Dr. Flordeliz Osler

Dr. Flordeliz “Gigi” Osler is an Otolaryngology-Head and Neck surgeon, an assistant professor at the University of Manitoba, and a dedicated advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion. Born in Winnipeg to immigrant parents from the Philippines and India, her mother encouraged her strength and independence, while her father inspired her to become a physician. She launched her career in Winnipeg in 1998 as a surgeon, wife, and mother.

It was as the 2018-19 Canadian Medical Association (CMA) President, that she had a profound impact on the profession, influenced medical women across Canada, and led the development of the CMA’s first ever policy on equity and diversity. She has also held leadership roles with the Canadian Medical Forum, the Federation of Medical Women of Canada, the Canadian Society of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and the International Federation of ORL Societies.

Dr. Osler is the recipient of numerous honours and awards, including the University of Manitoba Distinguished Alumni Award, the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada May Cohen Equity, Diversity and Gender Award, and has been named to WXN Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women List and the Medical Post’s Power List.

“It was after I was elected President of the Canadian Medical Association, as the first female surgeon and the first woman of colour, that I truly understood the power of representation and the importance of role modelling. In the words of Marian Wright Edelman, ‘You can’t be what you can’t see’.”