Three Burning Questions With MAUD’s Founder
Deep in the vibrant community of Bridgeland, Maud Medical Clinic’s bright window displays of reusable period products, uterus shaped magnets, and full shelf of books are eye catching to anyone that walks by.
As a local businesswoman, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, Maria Wu is at the forefront of change for Calgary’s social climate with Maud Medical’s sex positive, vagina positive message. I had the chance to ask her three of the city’s burning questions today.
So Maria, being oh so busy with all of your responsibilities, what prompted you to take on the challenge of opening Maud Medical Clinic?
Oh, there are a multitude of things that have brought me to this moment. First off would be the complexities that come with childbirth that nobody ever talks about, urinary incontinence, sexual functions, all those things that come along with bringing life to this earth.
Our family physicians work so hard, yet they cannot be the end of the line for us. Women especially need a space where they can openly discuss, and discuss in detail, their intimate health issues. As mothers, sisters, and daughters, we tend to put ourselves last when it comes to self-care, and I really want to work to deconstruct that narrative. We have to take care of ourselves first.
With Alberta being hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, Maria saw the discrepancies in the healthcare system where patients do not get quality time with healthcare professionals. Doctors too are put under the strain of the pandemic. For Maria, Maud is really about building a community, where physicians are able to give undivided attention to their work, and patients feel safe and welcome to talk about their health.
What was your biggest challenge in getting Maud Medical off the ground?
It’d probably be the internal challenge more so than anything. Anybody would know this is a risky time to open any business, much less a medical establishment. With the future of Alberta’s health care being so uncertain, my brain definitely was yelling at me for defying logic. But my intuition said go for it! I really was my worst enemy at the start, it took a while to start listening to my heart and really dedicating myself to Maud.
And lastly, why should we choose Maud for vaginal health?
Why wouldn’t you! Haha, we are focused fully on emboldening women. The whole idea behind Maud is to bring vaginal health to the forefront. It is education based, and we spend so much time creating a welcoming space with so many options for patients. Our physicians are professional, inclusive, and so friendly. We also do acupuncture, physiotherapy, even the Emsella chair for those that want to try something new. Everybody should be exploring their body, and we’re here for that.
You heard it here, Maud Medical is the place to be for all your vaginal health needs.
