Dr. Brenda Lau, Medical Director of Changepain Clinic, has been nominated for the 2026 YWCA Women of Distinction Awards in the Health & Wellness category.
The Women of Distinction Awards recognize leaders across Metro Vancouver who are making a meaningful and sustained impact in their communities. The Health & Wellness category highlights individuals who advance healthier lives through care delivery, advocacy, and leadership in health systems.
Dr. Lau’s work focuses on improving outcomes for people living with chronic pain through integrated care, education, and innovation in treatment approaches.
Over the past two decades, she has helped advance multidisciplinary pain care, contributed to the development of new training pathways in pain medicine, and worked to improve access to care for patients across British Columbia.
Supporting Women’s Economic Well-Being through the Connecting the Community Award
In addition to being nominated in the Health & Wellness category, Dr. Lau is also eligible for the Connecting the Community Award, which is decided through public vote.
As part of this award, each nominee selects a YWCA initiative to support. If chosen, the recipient directs a $10,000 donation from Scotiabank to the program she has selected.
Dr. Lau chose to support Women’s Economic Well-Being, an initiative focused on improving access to housing, employment opportunities, and financial stability for women across British Columbia.
Economic insecurity has profound impacts on health. Chronic stress, unstable housing, and limited access to opportunity can create long-term barriers to well-being and recovery.
Dr. Lau explains:
“As a physician and immigrant raised in poverty, I have seen how economic insecurity affects health through constant stress and instability. Without health, women struggle to move forward in life. Supporting women’s economic well-being helps create real choice, safety, and freedom.”
Connecting the Community Award – Public Vote
Community members can vote for the Connecting the Community Award between March 5 and April 1, 2026, with the winner announced at the Women of Distinction Awards ceremony on May 7, 2026.
If this initiative resonates with you, you can support it by voting here: https://poll.fm/16624735
Join Dr. Lau’s Community
- Website: https://brendalaumd.com/
- Community: https://community.brendalaumd.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brendalaumd
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BrendaLauMD
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendalaumd/
