March 10, 2026
Medical Director – St.Amant, Health & Transition Services
Marcel Fisette, Manager of Communications at St.Amant, sat down with Dr. Ashleigh Sprange, Medical Director at St.Amant, to reflect on Canadian Women Physicians Day, observed on March 11. Coming just days after International Women’s Day, this recognition offers an opportunity to celebrate the leadership, dedication, and impact of women in medicine.
At St.Amant, women physicians play an important role in supporting the health and well-being of people with developmental disabilities and complex medical needs. Through their clinical expertise, advocacy, and person-centred approach to care, they help ensure the people we support can live full and meaningful lives.
In this conversation, Dr. Sprange shares more about her path to medicine, the importance of integrated medical leadership within St.Amant’s programs, and what Canadian Women Physicians Day means to her as a woman working in healthcare.
Marcel Fisette: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what led you to your role as Medical Director at St.Amant?
Dr. Ashleigh Sprange: I have been working as a physician for close to 10 years. Prior to that, I worked as an athletic therapist. It was the meaningful interactions I saw between the doctors I worked with and their patients that led me to pursue a career in medicine. I have always found the human body and how it works fascinating.
I trained as a family doctor and later specialized in palliative medicine. When I moved back to Manitoba after completing my training, a colleague at St.Amant was looking to share his clinic load and suggested that I look into working here. Shortly after starting my clinical work at St.Amant, I learned the organization would be looking for a new Medical Director. I had not held a medical leadership role before, but St.Amant felt like a very supportive environment, so I decided to take on the challenge. I have really enjoyed the experience and growth that has come with being in this role.
Outside of St.Amant, I also work as a consultant physician with the WRHA Palliative Care Program and serve as the Site Medical Lead for the palliative unit at Riverview Health Centre. I am also a Pain and Symptom Physician at CancerCare Manitoba, and I oversee the care of individuals living at the Brummitt-Feasby ASL House.
Outside of my professional work, I am very much a family person. I am married to my wonderful husband, Andrew, and we have a six-year-old son and a three-year-old daughter. We try to spend as much time together as possible, supporting each other in all our activities and adventures. We enjoy spending time together on holidays and at our family cottage. I try to stay active by going to the gym regularly and have recently become more involved in training for triathlons and open water swimming. I love what I do for work, but my family is what brings me the greatest joy.
MF: How does your medical background influence the way St.Amant programs support the health and well-being of the people we support?
AS: The people we support often have complex medical histories and may have several medical specialists involved in their care. Ensuring their health needs are addressed in an efficient and convenient way helps them fully participate in and enjoy the programs and activities available through St.Amant.
MF: In your experience, how does having a Medical Director embedded in our programs strengthen service delivery and person-centred care?
AS: Having a Medical Director involved allows each person’s medical needs to be considered when programs are being planned. It helps ensure that programs can be individualized to best meet the needs of each person we support. It also allows for medical advocacy, helping ensure that a person-centred approach always remains a priority.
MF: As we recognize Canadian Women Physicians Day, what does this day represent to you as a woman in medicine?
AS: Canadian Women Physicians Day is an opportunity to recognize the many wonderful women physicians who contribute to the health of Canadians. It is also a chance to continue advocating for equality for women in medicine.
Women now make up just under 50 percent of the physician workforce in Canada, and those numbers are growing. Since 2019, women have made up more than half of medical students. However, women physicians still face challenges, including an income gap, lower representation in medical leadership roles, and, unfortunately, gender-based discrimination in the workplace. Canadian Women Physicians Day is a time to celebrate the important contributions women physicians make while continuing to advocate for meaningful change.
MF: What advice would you share with women considering a career in medicine, particularly those interested in working in community-based or developmental disability support services?
AS: Go for it. I never pictured myself in a career in medicine when I was younger, and if my childhood self could see me now, I think they would be pretty proud.
Find people who believe in you and support you, because they will help you through the tougher times. There are many mentorship groups, including a strong network of women physicians in Manitoba and across the country who are eager to support others pursuing a career in medicine.
At St.Amant and within the disability community, there are many strong women in leadership and medical roles. It has been a wonderful and supportive environment for me to grow both as a physician and as a medical leader.
MF: Thank you so much for your time today!
AS: You’re very welcome!
