Drs. Glenda Kaban (MD'97) left, and Dr. Jessica Minion (MD) are recipients of YWCA Regina's Nutrien Women of Distinction Awards. (Photo: Strategy Lab for YWCA Regina)

Regina faculty members honoured as YWCA Women of Distinction

Two College of Medicine faculty received Nutrien Women of Distinction Awards at YWCA Regina’s virtual awards gala on May 29. These awards honour women for their community contributions and leadership.

By AMANDA WORONIUK

Drs. Glenda Kaban (MD’97), an assistant professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine, and Jessica Minion (MD), an assistant professor in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, each received an award for their contributions to leadership and health care.

Both women have taken on leadership roles within their specialty during the pandemic, demonstrating problem solving and leadership during this time of uncertainty.

Kaban was honoured with the award in the Health Care Hero category. She is an emergency room physician, assistant professor, and the Department of Emergency Medicine’s Regina co-lead. Over the past 18 months, she has also been the COVID-19 pandemic lead of emergency for the Regina area in the Saskatchewan Health Authority.

“I’m very humbled to even have received this nomination. It is an honour to be included in such an amazing group of women providing great care and leadership over the past year,” said Kaban of receiving her award.

Using her leadership skills, Kaban has guided the department through the pandemic and helped developed practices for the emergency room team and a provincial protocol for airway management. 

“There were a lot of stressors, challenges and losses over the past 18 months, with many difficult days and nights,” she added. “I truly appreciate that the Regina YWCA found a wonderful way to celebrate the hard work that so many women have done and continue to do in our community.”

Minion was recognized in the pandemic innovator category. She is an assistant professor in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, and the provincial clinic lead at the Roy Romanow Provincial Laboratory.

Minion’s expertise in microbiology assisted Saskatchewan with timely, accurate COVID-19 testing. She used her leadership skills to lead her team through this time of high-volume testing, help with the pandemic preparations, and educate the public on the crucial role of laboratory testing.

View the YWCA Regina 2021 Nutrien Women of Distinction Award recipients