Dr. Lori Brotto & Cally Wesson
In this feature of DRVN Stories, we highlight Dr. Lori Brotto, Executive Director of the Women’s Health Research Institute (WHRI), and Cally Wesson, President and CEO of BC Women’s Health Foundation (BCWHF), to discuss the urgent need for advancing women’s healthcare. From funding early-stage research to addressing critical gaps in care, these two leaders are reshaping the landscape of women’s health.
Meet the Leaders Driving Change
Dr. Lori Brotto: A Champion for Women’s Sexual Health
Dr. Lori Brotto is a renowned figure in the field of women's sexual health. As a Professor in the UBC Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, she serves as Canada Research Chair, focusing on developing safe and accessible treatments for prevalent sexual concerns in women. Driven by a commitment to equity, she champions the use of digital health technologies to broaden access to these treatments.
Dr. Brotto also serves as the Executive Director for the Women's Health Research Institute, leading nearly 600 members across British Columbia in advancing research in all aspects of women’s health.
Recognized for her expertise, Dr. Brotto frequently appears in media, radio, and documentaries, including Netflix’s The Principles of Pleasure and CBC Gem’s The Big Sex Talk. She has authored two mindfulness-focused books: Better Sex Through Mindfulness (2018) and The Better Sex Through Mindfulness Workbook (2022). Her 2018 book was named among the New York Times' top 8 sexual health books in 2024, and she received the UBC Public Education Through Media Award in 2023.
Believing in the power of personal stories and lived experiences, Dr. Brotto integrates these perspectives into science and research. As a Registered Psychologist in BC, she continues to work with individuals seeking to enhance their sexual well-being.
Cally Wesson: Leading the Charge in Women’s Health Philanthropy
As the President and CEO of BC Women’s Health Foundation, Cally Wesson has dedicated her career to advancing healthcare initiatives for vulnerable populations. With a passion for building community and driving positive change, she leads her team in securing funding and partnerships to improve women’s and newborn health.
In her first year as CEO, Cally launched BC Women’s Health Research Month and completed the initial phase of the Midlife and Mature Women’s Health campaign, already making a significant impact on women’s health in BC and across Canada.
Previously, as CEO of Variety, The Children’s Charity, she doubled fundraising efforts, addressing critical gaps in children’s healthcare and education. Her initiatives, such as supporting Continuous Glucose Monitors and Private Autism Assessments, showcased her ability to drive impactful change through philanthropy.
Cally’s leadership embodies vision and compassion, ensuring that the next generation of women and newborns receive the care they deserve.
The Mission: Advancing Women’s Health Through Research
Women’s health research has historically been underfunded, with only 7% of national health research funding dedicated to women-specific topics. This staggering gap has left conditions like menopause, maternal health, and reproductive care without the attention they deserve.
Since its founding in 2006, the Women’s Health Research Institute (WHRI) has been at the forefront of changing this reality. What started as a small initiative has now grown to support over 600 researchers across British Columbia, embedding research teams within every program at BC Women’s Hospital.
“We know that doctors and nurses on the front lines have the best ideas because they see where the gaps are,” Dr. Brotto explains. “WHRI was developed to support those ideas, fund research, and ensure that scientific findings don’t just stay buried in medical journals, but reach the people who need them most.”
BC Women’s Health Foundation: A Commitment to Excellence
As BC’s largest non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the full spectrum of women’s and newborn health, BC Women’s Health Foundation ensures that women have equitable access to the highest quality healthcare when, where, and how they need it.
Some of their critical programs include:
BC Women’s NICU Care + Equipment – For the most critically ill and premature newborns, continual improvements in BC Women’s NICU are essential. This includes advanced lifesaving technology and ongoing training for medical staff to provide these babies with the best possible start in life.
Midlife Women’s Health – Women in midlife face new health challenges. This program will combine holistic research and real-time clinical care while featuring a referral clinic to improve treatment options and enhance healthcare experiences.
Mental Health Stabilization Program – High-risk new mothers struggling with mental health challenges will soon have access to Canada’s first Mother and Newborn Mental Health Stabilization Program, offering essential inpatient care and working alongside the Reproductive Mental Health Program for outpatients.
Women’s Research + Innovation – Research is the backbone of groundbreaking treatments and innovative healthcare. With funding from BC Women’s Health Foundation, WHRI is driving health research for women and newborns, ensuring Good Things To Come for future generations.
Make Impact Now: How to Get Involved in Philanthropy
Whether through monthly donations, event participation, or social media advocacy, everyone has a role to play in advancing women’s healthcare. “Even small contributions can lead to groundbreaking discoveries,” says Wesson. “Dr. Gina Ogilvy’s research on self-collection for cervical cancer screening started with a $5,000 grant, and it’s now a national policy.”
For those looking to make an impact, here’s how you can get involved:
Become a Monthly Donor – Even $5 a month helps fund critical research.
Attend Illuminations – Your ticket directly supports WHRI’s early-stage research.
Follow & Share – Help spread awareness by following @bcwomens and @womensresearch on social media.
Participate in Research – Sign up for WHRI studies to contribute to life-changing findings.
The Future of Women’s Healthcare Starts Now
Dr. Brotto and Wesson’s work exemplifies what is possible when research, philanthropy, and advocacy come together. With continued support, BC Women’s Health Foundation and WHRI will keep driving change, ensuring that every woman has access to the healthcare she deserves.
“The more we invest in women’s health today,” Dr. Brotto states, “the more we ensure a healthier future for generations to come.”
