The following information was curated by: Dr. Halley Staples (bio), DEIA Committee.
Alexa Irene Canady, MD (1950 – present)
Alexa Irene Canady was born in Michigan in 1950, where she ultimately attended University of Michigan and received a B.S. in zoology. Prior to her graduation, Canady nearly dropped out due to lack of self-confidence, however, the summer after her junior year (1971), she fell in love with Medicine in Dr. Bloom’s genetics lab.
Canady attended medical school at the University of Michigan, where she graduated cum laude. She subsequently completed a surgical internship at Yale, where, while caring for a patient on one of the wards, she was told, “Oh, you must be our new equal-opportunity package.” Dr. Canady completed her pediatric neurosurgery residency at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, where she was voted one of the top residents within the institution.
She became the Chief of Neurosurgery at the Children’s Hospital of Michigan in 1987 and remained so until her retirement in 2001. During her career, she received numerous awards, including the Children’s Hospital of Michigan’s Teacher of the Year Award (1984) and the Americal Medical Women’s Association President’s Award (1993).
Dr. Canady is an amazing example of resilience and grit, despite the many obstacles she faced throughout her career. She continues to share her story and influence young historically marginalized communities to become the future of science and medicine.
What’s Happening in St. Louis: The Future of Black Women in STEM
Dr. Sheretta Butler-Barnes and the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis reimagined what it looks like to be a young Black woman interested in STEM. Historically, Black women are largely underrepresented in STEM careers. For the past six years, WashU and Butler-Barnes have partnered with Girls Inc. Eureka! Program and the Institute for School Partnership to increase representation. Each year, they hold a six-week summer research program for Black high school girls in STEM. The program’s curriculum helps participants to cultivate critical thinking skills, including creating both qualitative and quantitative research questions and creating poster presentations.
What part will you play in diversifying the medical field?
BMHW: Community Baby Shower
More details are coming soon!
When: April 13 – 1:30 – 4:00 pm (Following St. Louis Integrated Health Network and Black Nurses Association’s inaugural Centering Joy… Conference at Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing)
Location: BJC @ The Commons (indoor event with outdoor space available, weather permitting)
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BMHW Event: Adolescent Pregnancy and Reproductive Justice
When: April 17 6:30-8pm
Where: EPNEC
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Bria Peacock, Founder, SIHLE (Sisters, Informing, Healing, Living, Empowering) community organization in Augusta, GA
We will learn about how adolescent pregnancy has not traditionally been approached from a reproductive justice framework and how this can have implications for maternal health.
Following the presentation, please join us for a community discussion with a panel including a digital story from one of her community partners, along with representation from our Teen clinic and other community organizations.
Supplier Diversity Lunch & Learn
February 29, 12 – 1 p.m., Umrath Lounge
Join us to learn about WashU’s Supplier Diversity Department and gain tools for effective collaboration with diverse suppliers. Enjoy a boxed lunch from local Elle 7 catering during the event. The first 30 registrants will receive a special gift at check-in. RSVP now.
Save the date: Woman and Diverse Owned Business Marketplace
Experience Women’s History Month with a vibrant marketplace showcasing local diverse-owned St. Louis businesses, brought to you by the Department of Supplier Diversity and the Office of Institutional Equity:
Danforth Campus | March 5, 2024
Risa Commons | RSVP here.
School of Medicine Campus | March 6, 2024
Eric P. Newman Education Center | RSVP here.