Heather McPherson

Topic: Women lead Women’s Healthcare and Equity

Women’s College Hospital is a world leader in health for women, health equity and health system solutions – a hospital designed to keep people out of hospital. They are developing ground-breaking
innovations that address issues related to population health, patient
experience and system costs. They advocate for health equity because
they know that a healthy society requires a level playing field where everyone has access to timely, high quality, efficient and compassionate care.

Heather McPherson is the President & Chief Executive Officer of Women’s College Hospital (WCH). Heather is a highly recognized healthcare executive with extensive experience in clinical, academic and health system leadership. Prior to her role as President & CEO, she
served as the hospital’s Executive Vice President of Patient Care and Ambulatory Innovation; where she was at the forefront of shaping and executing hospital strategy and operations.
Heather is an innovative leader who has been instrumental in establishing clinical programs and services that close the health gaps for patients – not only at Women’s College hospital but throughout the province. With her unparalleled ability to partner across the healthcare system,
build high-performance teams and foster a culture of excellence, she has created transformative solutions including the operationalization of WCH’s new building, the implementation of an electronic health record and the evolution of the hospital’s ambulatory model of care.
Throughout her career Heather has focused on the evaluation and improvement of the systems of clinical care delivery and redefining what it means to be a patient: engaged, empowered, and
understood.
Heather is a passionate advocate for a multifaceted and comprehensive approach to health.
She is a registered Occupational Therapist and holds a Master of Science in Rehabilitation Science from the University of Toronto. She is also an adjunct lecturer in the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy at the Faculty of Medicine, University of
Toronto.
Outside of her work at WCH, Heather lends her expertise volunteering with several community organizations and has been a key member of several academic committees at the University of Toronto, working towards greater collaboration between disciplines. She also currently serves as the Chair of the Board of Directors of Planned Parenthood Toronto.