Dr. Farah Shroff is a Harvard-educated Canadian public health leader and the visionary founder of Health Together (formerly known as Maternal and Infant Health Canada). Through her work, she has tackled critical challenges affecting young ones, the environment and those who identify as women. Health Together is a global public health organization dedicated to improving the well-being of women, young ones and the environment through innovative programs, research, education and advocacy. Under Dr. Shroff’s guidance, the organization has made remarkable strides in addressing public health, environmental health, gendered wellbeing and integrative wellbeing.
In 2021-2022, Harvard TH Chan awarded Dr Shroff a mid-career fellowship in International Health, recognizing her leadership in the field of global public health. She continues to work at Harvard in a variety of research, teaching and leadership roles.
Dr. Shroff’s work is characterized by her nuanced, intersectional approach to gender equity, informed by considerations of race, class, and gender. She is deeply committed to advancing the well-being of Black, Indigenous, and Women of Color (BIWOC) and has devoted her career to empowering these communities through education, activism, policy, and innovative health initiatives.
Recognition and Awards
Dr. Shroff has received numerous accolades for her impactful contributions, including:
- The Gender Equity Award from the DIVERSEcity Awards of Impact: This award honors leaders, organizations, and community groups dedicated to advancing gender equality and creating lasting social impact. Dr. Shroff was recognized for her transformative work in uplifting women and addressing systemic inequities.
- The Public Health Association of BC also honored her in 2024, with a Merit Award. This is a recognition of her work to improve the health of communities. Her nominator, Canadian public health leader Dr Irving Rootman, wrote: “Dr. Farah Shroff is a trailblazer in promoting wellness and social justice from a gendered and anti-racism lens. Her innovative teaching, compassionate mentorship, and tireless advocacy for wellness have left an indelible mark on communities within Vancouver, UBC, and other countries. Her exemplary contributions to public health, leadership in women’s health and integrative health, and commitment to social justice make her an outstanding candidate for the Award of Merit.”
- The Michael Smith Health Research BC (MSHRBC) 2024 Reach Award for her project, “Creating Educational Materials to Teach the Sympto-Thermal Method to Newcomers“: This initiative focuses on educating newcomers to British Columbia about the sympto-thermal method (STM)—a natural and effective approach to preventing unplanned pregnancies. STM enables women to better understand their fertility by observing physiological signs such as cervical mucus and body temperature. This method is particularly valuable for women who, due to cultural or religious beliefs, may not use other forms of birth control.
- Vancouver Coastal Health Authority appointed her as a Board of Governors member. She sits on the Audit and Finance Committee and Quality and Safety Committee.
Research, Knowledge Translation and Implementation Science
Dr. Shroff’s research aims to make impact. All her studies include a knowledge translation component and most of them include implementation science as well. For example, her paper on Sympto Thermal Methods was the source of many infographics and other pieces that were spread through social media. She is also starting a social venture, Stretchy–Fertility Planning for All Couples, to address the needs of couples who seek birth control without side effects. Likewise, her co-authored publication on Noise-Induced Hearing Loss helped to change policies at the City of Vancouver.
One of her planetary health projects, is the Green Collective Well-being Study, a collaborative initiative with colleagues at Harvard University. This project investigates how traditional healing practices—such as Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing), Yoga, family constellations, and other eco-wellbeing traditions—contribute to collective well-being and environmental sustainability. Dr. Shroff’s work highlights the powerful connection between cultural healing practices and ecological health, offering innovative pathways for fostering resilience in communities. She recently presented this groundbreaking research at the DFP Research Rounds, and a recording of her presentation is available here.
Please join us in celebrating and congratulating Dr. Farah Shroff for her exceptional contributions to public health, anti-racism, gender equity, and community well-being.