The Black Physicians’ Association of Ontario (BPAO) advocates for Black students and communities in health care, providing programs for careers and education.
Despite being the third largest minority group in Canada1, Black communities are considerably underrepresented in the health care sector. They make up only 2.3 per cent of Ontario’s physicians2 despite being 4.7 per cent of the province’s population3. The reasons for this imbalance are incredibly complex, stemming from systemic anti-Black racism that has caused Black Canadians to have less access and poorer social outcomes.
Associations like the BPAO are working to correct this underrepresentation and eradicate existing barriers at every level of medicine — starting with medical schools. The Network for the Advancement of Black Learners (N-ABL) ensures that Black medical students are supported throughout their health care education. The initiative sets students up for success and will increase the number of much-needed Black physicians working within communities.
Available advancement opportunities
Created in 2020 in association with Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) leaders from all six Ontario medical schools, the network is a knowledge exchange hub that is establishing best practices to support Black medical learners (which includes medical students, residents, and junior faculty). N-ABL addresses six pillars — curriculum, mentorship, pathways for reporting incidents of racism and mistreatment, wellness, data collection, monitoring and evaluation, and the transition from learner to physician. Within each area, current issues are flagged and institutional solutions are recommended.
The initiative sets students up for success and will increase the number of much-needed Black physicians working within communities.
At the University of Toronto, the Community Health Centre Education Program (CHCE) is also a noteworthy initiative for Black medical students. Over the course of nine weeks, this summer employment program offers first- and second-year students the chance to work at a community health centre (CHC) that mainly serves Black patients. Through this experience, students will engage in patient care, complete operational tasks, and establish themselves in an interprofessional team.
Planting seeds for success
At their assigned CHC, participants are also expected to create a project or significantly contribute to an existing project of their choosing. Throughout the process, they’ll receive ongoing feedback and guidance from an assigned supervisor. They will also have the chance to attend lectures specifically pertaining to the role of CHCs and health care in the Black community, and about the national and provincial health care system. The program culminates with a symposium where students present their completed projects.
The BPAO also works to improve the health of Black communities in Ontario. Partnered with the Black Health Alliance, the Black Health and Wellness Initiative (BHWI) ensures that community collaboration and progression leads to better health engagement and outcomes across the province’s Black populations. BHWI aims to be intertwined within these neighbourhoods and foster lasting relationships. It brings long-overdue support and resources, builds gradual trust between individuals and organizations, and represents what’s possible for future care.
To learn more, visit bpao.org.
