Biography 

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Dr Jennifer Blake is Chief Executive Officer of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC), which is aleading authority on women’s sexual and reproductive health representing thousands of specialists across the country. She is an experienced physician and respected leader who has facilitated major organizational change in both hospital and academic sectors.

During her 30-year medical career, Dr Blake has held several clinical, academic and leadership roles, including Chief of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Head of Women’s Health at the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Chief of Paediatric Gynaecology at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, and Undergraduate Dean of McMaster University’s medical school. She has also served as professor and associate chair at the University of Toronto, as well as head of paediatric gynaecology for the school. She is presently an Adjunct Professor at the University of Ottawa and the University of Toronto.

Dr Blake brings a national perspective to her work from her experience with the SOGC, the Medical Council of Canada, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, the Association of Academic Professionals in Obstetrics and Gynaecology of Canada, and theCanadian Foundation for Women’s Health. She has an international lens, from her early exposure to global health issues, service as a founding Director of The Canadian Partnership for Womenand Children’s Health, and from her engagement with the SOGC global health projects.

In 2013, Dr Jennifer Blake was awarded a Fellowship Honoris Causa by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (UK). Dr Blake received this prestigious honour for her workas a passionate advocate and trusted spokeswoman on issues relating to women’s health. She is a member of the International Editorial Board of The Global Library of Women’s Medicine (GLOWM) and the Editorial Board of Best Practice & Research: Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology.

Dr Blake was honoured to receive the 2018 Distinguished Service Award for her significant contributions to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and is an Honorary Member of the Canadian Medical Association.

Dr Blake has a Bachelor of Science from the University of Waterloo, and from McMaster University holds a medical degree and a Master’s in health research methodology. In 2011, Dr Blake was identified as one of the top 25 women of influence in Canada.