Innovation Meets Leadership: McMaster and Cisco Spotlight Women’s Health and Technology

McMaster University, in partnership with Cisco, recently hosted a dynamic webinar spotlighting women’s leadership, innovation and health. The event brought together clinicians, technologists and executives to explore how technology can break down barriers and enable transformative work in women’s health. 

McMaster’s Associate Vice-President and Chief Technology Officer, Gayleen Gray, provided opening remarks and reflected on event’s purpose: “We wanted to create a space for meaningful conversation and the exchange of insights drawn from shared experiences.” 

Dr. Esther Chin, OBGYN, assistant professor and global health lead in McMaster’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, gave a keynote on her groundbreaking innovation, STITCH — a realistic, portable uterus simulator designed to train practitioners in life-saving surgeries for postpartum hemorrhage.  

Already in use by 170 practitioners worldwide, STITCH is projected to impact over 21,000 lives this year alone. But Chin’s work doesn’t stop there.  

“My work targets the broader sweeping changes locally and globally that must occur for women and vulnerable populations not just to survive, but thrive, in all settings and through all seasons of life,” said Chin.   

Following the keynote, a fireside chat featured women leaders in technology, including Tracy Dallaire, Director of Information Security and Client Services at McMaster University, Angela Tibando (Ontario Health), and Julie Hans (Cisco), moderated by Erin Smirle (Cisco). The panel explored how technology can enable better outcomes in women’s health and shared personal reflections on navigating careers in male-dominated industries. 

“In higher education, technology is about enabling researchers like Dr. Chin to do their work,” said Dallaire. “Our role is to reduce barriers and friction so clinicians can focus on science and patient care.”  

Watch the full recording and learn more about how McMaster and Cisco are driving change in women’s health and technology.