  I also recently wrote and published my first children’s book Once upon a Pandemic.

(Pink Tank Group): Once Upon A Pandemic has helped so many new moms navigate life during this uncertain time. She has developed skills or a strong interest in areas such as comprehensive primary care within family practice.

I receive several messages a day from people who share how they have felt validated and seen after reading Once Upon a Pandemic.  So many share that they have felt overwhelmed with emotion and grateful to have a physical memento to hold onto to remember this time by.  I am so grateful to hear these messages as this was the goal of the book ~ to honour and offer a symbol of their strength and love. 

 

(Pink Tank Group): So, you self-published your book which is quite the feat!

Most recently she can add Author onto her resume with the launch of Once Upon A Pandemic. She is registered with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) and practices in accordance with the standards set by this regulatory body and the principles of modern family medicine. Keep trying, be persistent and don’t be afraid of people saying no.

 

 

(Pink Tank Group): Not only are you an accomplished doctor but you have become a well known household name with regular features on The Social and a guest contributor to the Globe & Mail. She is fluent in English and also offers consultations in Spanish.