Meet Dr. Joy Cluett, RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards Momentum Finalist

Dr. Joy Cluett is a 2025 RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards finalist and Newfoundland’s only female Plastic Surgeon, with more than 20 years of experience transforming patient care in her community. Known for her expertise in breast reconstruction, she combines technical precision with artistry, helping patients feel confident, supported, and understood.

After completing training at Memorial University, Dalhousie University, and the University of Toronto, Dr. Cluett returned home to St. John’s in 2001. Since then, she has built a thriving practice, maintained hospital privileges across the province, and contributed to research, mentorship, and medical education.

At the heart of her work is a commitment to compassion and innovation, ensuring every patient receives care that is both advanced and deeply personal.

Meet Dr. Joy Cluett and learn how she is advancing the practice of plastic and reconstructive surgery in Newfoundland and beyond.

I knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur when…

I reached the pinnacle of my career, but I still felt I had not accomplished all the goals I had aspired to achieve during its beginnings. I felt as if I had failed despite my success in my professional life.

Entrepreneurship is a perfect fit for me because…

It gives me the ability to fulfill all of my life aspirations and dreams without feeling as if I have failed myself and those around me. It enabled me to challenge myself and take chances, with no regrets!

The impact I hope to make through my work is…

To inspire others not to be swayed by challenges, despite the many obstacles they may face along the way. Professionally, I hope to help others, specifically patients, through the additional services and procedures I will be able to provide that are currently unavailable in my province. I am inspired to improve and increase accessibility to women’s health, an area of great need, as well as inspire other women to realize that we are capable of being leaders while simultaneously achieving success in our personal lives. 

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned on my entrepreneurial journey is…

To believe in yourself and your abilities, despite the negativity and pessimism that may surround you. Anything is possible if you believe.

My proudest accomplishment is…

Being a role model for the greatest accomplishment of my life: my daughter. I hope to have inspired her and other girls/women that anything is possible with a good work ethic and positive attitude. Never give in to your fear of failure; always believe that anything is possible if you truly feel it. 

The biggest risk I took that paid off was…

Being the first individual, not to mention a woman, in my province to develop a state-of-the-art private operating room facility, which was recognized as having an “outstanding” accreditation. I also have a cohesive and highly skilled team of anesthetists, physicians, nursing staff, and all other ancillary staff required to create a safe and highly professional environment. 

My biggest setback has been…

Waiting too long to make my dream a reality. In the past, I was frequently held back by my gender and the general perception that females aren’t meant to be power figures, particularly in my male-dominated field. 

I overcame it by…

Using adverse events or occurrences in my life as a source of inspiration and a positive driving force. Rather than using these negative times as a reason to falter, I used them as a means of refocusing, including concentrating on the development of my institution, which became a distraction and a source of empowerment. 

The best advice I’ve received as an entrepreneur was…

Never let the negativity of others around you sway you from pursuing your dreams. The negative forces often come from others who are envious of your courage and regret their own choices and shortcomings. Be strong and believe in your abilities. 

I surprise people when I tell them…

I’m not done yet! I’m just getting started!

If I had an extra hour in the day, I would use it to…

“Sit in silence” and enjoy the beauty of all the little things in life we never take time to appreciate. 

If you Googled me, you still wouldn’t know…

That I am a simple girl from a simple background who was never expected to succeed, based on today’s society’s perception of who is most likely to grow, as determined by statistical analysis. I’m also a lot of fun!

The future excites me because…

I’m only getting started! I see numerous opportunities for future possibilities and growth. I hope to empower all other women to know that anything is possible if you believe, regardless of your race, gender, education, or societal background. If it isn’t handed to you, you can still make it happen!

Connect with Dr. Joy Cluett on Instagram.