Dr. Rajinder Atwal: Empowering Communities Through Compassionate Care

Rajinder Atwal

Share on :

Facebook
X
LinkedIn
Pinterest
WhatsApp
Email

Overcoming Racism, Advocating for Immigrants, and Revolutionizing Healthcare!

As human beings, we all have unique traits and abilities that make us who we are. However, in a world that often imposes limitations and expectations on individuals, it can be challenging to fully embrace and express our true selves. From societal norms to personal insecurities, there are various factors that can hold us back from reaching our full potential.

Dr. Rajinder Atwal stands tall as a beacon of inspiration, compassion, and dedication. As a multi-award-winning family physician, medical director, CEO, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, she has dedicated her life to improving the healthcare landscape and championing the rights of marginalized communities. Her remarkable journey, fueled by resilience and determination, has transformed countless lives and continues to inspire people around the world.

Growing up in Calgary as the child of South Asian immigrant parents, she experienced firsthand the harsh realities of racism. Instead of allowing these experiences to define her, she harnessed them as fuel to advocate for equity, respect, and dignity. Driven by her unwavering belief in the fundamental rights of every human being, she embarked on a path of service and compassion that would shape her remarkable journey.

Her accomplishments extend far beyond the realm of medicine. She has provided unwavering care to over 130,000 patients, with a particular focus on immigrants, refugees, and marginalized communities. Her dedication to her patients goes beyond routine medical care, as she strives to address the unique challenges they face and advocate for their well-being.

But Dr. Atwal’s impact doesn’t end there. As an entrepreneur and CEO of two non-profit medical organizations, she has revolutionized the healthcare landscape. Her brainchild, COVID 24-7 Canada, is a groundbreaking 24-hour virtual service staffed by physicians, infectious disease specialists, emergency physicians, and COVID researchers. This remarkable initiative has provided critical support and guidance to countless individuals during the global pandemic, ensuring that no one is left behind.

Moreover, Dr. Atwal’s commitment to mental health led her to establish COVID Kids Canada, a transformative organization offering free mental health services to children grappling with the challenges brought about by the COVID pandemic. From anxiety to struggles with online schooling and family conflict, Dr. Atwal’s visionary approach has made a profound difference in the lives of young people, offering them a lifeline during uncertain times.

In addition, her tireless efforts to recruit patients into clinical trials for new COVID medications through the University Health Network have brought hope and the promise of effective treatments for those affected by the virus. Apart from these, she is also an examiner for the Canadian College of Family Physicians licensing exams.

Dr. Atwal is also the founder and CEO of Women STEM Mentorship, a visionary initiative dedicated to empowering and inspiring the next generation of women in STEM fields. With a passion for bridging the gender gap in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, she has spearheaded this organization to provide invaluable mentorship and guidance to young women pursuing their dreams in these disciplines. Through strategic partnerships, personalized mentorship programs, and engaging events, Women STEM Mentorship is driving positive change, fostering diversity, and shaping a more inclusive future in the world of STEM. She is breaking barriers, shattering glass ceilings, and cultivating a community where women thrive and excel in their STEM aspirations.

Embark with us on a fascinating voyage through her motivational odyssey!

An Inside Look

Dr. Atwal serves as a dedicated member of the Board of Directors for Girls Action Foundation, where she plays an active role in guiding and supporting the organization’s mission to empower and uplift young women, fostering their leadership, self-confidence, and personal development.

She is also a Co-founder and a committed member of the Board of Directors for Beyond Boundaries Soccer, an organization dedicated to inclusivity and providing children, youth, and adults with intellectual and/or physical disabilities the chance to engage in soccer without any financial barriers.

Beyond Boundaries Soccer’s programs are thoughtfully designed to cater to a wide range of disabilities, ensuring that individuals who use wheelchairs, walkers, or orthotics or face intellectual, communication (ASD), or developmental challenges have the opportunity to participate fully.

Green Teen Generation:

Through her leadership role as the cofounder of the Green Teen Generation, Dr. Atwal educates and inspires youth to become environmental leaders and advocates. She organizes educational programs, community projects, and sustainability initiatives aimed at raising awareness about environmental issues and promoting eco-friendly practices.

By instilling a sense of environmental responsibility, she empowers youth to make a positive impact on the planet and become agents of change in their communities. The Green Teen Generation’s Plastic Reduction Campaign goals include significant reductions in single-use plastic consumption, establishing plastic-free zones, aiming for reduced waste production, and increased adoption of sustainable practices among youth.

COVID 24-7 Canada:

The main objective was to support public health by delivering precise and current information to those who required it. The service aimed to empower people to make informed decisions about COVID-19 prevention, testing, and management. The 24/7 virtual service ensured that individuals could access healthcare professionals anytime, particularly in urgent situations or when they had pressing concerns about COVID-19. The involvement of physicians, infectious disease specialists, emergency physicians, and COVID researchers ensured that the service provided specialized knowledge and evidence-based guidance. They addressed complex medical inquiries and provided tailored advice.

Along with medical assistance, the service also provided emotional support to individuals dealing with anxiety, fear, or stress caused by the pandemic. Healthcare professionals offered reassurance, addressed concerns, and shared strategies to cope with the emotional impact of COVID-19. By utilizing the expertise of healthcare professionals and researchers, the service aimed to have a positive impact on public health and contribute to the well-being of communities.

COVID Kids Canada:

COVID Kids Canada was created to help children overcome the mental health challenges they faced during the pandemic. The platform provides tailored support and resources to help youngsters cope with anxiety, online schooling, isolation, and family conflict. The initiative recognizes that children have unique emotional, social, and developmental needs that require specialized support during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

The platform offers free mental health services to ensure that children from all backgrounds have access to the guidance, therapeutic interventions, and coping strategies they need. By removing financial barriers, COVID Kids Canada increases accessibility and reaches a wider population of children who may be in distress.

The platform is motivated by the understanding that early intervention and prevention can have a significant impact on children’s long-term well-being. COVID Kids Canada is committed to the well-being of the community and aims to make a positive impact on children and families during these challenging times. By offering free mental health services, the initiative may contribute to the overall mental health of the community and foster a sense of support and resilience.

The Secret to Company’s Success

COVID 24-7 Canada is a non-profit initiative staffed with healthcare professionals, including physicians, infectious disease specialists, emergency physicians, and COVID researchers, that provides round-the-clock virtual assistance to Canadians seeking reliable and up-to-date guidance on COVID-19. The service offers accurate information, medical advice, and emotional support related to COVID-19 symptoms, testing, prevention, and treatment. It also helps in triaging and directing individuals to appropriate healthcare resources based on their needs, combats misinformation and rumors, and supports public health efforts by promoting adherence to guidelines and best practices.

COVID Kids Canada is an initiative focused on providing free mental health services tailored to children who are facing challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The program offers counseling and therapy services that address children’s unique needs and developmental stages, including anxiety, online schooling difficulties, isolation, and family conflict.

COVID Kids Canada provides age-appropriate resources, coping strategies, and support to children and their families and promotes early intervention and prevention of long-term mental health impacts. It collaborates with educators, families, and mental health professionals to create a comprehensive support system for children. The primary objective of COVID Kids Canada is to provide accessible mental health services to children, ensuring they receive the support they need during these challenging times.

Women STEM Mentorship

Women STEM Mentorship is a passionate community dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusivity in the world of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). They believe in the power of mentorship to inspire, guide, and empower the next generation of women in STEM fields. Their primary objective is to bridge the gender gap in STEM by providing mentorship and support to aspiring female scientists, engineers, technologists, and mathematicians. They aim to inspire confidence, foster skill development, build networks, and break barriers.

Women STEM Mentorship was born out of the recognition that women continue to be underrepresented in STEM despite their immense talent and potential. They understand that mentorship is a powerful catalyst for change. Women STEM Mentorship wants to create an environment where women and girls in STEM can find guidance, encouragement, and the resources they need to thrive.

The founder herself is an accomplished woman in STEM and is deeply committed to paying it forward and ensuring that the STEM community becomes more diverse, vibrant, and innovative. She is working towards a future where gender is no longer a barrier to success in STEM and women can contribute their unique perspectives to shaping a better world through science and technology.

Dr. Rajinder is the Winner of the 2023 Waterfront Award for Science and Technology, celebrating the achievements of outstanding women. This award aims to recognize and acknowledge the accomplishments of outstanding women who have achieved significant milestones in their careers. They seek to honor women who have made groundbreaking contributions to their respective fields, demonstrated exceptional leadership, shown active involvement in their communities, and achieved other noteworthy accomplishments.

20 Years of Healing

Dr. Atwal is a primary care physician who has been practicing for 27 years. She offers comprehensive healthcare services to patients of all ages, including preventive care through routine check-ups, vaccinations, and screenings. In addition, she diagnoses and treats a wide range of acute and chronic medical conditions.

She orders diagnostic tests and develops treatment plans that may involve medication, therapy, or referral to specialists. She establishes long-term relationships with her patients and provides ongoing care for their various health concerns. She manages chronic conditions, monitors overall health, and coordinates care with other healthcare professionals, including specialists and nurses.

As an educator, she serves as a preceptor for medical students and is involved with The Canadian Association for Medical Education. She also leads by example and inspires students through her love for learning. Dr. Atwal is an examiner for the Canadian College of Family Physicians licensing exams.

She has conducted research on antihypertensive medication, asthma, ophthalmology, and HIV. She is passionate about research and expanding her knowledge base to raise awareness of new issues. Overall, Dr. Atwal is dedicated to providing patient-centered care and educating future medical professionals.

Dr. Atwal is also a physician supervisor for Remicade clinical infusion trials, which are used to treat inflammation associated with Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Dr. Atwal was a clinical physician supervisor for The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, which involved the oversight and ongoing assessment of other physicians to ensure they were meeting the expected standard of care.

From Inspiration to Healing

As a child in Calgary, Dr. Atwal experienced racism, which reinforced her respect for and empathy toward human dignity. She uses her platform as a physician to advocate for marginalized communities such as new immigrants, refugees, and other groups who have faced persecution due to race, religion, nationality, political opinion, and social groups.

She focuses not only on their medical issues but also on the social, psychological, racial, economic, and cultural issues they face. Becoming a doctor was her way of contributing to the well-being and health of individuals and communities. Her interest in science and the complexity of the human body led her to pursue medicine. Her father, who was a scientist and researcher, influenced her interest in science from a young age.

She values long-term relationships with her patients and provides continuity of care throughout different stages of their lives. She emphasizes preventive care and promotes wellness to educate patients about healthy lifestyles and disease prevention. Serving underserved populations is a driving factor for her in choosing a career as a family physician.

Overall, she is a compassionate physician who uses her platform to advocate for marginalized communities and provide continuity of care to her patients.

A Unique Approach

Dr. Atwal, a healthcare provider, places great importance on understanding and empathizing with her patients, acknowledging their concerns, and creating a supportive environment. Effective communication is crucial in patient care, and Dr. Atwal actively listens to her patients, explains medical information in clear terms, and involves them in decision-making regarding their treatment plans.

To determine an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment options, she conducts a comprehensive assessment that includes a medical history, physical exams, and diagnostic tests. Understanding that each patient is unique, she strives to develop personalized treatment plans that consider their specific needs, preferences, and medical conditions. She recognizes the importance of providing consistent and coordinated care, especially for patients with chronic conditions, and aims to maintain long-term relationships with her patients while offering ongoing support.

The clinic stands out from others in the area by using a collaborative and interdisciplinary care approach. The clinic promotes teamwork and collaboration among healthcare professionals, encouraging interdisciplinary approaches to patient care. This approach leads to comprehensive treatment plans and better coordination among providers, resulting in improved patient outcomes.

Her clinic prioritizes patient satisfaction, engagement, and involvement in decision-making, providing a more personalized and empowering experience. Additionally, the clinic has a proven track record of successful treatments, positive patient outcomes, and a good reputation in the community.

As a physician, Dr. Atwal goes beyond her duties to advocate tirelessly for the well-being and rights of her patients. Most of her patients are new immigrants, refugees, and individuals from marginalized communities. Dr. Atwal recognizes the unique challenges and barriers they face, and she is committed to promoting equitable healthcare access and social justice.

She understands that these communities often encounter systemic barriers that hinder their access to quality healthcare, such as language and cultural barriers, limited resources, and discrimination. In response, she strives to create a safe and inclusive space for her patients where they feel heard, respected, and valued.

Mental Health Advice

Amidst the COVID outbreak, children have encountered unparalleled hurdles and uncertainties that might have affected their mental health and overall well-being. A non-profit organization and healthcare experts led by Dr. Atwal have been instrumental in rendering assistance and counsel to children during this period. Their primary focus has been on catering to the particular requirements of children and aiding them in coping with the challenges they may come across.

Some common strategies and advice for supporting children’s mental health during the pandemic are:

  • Encouraging open and honest conversations with children about their feelings and concerns. Validating their emotions and letting them know it’s normal to feel a range of emotions during this time.
  • Maintaining a sense of structure and routine can help provide stability and a sense of control for children. This can include regular bedtimes, mealtimes, and dedicated study/playtime.
  • Encouraging healthy habits such as regular exercise, proper nutrition, and adequate sleep. Physical activity can help reduce stress and improve mood.
  • Constant exposure to news and social media can be overwhelming for children. It’s important to limit their exposure to distressing information and provide age-appropriate explanations when discussing current events.
  • Supporting children in maintaining social connections with friends and family through safe means, such as online platforms or outdoor activities, while following health guidelines.
  • Providing children with age-appropriate coping strategies, such as deep breathing exercises, journaling, or engaging in creative activities, can help them manage stress and anxiety.
  • If a child’s mental health concerns persist or significantly impact their daily functioning, it’s important to involve a mental health professional who can provide appropriate support and guidance.

“Individual children are unique, and their experiences and needs differ. Therefore, it’s crucial to provide personalized advice and support based on their age, developmental stage, and personal circumstances,” she advises.

Raving Awards

In 2024, Dr. Rajinder was honored with the recognition of being one of the Top 30 Women Leaders to Look Out for in 2024 by the NYC Journal. In addition to these achievements, Dr. Rajinder’s career trajectory has been stunning.

She has been awarded the Women in Business Female Achiever Lifetime Achievement Award 2023, Women in Business Woman of the Year for Healthcare, Medical and Biotechnology Award 2023, Top 100 Women Power Leaders of Asian Origin 2023, and Finalist Women of Influence Success Magazine 2023.

She has also received several other prestigious awards, including Leading Physician of the World Directory 2016—including the Doctors Choice Awards, 2020 for Top Family Practitioner of the Month, received the Best Medical Student Dictator award, was honored with the University of Calgary Undergraduate Merit Award three times, and was named to the Louise McKinney Scholarship, Herald Newspaper Centennial Bursary, Higher Education Award, Alberta Cultural Linguistic Prize of Excellence for Performance in French, Canada Scholarship Award, and Teagle Foundation Scholarship.

She was also nominated for many awards including: Women’s Executive Network (WXN) Top 100 for 2023, Medical Post Award 2023, Women Helping Empower Women 2023, and Women Empowerment Leadership Award 2023, Women of Inspiration Award in 2020.

Testimonials:

January 24, 2021

Truly one of a kind. There are not enough superlatives for this wonderful doctor. Knowledge, empathy, compassion, and humor—she has it all.

5 Star Review

5 Staff 5 Punctuality 5 Helpfulness 5 Knowledge

February 1, 2021

Dr. Atwal is a great and experienced physician who genuinely cares about her patients and their well-being. She always listens to all of my concerns. I never feel rushed through an appointment. Just a lovely person and professional. I would give her 10 out of 5 stars if I could!

5 Star Review

Related Articles: