Two Cranbrook doctors are silver medalists, following the first ever appearance of woman’s soccer team at an international soccer competition.
Dr. Denise Jaworsky (General Internal Medicine) and Dr. Elena Schroeder (Family Medicine), who both members of Team Canada at the World Medical Football Championships.
The Canadian Women’s Medical Football Team included 16 women physician soccer players from around the country. Four doctors from B.C. took part in the event, with three of those doctors from within Interior Health, including Jaworsky and Schroeder, both from Cranbrook. Dr.Becky Falk from Vernon was also on the team.
The World Medical Football Championships were held from July 20 to July 27, 2024 in Australia’s Sunshine Coast. It’s an international football competition created in 1995, with teams comprised of players holding a University Degree in Human Medicine and working as a medical doctor in their country.
This year’s tournament also saw the debut of women’s medical teams to the event, including Team Canada,” Dr. Denise Jaworsky said. “I am inspired by all of my teammates and really excited to see how this program grows over the upcoming years.”
The Canadian team picked up a 5-1-1 record in the tournament and claimed a silver medal, after being edged out in the finals by the host Australian team. Several players were also recognized for their performance in the tournament. Dr. Elena Schroeder of Cranbrook was honored with the Golden Glove Award, recognizing her as the tournament’s best goalkeeper. Dr. Becky Falk of Vernon was also recognized by her teammates as the Player of the Tournament for her outstanding leadership and performance.
“It was a wonderful experience to see female physicians from all over Canada engage in something outside of medicine and connect through a sport we all love,” Dr. Schroeder said. Next year’s tournament is in Dublin, Ireland. We are hoping to recruit more players.”
Team Canada also made a significant impact off the pitch for the Brisbane charity “Pushing Barriers.” The team raised $7,200, supporting refugee young athletes in accessing community sport.
