By Jastine Beatrice Yap
In the early hours of a Toronto morning, Dr. Rajinder Atwal begins her day with a purpose that spans decades of dedication to healthcare, education, and advocacy. Dr. Atwal embodies resilience and leadership as a family physician, medical director, and founder of multiple nonprofit organizations.
As a visible minority and the child of South Asian immigrants in Calgary, she transformed her challenges into a lifelong mission to empower marginalized communities. “I am not defined by my story but empowered by it,” she explains, reflecting on how her experiences shaped her compassionate approach to life and work.
Dr. Atwal brings over 28 years of experience in medical practice and has cared for many patients throughout her career. Her efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, dedication to mentorship programs, and focus on inclusivity reflect her commitment to contributing to the healthcare community in Canada.
Advancing Healthcare through Leadership and Advocacy
Dr. Atwal’s commitment to patient care centers on dignity and empathy. As the medical director of a busy Toronto clinic, she serves a diverse patient population, many immigrants, refugees, and individuals facing systemic inequities. “Many of my patients carry burdens beyond their illnesses, trauma, persecution, and cultural barriers. Healthcare must address these layers of human experience,” she says.
Recognizing the urgent need for accessible care during the pandemic, Dr. Atwal founded Covid 24-7 Canada, a virtual nonprofit offering round-the-clock consultations from infectious disease specialists, emergency physicians, and Covid researchers. Simultaneously, she launched Covid Kids Canada to support children’s mental health, addressing anxieties around isolation, online school, and family conflicts. Dr. Atwal’s influence also extends to medical education.
As a preceptor for aspiring healthcare professionals, examiner, and fellow for the Canadian College of Family Physicians, she actively shapes Canada’s future medical workforce. Her research in antihypertensive medication, asthma, ophthalmology, and HIV reflects a deep commitment to advancing medical knowledge. Her efforts have earned her national recognition, including the Top Doctor Award (2020) and inclusion in the Leading Physicians of the World directory (2016). She recently received the Women in Business Women of the Year Award in Healthcare and Biotech (2023), the Female Achiever Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023, and the Waterfront Award for Science and Technology (2023).
Empowering Women through STEM Mentorship
Beyond healthcare, Dr. Atwal’s leadership changes lives through education and mentorship. As the founder and CEO of Women STEM Mentorship, she has developed comprehensive programs to support women and teenage girls, particularly from underrepresented communities, in pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Her mentorship program has impacted hundreds of mentees from culturally diverse backgrounds and disadvantaged groups.
Through personalized one-on-one mentorship, virtual e-mentoring platforms, and career development frameworks, Dr. Atwal equips women with the tools to excel in robotics, clinical research, microbiology, and software development. “The barriers to STEM are more than structural. They are cultural and begin with confidence,” Dr. Atwal explains.
“Seeing these women step into leadership roles, challenge stereotypes, and succeed in male-dominated fields is the greatest reward.” Her work has earned global recognition, including being named one of the 100 Women Power Leaders of Asian Origin (2023), a 2024 Global Recognition Award, and a national finalist for the Women Empowerment Mentorship 2024 award. She was recognized as one of 200 Global Women Power Leaders in 2024. Her book Breaking Barriers: Women in STEM (2024) amplifies her mission to create a more inclusive future in STEM industries.
Inclusive Leadership for Lasting Change
Dr. Atwal’s inclusive leadership is evident across her nonprofit initiatives. As co-founder and board member of Beyond Boundaries Soccer, she promotes social inclusion by providing free opportunities for children with physical and intellectual disabilities to participate in sports. Whether they rely on wheelchairs or walkers or face communication challenges, every child is welcomed and supported. Her environmental advocacy through Green Teen Generation empowers youth to take on leadership roles in environmental sustainability.
Dr. Atwal inspires future generations to champion climate action by organizing educational workshops, spearheading eco-friendly community projects, and promoting a passion for conservation. “Inclusion is not about being invited to the table. It is about feeling seen, heard, and valued as a leader,” she says. Her commitment to empowering marginalized voices has earned her accolades, including recognition as one of the Top 30 Leaders to Look Out For in 2024 by NYC Journal.
Dr. Atwal was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in 2025 from Cetacea University for her excellent achievements and contributions to society, celebrating her impact through her dedication and accomplishments.
Dr. Atwal’s journey reflects a life dedicated to compassion, empowerment, and action. From her healthcare work to nurturing mentorship programs and inclusive community initiatives, she continues to break barriers and build bridges for those often left behind. “Every child who feels included, every woman who steps into leadership, and every patient who feels heard, that is the legacy I want to leave behind,” Dr. Atwal says. Her story is about overcoming adversity and using those experiences to empower others, as her work offers hope for a more compassionate and inclusive future.
Published by Drake M.
