Four UBC faculty members are nominees in the 1998 Vancouver YWCA Women of Distinction
awards.
Nominees in the Health and Wellness category include reproductive psychiatrist
Shaila Misri and clinical psychologist Leora Kuttner.
Misri, a professor of Psychiatry, works in the areas of prenatal and postpartum
adjustment and depression. In 1983/84, she founded the Reproductive Psychiatry
Program at British Columbia’s Women’s Hospital and Health Centre. She co-directs
this program and directs a similar clinic at St. Paul’s Hospital.
Kuttner, a clinical associate professor in the Pediatrics Dept., is recognized
for her work in pain relief for children. She has developed and implemented
pain management programs at B.C.’s Children’s Hospital and Canuck Place, a hospice
for children with life-threatening illnesses. She has also produced the documentary
film, “No Fears, No Tears: Children with Cancer Coping with Pain.”
Asst. Prof. Bonnie Craig, director of UBC’s Dental Hygiene degree program,
is nominated in the Education, Training and Development category. Craig was
instrumental in creating a baccalaureate program in dental hygiene, one of only
two in Canada. UBC’s program incorporates part-time and distance study, allowing
women or men holding a diploma to obtain a degree without forsaking family commitments.
Nominated in the Science and Technology category is Pathology professor Dr.
Gillian Lockitch. An expert in the complex biochemistry of children and pregnant
women, Lockitch promoted the province-wide use of a blood test that reduces
referrals for amniocentesis.
UBC is sponsoring the Voluntary, Community and Humanitarian Service category
for the ninth year. These awards recognize women who have made outstanding contributions
to the community through professional or volunteer work.
This year’s nominees include disabilities advocate Anita Dadson; Judy Gifford,
president of Make-A-Wish Foundation International; advocate and retired doctor
Dorothy Goresky; Christine McDowell, a volunteer focused on eliminating violence
against women; Phyllis Mittlestead, a volunteer abuse- prevention educator;
Lori Sheppard, founder of Public Awareness Without Sight (PAWS), a company providing
businesses with disability awareness training; and Naomi Yamamoto, chair of
the B.C. Chamber of Commerce and volunteer in a wide range of community activities.
The awards dinner takes place May 21 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Tickets may
be obtained by calling (604) 280-2801.
