Vanessa Poliquin, MD, MSc, FRCSC

Dr. Vanessa Poliquin is a renowned clinician-scientist and an associate professor in obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences at the Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Born and raised in Toronto, she pursued her passion for medicine by attending medical school at the University of Western Ontario and later completing her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Manitoba.

With a drive to advance her knowledge and expertise in the field, Dr. Poliquin undertook a clinical fellowship in reproductive infectious diseases, which involved training at institutions across Winnipeg, Vancouver, and Toronto. She then went on to receive her master’s degree in epidemiology from the prestigious London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

At the forefront of her field, Dr. Poliquin is the department head of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences and the co-chair of the Society of Gynecologists of Canada’s infectious diseases committee. Additionally, she is a research scientist at the Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba (CHRIM).

Her work focuses on the vaginal mucosal system, and how the vaginal microbiome and the vaginal immune system interact to affect various vaginal pathologies, including recurrent bacterial vaginosis, candidiasis, and human papilloma virus. She leads the research efforts of the THRIVE Study Group, a study of host-bacterial relationships and immune function in different vaginal environments.

Dr. Poliquin’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. She has received numerous awards, including the National Faculty Award for Excellence in Resident Education and the prestigious CMA Early Career Young Leaders Award in 2020. Throughout her career, Dr. Poliquin has been dedicated to advancing the field of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences, and continues to inspire others through her research and mentorship.