For 2024, the Black Medical Students Association of Canada (BMSAC) is hosting its Annual General Meeting in Montreal instead of in its usual Toronto location. This change is geared towards better accommodating the organization's Francophone members. In a show of support towards further dismantling barriers to equity, diversity and inclusivity, the McGill Department of Medicine has taken on the role of a sponsor for the event.
As part of this support, and in celebration of Black History Month, the department has invited Khadija Brouillette, Chair of the BMSAC and Vice-President of the McGill Black Medical Students Association (BMSA), to present a testimonial piece featuring voices from McGill's BMSA.
With February ushering in Black History Month, it’s important to reflect on the narratives, achievements, and aspirations of Black individuals within various spheres, including the field of medicine. At the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FHMS) at McGill University, the McGill Black Medical Students Association (BMSA) is a source of empowerment, advocacy, and community for its members.
Khadija Brouillette is a second year Medical Student, Vice-President of McGill BMSA and the 2023-2024 Chair of the Black Medical Students Association of Canada. Her story begins in Ontario where she navigated an education system that inadvertently funneled many Black students into “college” streams, limiting their career options from an early age. Reflecting on her journey, Khadija recognizes this as the beginning of a systemic issue: a leaky pipeline — an issue she is determined to address. As a member of the Black Health Innovation Collaborative (BHEC), Khadija collaborates with McGill FMHS alumni Dr. Onye Nnoro, MDCM, CCFP, MPH, FRCPC and James R Johnston Chair in Black Canadian Studies at Dalhousie University's Faculty of Medicine, Dr. OmiSoore Dryden, PhD to develop educational resources addressing anti-Black racism.
Rebecca Aberra, President of the McGill BMSA, embodies leadership and mentorship. As the Student Coordinator for the McGill Black Candidate Pathway, Rebecca helps equip Black learners who are applying to Medicine through McGill’s Black Candidate Pathway with essential tools and a wide range of support. By prioritizing mentorship, Rebecca actively contributes to overcoming barriers that hinder Black students' progress in Medicine, fostering a culture that promotes long-term success and diversity in the field.
Amadou Houla, influenced by the positive impact of mentorship in his own life, found solace and support within the McGill BMSA community. Now, as a mentor himself, he “pays it forward”, creating a sense of belonging and solidarity for new students—an essential part of nurturing a supportive environment for Black learners.
Anikka Swaby, an MDCM-PhD student at McGill, finds perseverance and innovation crucial to her pursuit of a career as a physician-scientist. With a research focus on the gut microbiome and cancer, Anikka's academic pursuits exemplify her commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and improving healthcare outcomes. Beyond her thesis work, Anikka is actively involved in the BMSAC's research committee, where she seeks to contribute to understanding the experiences of Black medical students in Canada guided by the vision for advancing health equity and driving positive change in healthcare.
Innovative projects and events spearheaded by McGill BMSA members further amplify their impact. The Inaugural Annual Welcome Event sponsored by the Cadet Foundation serves as a platform for connection and mentorship, fostering a sense of belonging among incoming students. Similarly, the Black Health Talk, held during Black History Month, facilitates discussions on the unique experiences and challenges faced by Black individuals in the medical field, promoting understanding and advocacy.
Diversity in medical education isn’t a buzzword—it’s a necessity. Representation matters, not only for the individuals being represented but also for the patients they serve. When patients see themselves reflected in their healthcare providers, they feel understood, valued and safe. Additionally, diverse perspectives in medical education enrich the learning experience, fostering a more comprehensive understanding of healthcare disparities and the systemic issues at play.
The accomplishments of McGill BMSA members, coupled with the commitment of McGill University’s FHMS, underscore the importance of creating pathways for underrepresented populations in Medicine. From the inception of the McGill Black Candidate Pathway to the ongoing efforts to uphold the BMSAC calls to action, strides are being made towards a more equitable and inclusive medical community.
In essence, the McGill BMSA isn’t just a student organization—it’s a catalyst for change. It’s a testament to resilience, empowerment, and solidarity within the medical community. As we celebrate Black History Month, let us honour the past, acknowledge the present and envision a future with diversity, equity, and inclusion.