Enhancing Representation of Black Individuals in Medicine: The Power of Community in Fostering Acceptance and Support
February is Black History Month- a time to honor the rich legacy, diversity, and invaluable contributions of Black Canadians in shaping the fabric of Canada’s history and future (1). Black individuals have significantly impacted Canada’s healthcare system, consistently challenging boundaries and advocating for the needs of Black communities.
The black community makes up 4.5% of Canada’s population, yet only 1.5% of physicians are black (2). The severe underrepresentation of black physicians in Canada is partly attributed to the Flexner report of 1910, which caused the closure of 5 black medical schools, resulting in a loss of around 30,000 black physicians from the time of closure to 2019 (3). Since then, many inspiring individuals have advocated against anti-black racism in the healthcare system.
To further investigate the importance of increasing black representation in medicine and the critical role that community plays in helping students feel accepted and supported in the medical field, Lekan Ajibulu, a 2nd year Black medical student at the University of Alberta, was interviewed.
“Last year, eight [black medical students] were the most that we’ve ever had. This year was either eight or seven as well. The year before us was four, and the year before us was even lower than that. So obviously, eight doesn't sound like a crazy number, but it's good because it shows progress”. At the UofA, the Black Applicant Admission Process (BAAP) was implemented in consultation with Black faculty to include Black representation in the file review process in an effort to promote equity, diversity, and inclusivity (4). Lekan acknowledged that, “it's going to be a slow process, but you know, it does show that U of A is committed to increasing representation in medicine, which is what ultimately we would like”.
Beyond the BAAP, the UofA Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry also provides opportunities for the Black Medical Students Association (BMSA) to advocate for the needs of black medical students. Lekan explains, “the UofA is extremely unique because it’s a tripartite structure, where the Medical Student’s Association (MSA), the Indigenous Medical and Dental Students Association (IMDSA), and the BMSA are all equal and considered a representative body with rights and a voice at monthly meetings with the Dean and committee meetings. The U of A is very involved in what we're doing and wanting to see anywhere they can help and pitch in”. Providing minority-representing organizations, such as the BMSA and IMDSA, an equal voice as the general medical student body is the first step to ensuring equity and addressing the unique needs of these populations- a step that the UofA is leading in! Lekan compares, “at other schools, they have an MSA that’s representing medical students as a student club, and that's pretty much it. I don't think there was any other school that had it integrated within their structure”.
In addition to increasing the representation of Black medical students, fostering a strong sense of community is crucial for supporting their growth and helping them navigate the challenges of medical school. Lekan expressed, “I'm so grateful for the BMSA because to me, it feels like family. [During my] first year of med school, the first four months were really tough, because this was the first time I've lived away from my family. And so sometimes it felt as if I didn't have anybody here.” Oftentimes, medical school is not only an academic challenge, but also a time of major adjustment to a new city and unfamiliar faces. That’s when little moments of appreciation from one’s community go a long way! Lekan describes a moment where the “BMSA threw a holiday party before Christmas and what was funny was that I had told nobody about my birthday, but they had actually looked into it, and they celebrated me before the date. And I think that was when I felt extremely included.”
The BMSA also provides mentorship for new incoming black medical students. “The BMSA is not just the incoming class. It's third years, fourth years. It even includes the residents who come back and give advice. When I was applying to medical school, I didn't know anybody who was in medicine. So, it's like having a big brother and a big sister saying, hey, cardio is going to be hard, so make sure that you're studying, or how to get into research, or do extracurricular activities.” In addition to providing invaluable guidance to medical students, mentorship from one’s own community can instill confidence and a sense of belonging, demonstrating that success is achievable despite challenges. Lekan mentions, “we also have events where we're meeting with black residents in various specific specialties who can give you the way of the land. It really gives a lot of ease knowing that there are black people within these specialties and these fields, and to know that we do belong and have the support to call upon when needed”.
The BAAP and the BMSA at the UofA play pivotal roles in increasing black representation in medicine and supporting black medical students through medical school and beyond. “UofA is leading the way, but there are a lot of other medical schools across the country, so there is still work to be done. But we are headed in the right direction. I think the biggest thing is recognizing that there are differences, and celebrating those differences, so we feel like we do belong and feel included. It is a good first step to building long-lasting relations with your colleagues.”
