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As we approach Black History Month, it’s time to reflect on what it means to support Black Canadians in their pursuit of justice and equity for all. 

The recent trend of institutions pulling back from diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives is alarming. We need to continue to support initiatives that increase positive healthcare outcomes for all Canadians. Black Physicians of Canada is calling on all federal and provincial parties to commit to diversity, equity and inclusion principles in its healthcare mandate. Supporting inclusive practices and relying on evidence-based research principles within our education and healthcare institutions enables us to be responsive to the healthcare needs of all Canadians. 

Investing in these programs benefits Canadian communities. Implementing DEI initiatives improves access to healthcare services, promotes culturally sensitive care for diverse populations, and lowers healthcare costs by emphasizing preventative care. Additionally, Black physicians are three times more likely to practice in underserved communities.

The Black population experiences significantly higher rates of mortality and morbidity compared to the general population. This disparity is exacerbated by lower socio-economic status, limited access to post-secondary education, higher unemployment rates, overrepresentation in the criminal justice system, and underrepresentation in higher education. Research indicates that Black patients are more likely to feel comfortable with Black doctors and are more inclined to adhere to preventive measures recommended by them including accepting vaccines as was seen during COVID-19 pandemic. Addressing these issues is crucial for achieving improved health and economic outcomes for Black Canadians.

Black Canadians have faced systemic exclusion from Canadian institutions for centuries. The healthcare system is no exception. Black individuals have been purposefully left out of medical education, beneficial research and leadership roles, dating back to the era of slavery and colonization. The exclusion of Black Canadians from medical institutions like Queen's University for 100 years is a shameful part of our country's history that has had devastating consequences and continuing underrepresentation to date. For generations, prominent Canadian schools deliberately barred Black students from accessing medical education and training through discriminatory policies and outright bans. This systemic anti-Black racism robbed countless individuals and communities of access to healthcare leadership and decision-making power. 

According to Statistics Canada, the Black population accounts for 4.5% of the Canadian population yet is only represented by 1.5% of Black physicians. Physicians from diverse backgrounds need support. In a recent joint survey conducted by the Saskatchewan Medical Association (SMA) and College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan (CPSS), among physicians and medical learners in Saskatchewan, 46% of respondents indicated that they experienced racism during their medical career. Of those who experienced racism, 36% self-identified as Black. Eighty seven per cent of the respondents indicated racism had an emotional impact on them while 40% indicated that they were impacted physically.

To address these deep-rooted inequities, we must prioritize the voices, perspectives, and lived experiences of Black individuals. It is essential to listen to and uplift the stories of those who have faced these barriers, amplify calls for restorative justice, and take concrete steps to dismantle the systemic racism that persists.

Education and research institutions must continue their commitment to confronting anti-Black racism and removing it from the lives of Canadians, most of which take shape in diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and programs. We must continue to progress in our efforts to improve healthcare outcomes and overall well-being for all Canadians. 

Dr. Nnamdi Ndubuka, President, Black Physicians of Canada

(posted Feb 10, 2025)

MONTRÉAL, Dec. 4, 2024 /CNW/ - Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. (Novartis) is pleased to announce the three recipients of its inaugural Health Equity Initiative. Based on the high impact potential of the selected projects, the initial total funding commitment of $500,000 CAD was increased to more than $680,000 CAD. 

"At Novartis, we believe that equitable access to healthcare is a fundamental right for every individual, regardless of their circumstances," says Mark Vineis, Country President, Novartis Canada. "With the launch of our Health Equity Initiative and an investment of more than $680,000, we are proud to support organizations that are dedicated to dismantling barriers of access and promoting inclusive health solutions. Together, we can drive meaningful change and help work towards a system where all Canadians have the opportunity to receive the timely and appropriate care they deserve."

The three organizations selected to receive funding in 2024 are:

• Fort Severn First Nation, a remote fly-in community based in Fort Severn, Ontario. With funding from the Novartis Health Equity Initiative, they will work to establish a team of health coordinators within the community to bridge the gap between families and the healthcare system. Their efforts aim to improve access to timely diagnoses, treatment and preventative care, ultimately striving for better health outcomes for the community.
  
  "We are a remote northernmost community in Ontario and because we have no road access, our community members have to fly out for health care. As a result, diagnoses and treatment are not received in a timely manner, children's health and disabilities are not addressed, chronic problems develop, and sometimes lives are lost prematurely. These funds will be used to establish a group of Meno ya win coordinators, who will be vetted and trained by the Learn and Uplift Foundation. They will be assigned to families and liaise with medical teams to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment," said Cheryl Thomas, Councilor of the Fort Severn First Nation.
  
  
• Foundations for Social Change, a non-profit organization that develops innovative programs to help vulnerable populations based in Vancouver, British Columbia. With funding from the Novartis Health Equity Initiative, they will work to improve health outcomes, foster long-term stability and reduce disparities by addressing the significant health equity gap faced by individuals experiencing and transitioning out of homelessness and extreme poverty.
  
  "The New Leaf Expansion project specifically addresses the health equity issue faced by individuals experiencing homelessness and extreme poverty, who disproportionately suffer from poor health outcomes due to systemic barriers to health care. We are incredibly grateful for this gift from Novartis, which will allow us to continue to focus on our goal of reducing disparities in health outcomes and promoting long-term stability for marginalized populations and will give us the opportunity to explore scaling up our work and potentially bringing this project to other communities," said Amber Dyce, Chief Executive Officer of the Foundations for Social Change.
  
  
• Black Physicians of Canada, an organization dedicated to uniting, supporting, amplifying and empowering Black physicians, physicians in training, patients and the Black community across Canada. Funding from the Novartis Health Equity Initiative will enable them to create the first national Black physician database in Canada, providing access to culturally sensitive care to improve diagnoses and treatment while empowering patients and healthcare professionals within the Black community to achieve better health outcomes.
  
  "We are committed to ensuring that the Black community has access to culturally sensitive care. This generous gift from Novartis will enable us to support people seeking access to health care and to collaborate with Black communities to create resources for healthcare professionals and patients," said Julie Sobowale, Executive Director of the Black Physicians of Canada.

The Black Physicians of Canada (BPC) is honoured to attend the ceremony of the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) apology on September 18 for its role and in the role of the medical profession for the past and ongoing harms to First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples in the health system. BPC's outgoing president, Dr. Modupe Tunde-Byass and BPC co-founder Dr. Hadal El-Hadi attended the ceremony in Victoria, British Columbia. 

“The ceremony was well organized,” said Dr. Tunde-Byass. “It was a sad moment because it was an apology that was a hundred years too late. However, I was happy to have been alive to witness the occasion. It’s time for the medical profession to change the narrative and dismantle racism.”

BPC is committed to Truth and Reconciliation and encourages Canadian medical institutions to reflect and continue on the path of Truth and Reconciliation. The CMA has provided resources about its commitment to Truth and Reconciliation including the five-part video series The Unforgotten, which explores the health and wellbeing of Indigenous Peoples in Canada, and the CMA’s plan for future commitments on Truth and Reconciliation.  

As we approach September 30, the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, we call on physicians, medical learners, healthcare professionals and those working in the healthcare sector to reflect on their personal journey in Truth and Reconciliation and how their institution can move forward. There are several resources available through the Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada and the CMA to educate and inform next steps in advancing Indigenous health.   

(posted on Sept 27, 2024)

The Black Physicians of Canada is pleased to announce that Dr. Nnamdi Ndubuka will begin his tenure as BPC President effective October 1, 2024, and will serve in the role for the next two years. We are thankful for the commitment and leadership of BPC outgoing president, Dr. Modupe Tunde-Byass. 

Dr. Ndubuka was appointed to the BPC board in 2023 He is a public health expert currently working with the Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority as a medical health officer. He leads the health team responsible for delivery of public health services to First Nation communities in northern Saskatchewan. He is an Associate Professor with the Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan with a cross appointment at the School of Public Health, University of Saskatchewan. As a researcher, Dr. Ndubuka is particularly interested in the contributions of social determinants of health to infectious disease epidemiology and public health practices.

Dr. Ndubuka is a highly skilled equity, diversity and inclusion advocate with extensive experience working in multistakeholder environments. He is currently a Physician Advocate, equity, diversity and inclusion with the Saskatchewan Medical Association. He is a Certified Physician Executive, with 20+ years of management and executive level experience in healthcare. 

He achieved his undergraduate medical degree from the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nigeria. He later graduated from the University of South Africa with a Master’s degree in Public Health and Doctorate degree in Health Studies. In 2013, he achieved his Chartered Director (C. Dir.) designation from The Directors College, DeGroote School of Business, McMaster University. As a member of the Canadian Society of Physician Leaders, Dr. Ndubuka obtained his Canadian Certified Physician Executive (CCPE) credential in 2024. 

Dr. Ndubuka has held a number of volunteer board positions including past national president, Canadian Association of Nigerian Physicians and Dentists; past president, Rotary Club of Prince Albert; Board member, Saskatchewan Medical Association. 

​​In 2022, Dr. Ndubuka became a fellow of the prestigious John Ware Institute. He was named as one of the Top 75 finalist of the Canadian Immigrant Award 2023. He is a two-time recipient of the late Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal in 2023 for his contributions to community service and volunteerism.