Family Medicine is the subject that is close to Dr. Rupinder K. Toor Mangat’s heart. This Family Physician (currently Northeast Calgary Women’s Clinic) who once went to London, Ontario for Family Medicine Training  tells me that she is planning community based programme in near future by providing education services and speaking engagements to help women become more aware of themselves. As a doctor Rupinder’s  inclination  is to find a solution to women’s problems especially related to their health. Helping women  is what gives her immense satisfaction that is why in her own words, she states, “ I love my job.”  When you meet Dr. Rupinder in her Northeast clinic, she immediately builds a strong connection with the patient and demonstrates  a deep understanding of patient’s illness. Not only this her regular will to help people in medical need makes this doctor a unique personality. 

Rupinder was born in North India and immigrated to Canada with her family when she was four years old.  They lived in Montreal for a few years, and she was able to learn both English and French as second languages. At home, it was her mother tongue Punjabi that was spoken most of the times. She can speak Punjabi fairly well and can speak some Hindi as well as Urdu language too. When she was seven, her family moved to Calgary, where she was raised and attended school.  Rupinder was a bright student right from her school days. Rupinder received many scholarships and awards at school, and was active in many extracurricular activities such as sports teams, dance clubs, and the student council.  She was personable, confident and got along well with her peers and teachers.  She was often chosen for and excelled in leadership positions.

It was in grade 12 Biology, where she was introduced to the study of the human body, that she thought of a career in medicine. 

Rupinder attended the University of Calgary and received a BSc. Honours in Biochemistry.  She was able to finance her first degree entirely on her own with part-time employment and scholarship funds.  She was placed on the Dean’s list for outstanding academic achievement and also received a competitive scholarship and student internship position.  She continued at the University of Calgary and was awarded her MD in 1996.  She then went to London, Ontario for Family Medicine Training, where she continued her leadership position as Chief Resident at St.Joseph’s Family Medical Centre. 

Upon graduation, Rupinder worked for a few years in a group practice in downtown Calgary.  She then started a family with her husband, and spent the next seven years focusing on the needs of her young family.  She moved her practice closer to her home, and worked mostly evenings and weekends, to allow her to spend as much time during the day with her young children as possible.  As her children were now becoming older and entering school age, Rupinder began looking for new daytime adventures!Ultimately she chose Northeast area here, “ I had a desire to look after my own  community people and that’s how this Northeast  Calgary Women’s Clinic was opened.”

 According to Rupinder her inspiration to help people in the community comes directly from her late father. As a girl she would watch her father serving people and this act of service to people left a deep impression on young Rupinder : something that has remained with her till date, “ My father was very intelligent and he was my mentor,” reminiscises Rupinder with a smile on her face. Rupinder  is  thankful to her mother Mohinderjit Kaur Toor for having guided her with a deep spiritual direction.

 Her mothers’ spiritual leanings  helped her in directing her life towards a greater purpose and that is believing firmly in God, “ I have faith in God and that God is present inside every human. The only thing is you have to find Him inside you by learning the truth of beauty,” says Rupinder. Infact her favourite book on spiritual growth is , I Find Balance by Rohinton Mistry. 

Growing up in an immigrant home, she feels privileged that she is able to feel equally comfortable in both Eastern and Western cultures . Though she feels comfortable in Western clothes yet she doesn’t miss wearing Indian traditional dresses on special occasions and events. Proud mother of a boy and a girl Rupinder has passed all her good traits to them. She feels lucky to have grown up in a home that struggled with finances, as is the case with many immigrant families.  To this day, Rupinder does not feel the need for any significant material possessions.  Instead she derives her pleasure and happiness from using her unique skills and talents to benefit people and a community in need.

Awards:

Global Calgary Women of Vision Award June 2008
Outstanding Service Award 2009, The India- Canada Association of Calgary