Excellence in the Black Medical Community

Feb 3, 2024

Black History Month recognizes the role of the Black community in the history of Canada, as well as celebrates the achievements and ongoing contributions of Black Canadians to Canada’s history and culture.

As we recognize the achievements of Black communities in Canada, let us appreciate the contributions of these prominent female Black contributors to health care in Ontario.

Dr. Miriam Rossi, MD

Dr. Rossi was emeritus professor of pediatrics at the University of Toronto, and a pediatrician in the division of Adolescent Medicine at the Hospital for Sick Children. As well, she was Associate Dean of Student Affairs & Admissions at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Medicine for 13 years. 

Dr Rossi is best known for her contributions to diversity and health equity in undergraduate medical education.  As well, she co-founded the Black Health Alliance and was an advocate in 2010 for the opening of the TAIBU Community Health Care Centre, which provides specialized care for the black community in Toronto.

She was a founding member of the Black Physicians’ Association of Ontario (BPAO). In 2017, BPAO collaborated with the University of Toronto to establish the Miriam Rossi Award for Health Equity in Undergraduate Medical Education and she was also recognized in 2016 as a 100ABC (Accomplished Black Women).

She passed away in 2018.

Chika Stacy Oriuwa, MD

Dr. Chika Stacy Oriuwa graduated from the University of Toronto’s Temerty Faculty of Medicine in 2020 where she was the first Black woman to be named the sole valedictorian of her class and is currently a resident in psychiatry.

While still at school, she was an ambassador and public face of the University of Toronto’s Black Student Application Program (BSAP), and co-founded the Black Interprofessional Students’ Association (BIPSA) to network students across graduate programs.

Dr. Oriuwa posing with the Barbie doll made to honour health workers.

Mattel recognized Dr. Oriuwa for her advocacy against systemic racism in health care by including her in a special collection of Barbie Dolls honouring health workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis. She is also a spoken word artist.

Onye Nnorom, MD

Family doctor and public health specialist and president of Black Physicians of Ontario

Dr. Onye Nnorom has helped change Canada’s health history by focusing on inequity in the health system. She has done this locally, nationally and internationally. Locally, she teaches medical students about inequity in medicine, has been instrumental in the formation of Black Health Vaccine Initiative (BVHI) to ensure that Black residents of Ontario receive vaccines, and internationally, her podcast Race, Health and Happiness has focused on navigating professional life as a racialized individual.”

Dr Mojola Omole

Surgical oncologist and co-host of the CMAJ podcast

Dr. Mojola Omole is an oncologist in Toronto and works hard to ensure her patients are treated with cultural sensitivity. As a racialized person, she recognizes the significance of having a female person of colour perform important surgery. Her practice is inclusive and supports people that already feel marginalized or rejected, creating a space where everyone feels safe, heard and understood.

Dr. Omole also finds time to be active in the Black community,  working on recruitment of young Black medical students, and furthering education in the Black community.

To learn more about how Black healthcare providers are impacting both physical and mental health care, there are many different websites you can visit including the Black Physicians’ of Ontario.

To donate to Federated Health Charities and our participating charities, please visit Federated Health Charities.

October is Women’s History Month: Osteoporosis Canada Celebrates Dr. Angela Cheung’s Award Winning Research

October is Women’s History Month: Osteoporosis Canada Celebrates Dr. Angela Cheung’s Award Winning Research

🦴 Osteoporosis impacts women’s health in powerful ways, but it’s often invisible until a fracture occurs. 💔 This Women’s History Month, we’re highlighting the work of Dr. Angela Cheung, a leader in osteoporosis research. 🔬 Her award-winning efforts, along with Osteoporosis Canada, raise awareness, support caregivers, and drive new treatment options. 🌟 To help support women’s bone health and further life-changing research, consider donating today! 💙

read more
Gender Inequality in Healthcare

Gender Inequality in Healthcare

🌍 Gender inequality in healthcare impacts women in profound ways, from access to care 🏥 to mental health support 🧠. Discover how these systemic barriers affect women as patients and why health equity matters for all. 💪✨

read more
Federated Health Charities White Logo
Federated Health Charities White Logo

For general questions:

Sarah Wood
Executive Director
437-925-6227
sarah.wood2@ontario.ca

Address

315 Front St. West, 5th Floor
Toronto, ON
M7A 0B8

Federated Health Charities White Logo

For general questions:

Sarah Wood
Executive Director
437-925-6227
sarah.wood2@ontario.ca

Address

315 Front St. West, 5th Floor
Toronto, ON
M7A 0B8

Follow us

© 2024 | Federated Health Charities. All rights reserved. Privacy policy. Designed by Cristhian Arevalo Leon.