Each March, le Mois de la francophonie invites us to reflect on the diversity of French‑language culture across our community. Within the Faculty of Medicine and the Department of Family Medicine, Francophonie is both a celebration and a shared responsibility to support learners and provide care that reflects the linguistic and cultural realities of our communities. 

This year marks the 30^th anniversary of Francophone Affairs, an important milestone for French‑language medical education at uOttawa. A recent Faculty of Medicine article traces this evolution: “At the heart of our Faculty: Francophone Affairs celebrates 30 years of shared commitment and momentum.”Under the leadership of Dr. Kay‑Anne Haykal, Vice Dean of Francophone Affairs, the office is strengthening collaboration and visibility across the faculty.

Francophonie also extends globally. Dr. David Ponka, Interim Assistant Dean, International and Global Health Office (IGHO), leads partnerships grounded in reciprocity, social accountability and shared learning. From the partnership in Benin, now a bilateral exchange, to the student exchange and medical humanities programming with Université de Lyon, French‑language engagement shapes culturally informed care.

Why Francophonie Matters

Together, Dr. Haykal and Dr. Ponka reflect the dynamic and interconnected nature of Francophonie at uOttawa. In honour of le Mois de la francophonie, we spoke with both leaders about their perspectives, initiatives and shared hopes for the future of Francophone medical education and global collaboration

Dr. Haykal emphasized that Francophonie begins with responsibility. It is not merely a linguistic option – it is a commitment rooted in uOttawa’s identity. Over 30 years, Francophone Affairs has evolved from creating French‑language curricula to ensuring equitable access to education and services in French across medicine, pharmacy and graduate studies, including through the Consortium national de formation en santé (CNFS). The CNFS supports the training of Francophone learners from minority settings across Canada so they can return and serve underserved communities where French‑language care remains limited.

Dr. Ponka also emphasized that Francophonie is closely tied to social accountability, noting that Francophone networks worldwide have long led models of care that respond directly to community needs. He highlighted institutions such as Hôpital Montfort, where Francophonie provides a strong framework for equitable, community-centred services. This tradition of community-responsive care, he explained, provides valuable insight into how medical education and healthcare systems can better serve diverse populations through linguistic and cultural responsiveness.

Expanding on the broader value of Francophonie, Dr. Ponka described Ottawa as a “liminal space” where bilingualism shapes how learners think, collaborate and approach patient care. "We have a lot to learn from our Francophone colleagues around the world," he noted, highlighting how international Francophone partnerships enrich learner perspectives, strengthen social accountability and deepen understanding of how culture, language and local realities shape Family Medicine.

Strengthening and Supporting Our Francophone Communities

Dr. Haykal described a plural, dynamic Francophonie with a diverse and evolving Francophone community. She noted that the Francophone immigrant population has grown significantly and that language barriers compound the challenges many face when accessing care.  For example, in areas such as Vanier where large Francophone and immigrant communities reside, 34–38% of patients remain unattached to a primary care provider, highlighting the ongoing need for bilingual and Francophone physicians.

She shared her experience arriving in Canada at age nine and connecting through French as her family built a new life. These personal and community realities highlight the importance of providing care in a patient’s language and continue to shape the priorities of Francophone Affairs.

“Since stepping into the role, I have focused on building stronger organizational structures, raising the Affaire Francophone’s profile, and laying the groundwork for sustainable growth. In these early months, I have prioritized reinforcing internal systems, enhancing external visibility and previous partnerships and advancing key initiatives that support long‑term sustainability.” 

Building on these priorities, her office is deepening ties with UGME, PGME, Pharmacy, Graduate Studies, affiliated hospitals, Francophone community groups and national organizations. This work includes expanding mentorship for Francophone learners and addressing challenges in recruiting Francophone clinicians – both essential to supporting learners and improving access to French‑language care.

Strengthening and Supporting Francophonie Through Global Partnership and Exchange

Dr. Ponka highlighted the department’s long‑standing relationship with Benin, now a bilateral exchange supported by federal funding. uOttawa medical students travelled to Benin this month, while trainees and clinicians from Benin are now coming to Ottawa. This marks an important step forward in true reciprocity, with learning and exchange now flowing in both directions. He also described the expanding medical humanities partnership with Université de Lyon and Shanghai, which uses museum‑based learning and visual thinking strategies to deepen observation, empathy and contextual understanding – skills that are essential to Family Medicine.

These initiatives reflect Dr. Ponka’s broader vision that global health must be grounded in social accountability, two-way collaboration and an understanding of local context. He noted that while hospitals around the world may look similar, primary care varies widely based on community needs and history. Through bilateral exchanges in Benin and collaborative medical humanities work with Lyon and Shanghai, learners broaden their clinical perspective, deepen their appreciation of community-centred care, and strengthen Francophonie as a force for equity and connection across borders.

Moving Forward Together in Francophonie

Both leaders emphasized that Francophonie is strongest when collaborative. Dr. Haykal hopes that le Mois de la francophonie encourages building relationships and strengthening collective action across programs, departments and community partners. Sustaining this work, she noted, requires shared effort and visibility across the Faculty of Medicine. Dr. Ponka echoed this message from a global perspective, emphasizing the importance of celebrating Francophone leadership internationally while encouraging reciprocal learner engagement with Francophone communities abroad. Such exchanges, he pointed out, deepen understanding, enhance cultural humility and reinforce social accountability in global health.

Looking ahead, they envision stronger mentorship, bilingual graduates equipped to serve diverse communities, and expanding global partnerships, affirming Francophonie’s central role in equitable care and in shaping Family Medicine locally and globally.