Not that long ago, even mentioning women's health could make a room go quiet—or cue a few eye rolls. But thanks to trailblazers like Dr. Nan Schuurmans, that's no longer the case.

With more than 40 years of experience as a clinician, educator, and leader, Nan has spent her career at the forefront of change. From helping establish one of Canada's first comprehensive menopause and midlife health clinics to serving as President of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, she has worked tirelessly to make women's health not just a specialty—but a priority.

Now, as Associate Medical Director at Effica Health, Nan brings her wisdom and perspective to a new chapter in care: one that centers clarity, compassion, and evidence-based support for every woman in midlife.

We sat down with Nan to talk about how far women's health has come, what still needs to change, and the hope she feels for the future.

Q You've been advocating for women's health for decades. What was it like early in your career when even bringing up menopause or sexual health could make people uncomfortable?

A Early in my career, menopause just wasn't mentioned. We weren't taught anything about it in residency—very minimal—even though we studied endocrinology and hormone metabolism in depth. When I started practising in Edmonton, many women came in with vague complaints. At the time, OB-GYNs focused on delivering babies and managing gynecologic problems, and menopause wasn't considered one of them. As surgeons, we often booked surgeries when we thought that was the answer—which it sometimes is, but not for menopause. I saw patients who'd been on hormones for years, often Premarin alone, usually after hysterectomy, because gynecologists tended to remove everything—"when in doubt, take it out." Many of these women didn't have family doctors; their gynecologist was their doctor. I tried to discharge some so they could receive broader medical care, but new patients kept coming in with similar concerns. Eventually, I gathered some nurses and family doctors to form the Women's Wellness Committee, which evolved into the Menopause Clinic. There wasn't really anywhere else for women to go, and few recognized that this cluster of symptoms was menopause. It wasn't taboo—it was just largely unknown.

Q You played a key role in creating the Mature Women's Health and Menopause Clinics in Edmonton, something few regions had at the time. What inspired you to take on that challenge and what impact have you seen from those programs?

A The Menopause Clinic really evolved out of that earlier group of interested people who wanted to help patients whose problems weren't well handled in a fee-for-service system. Those patients needed time to sort through their concerns. Around that time, the government was exploring new physician payment plans, and I applied for one of the first Alternate Relationship Plans (ARPs)—a model that paid physicians for their time rather than per visit. That made all the difference. We came up with the idea of a Menopause Clinic through that ARP. It took about two years to get the proposal through government, but we secured funding for staff—nurses, a pharmacist, and a health educator. The clinic started within the hospital's outpatient program. We didn't advertise, but the demand was immediate. Patients began asking their doctors for referrals. Some family physicians were skeptical, even dismissive, saying they didn't "believe in" what we were doing. Others were hesitant to prescribe hormones at all. For a while, we accepted self-referrals just to meet the need. Eventually, it became well known, and the model proved itself. The program later expanded to include clinics for pelvic and sexual pain and for vulvar dermatology. The original clinic still operates at the Grey Nuns as the Women's Wellness and Menopause Clinic.

Q You've described women's health as an area that was long under-recognized and undervalued. What helped shift that conversation, and what still holds it back today?

A Over time, a few things shifted. When I began, I was one of only a few female OB-GYNs in Edmonton—now almost all are women. That naturally changed priorities. Then came the big studies: some supportive, some cautionary. The media picked up on them, and later, movements like #MeToo raised broader awareness of women's issues. Pharmaceutical companies also played a role—they saw opportunity, yes, but they also drove research. That's not inherently bad; they've developed many drugs that keep people alive. What still holds women's health back today is funding and access. The menopause-clinic model is excellent because it's holistic—we look at the whole person, their background, their needs. But that takes time and multidisciplinary staff. It's not cheap. There's little funding for it, and as a result, our waiting list can reach 900 people. Healthcare budgets are stretched thin, so models that require more time and coordination are often the first to be cut.

Q In your leadership roles—from Alberta Health Services to the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada—you've shaped programs that have touched women's lives across the country. What accomplishments stand out most to you personally?

A I'm very proud to have served as President of the SOGC. It's a remarkable organization, and I had the opportunity to guide its strategic plan—emphasizing women's health in a holistic sense, not just as gynecologic problems. We're more than our organs and what can go wrong with them. That perspective also influenced the society's approach to menopause and contraception. When I finished my term, I received a standing ovation from my colleagues—that was an incredible moment. Within Capital Health, Alberta Health Services, and Covenant Health, I've held many leadership positions over the years. That work often goes unrecognized, but it's important—advocating for women's health within the healthcare system itself. I also received REACH Awards for innovation and teamwork, which meant a lot. The innovation recognition came from starting programs like the Menopause Clinic. And on a personal note, I'm proud that I balanced my career with raising three children. My mother reminded me early on that I was happiest doing obstetrics and gynecology—and she was right!

Q As a physician and educator, you've mentored countless clinicians. What do you hope the next generation of women's health providers will carry forward from your work?

A At our clinic, OB-GYNs and family doctors teach residents, but our pharmacist and health educator—who's a dietitian—do a lot of the teaching too. The residents who come through love the model. They see that it works. Unfortunately, menopause still takes up only a small part of medical training, and obstetrics remains all-consuming. But women today are more informed and willing to speak up, which helps. I hope the next generation learns that multidisciplinary, patient-centered care works—and keeps pushing to make it the norm.

Q You're now helping shape Effica's approach to midlife and menopause care. What excites you most about this new era of women's health, and what kind of change do you believe is still possible?

A Effica's model is similar to what we do in clinic—comprehensive assessment, symptom tracking, education, and individualized solutions—but delivered online. That means we can reach far more people. It helps guide patients to the right care without taking time away from their physicians. It's not just about hormones. Lifestyle changes—diet, exercise, sleep—are incredibly important, and people are more motivated when they understand why these things matter for them. Effica can personalize care, offer education, and even generate a profile patients can take to their doctor. That saves time and promotes informed, evidence-based decisions. That's why I joined Effica—it's science-based, practical, and much needed. Over time, I hope it becomes accessible to more people, including those who can't afford private care. Expanding access and equity is a huge part of the mission. I'm also excited to see how Effica integrates with the public system. The public model is under enormous pressure; it can't meet all needs alone. Effica doesn't replace it—it complements it. If we can align private and public approaches, we'll help far more women. And beyond menopause, this model could support areas like sexual health that deserve more attention.