I’m also fortunate to have a great team working with me and I value the ways that we collaborate at each practice. Once the kids are asleep, we often dive into a second round of work after 8 pm, catching up on emails and handling administrative tasks that I can’t get to during the day when I’m chairside. The culture is changing around gender roles and how we manage home life and parenting, which is making it possible for women to take on greater responsibilities in their careers and leadership. I am grateful to have been a beneficiary of these shifts and to hold the door open for others. Dr. Sahra Kanji with her husband and sons. Dr. Heather Carr I’m surprised but appreciative when I’m seen as a trailblazer for women in dentistry. I do like breaking down doors and challenging people’s perceptions of what women can accomplish in the dental profession and beyond. I was honoured to serve as the third female president of CDA. It’s important to try new things and work to find solutions. It is not always easy but it is worthwhile. At different stages of my life, I have tried new experiences. From learning to ski at age 40, joining Masters Kayaking, or most recently, starting to golf. It is critical to be open to change and to take time for ourselves, despite busy schedules. At the end of my life, I will never wish I watched another TV show, but I would definitely regret missing time with friends or living my life to the fullest with my partner John. It’s important to not be defined by other people’s opinions of what you can or can’t do. I’ve encountered people who didn’t believe in me at times throughout my life. Luckily, my parents provided positive encouragement for me and my three sisters. They taught us to define success for ourselves. They were excellent role models; my father started his own sheet metal business, and my mother was a community leader who had long career It’s important to not be defined by otherpeople’sopinionsofwhatyou can or can’t do. I’ve encountered people who didn’t believe in me at times throughout my life. 33 Issue 3 | 2024 |
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