Dr. Debra Boyce stands as a pioneering force in Canadian healthcare, recognized for her transformative leadership within the Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA). Since joining the council in 2008, she has tirelessly advocated for equity, diversity and inclusion, fostering an environment conducive to the advancement of women. In her historic election as a vice president in 2015 and CMPA president in 2018, Dr. Boyce shattered barriers, becoming the first woman to hold this prestigious office in the organization's 120-year history.

Locally, her commitment to enhancing women's health extended to her role as the first Medical Director of Peterborough Regional Health Centre Women’s and Children’s Services. She also established and chaired the Stillbirth and pregnancy loss working group at PRHC when a protocol for care did not exist in Ontario

Beyond her administrative endeavors, Dr. Boyce's impact reverberates through her creation of Partners in Pregnancy Clinic (PIPC). With 3 colleagues, this groundbreaking initiative offering holistic maternity care was established. Through PIPC, she extended support to low-risk pregnant individuals and those encountering medical complexities during pregnancy, ensuring comprehensive prenatal, delivery, and postnatal and newborn care. This empowering team of varied professionals had a stated goal of building in the confidence of all individuals seeking their care. Dr Boyce has just started a new chapter in her medical career and will become an Investigating Coroner for the Peterborough community.

Recognized for her outstanding contributions, Dr. Boyce has also been honored with the  Canadian Medical Association's Dr May Cohen Award for Women Mentors, cementing her legacy as a beacon of empowerment and progress in Canadian healthcare.