Dunne is an advocate for the importance of family.
She describes herself with a saying to the effect that life is a juggling act with glass balls and rubber balls. While the rubber balls, representing non-crucial elements of her life, can be dropped from time to time, the glass balls represent family and children and can’t ever be fumbled.
The quote hits home to many parents struggling with the trials of career and life balance. But there are few people more aware of the hopes and needs of young families than Dunne, one of the leading in vitro specialists in B.C. as well as co-director, partner and physician at the Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine, one of the largest fertility clinics in Western Canada.
Dunne began her studies at McGill University in the honours bachelor of science program before early acceptance to medical school. She graduated in 2008 from the University of Western Ontario with a medical degree and went on to obtain two postgraduate degrees from the University of British Columbia. She is doubly qualified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in obstetrics and gynecology as well as reproductive endocrinology and infertility.
Dunne has published over 23 peer-reviewed papers and textbook chapters and has written more than 20 public education pieces in publications like the Huffington Post, the Globe and Mail and more.
Having a family herself, Dunne is passionate about raising awareness about the sometimes uncomfortable topic of infertility, and about potential solutions to the problem.
“Infertility is a disease – some type of funding is needed to treat the condition,” Dunne said. “Fifteen per cent of couples will struggle with infertility, and presently, beyond the initial consultation, nothing is covered by provincially funded services. That means a lot of people simply cannot afford a family they so badly desire.”
Dunne loves the fast-paced, technology and data-focused element of her industry. She hopes to inspire her daughter and other female students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math sectors.
Birthplace: Toronto
Where you live now: West Vancouver
Highest level of education: Medical doctor (MD) and two postgraduate fellowship designations with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (obstetrics/gynecology, reproductive endocrinology and infertility)
Currently reading: Calypso by David Sedaris
Currently listening to: I saw Kygo at Coachella this year and I have been a fan ever since
When you were a kid, what you wanted to be when you grew up: A doctor – or a professional water-skier
Profession you would most like to try: Residential designer
Toughest business or professional decision: The choices I make every day to have a family and a career
Advice you would give the younger you: Caring for patients comes first, business is secondary. Choose the right team and everything is possible
What’s left to do: (1) Convince the provincial governments of B.C. and Alberta that infertility is a disease and its treatments are worthy of funding. (2) Continue to increase the number of girls who pursue a career in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math)
Join us to celebrate the 2018 Forty under 40 Awards January 24, 2019, at the Vancouver Convention Centre. For tickets and event info visit https://www.biv.com/forty-under-40
