In 2005, the Faculty of Medicine established the Indigenous Program to develop awareness of Indigenous issues and increase the number of Indigenous students in the medical education program. This is achieved by introducing Indigenous-specific content and traditional healing methods into the curriculum and through a number of recruitment activities targeted to the Indigenous community. This includes two “mini-medical school” events that the Faculty of Medicine hosts annually for Indigenous candidates interested in entering medical school.
It is the goal of our program to produce Indigenous physicians who will, alongside with their colleagues, become proficient in Indigenous health care to serve urban, rural and remote First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples.
Seven seats are reserved per year in the Undergraduate Medical Education (UGME) Program for candidates of Indigenous ancestry. Successful applicants may choose to study in either the English or French language stream.
The Indigenous Program supports all First Nations, Inuit and Métis students throughout their medical education and clinical training via group social activities, facilitating access to Elders, cultural supports and mentoring, assisting the student-led Indigenous Health Interest Group, and other activities. These supports are available to all Indigenous students, whether they have entered the program through the Indigenous admissions process or not. Students of Indigenous ancestry who have entered via another stream are welcome to self-identify to the Indigenous Program.
The Indigenous Program also serves as a resource and support to all students and faculty members. We ensure that Indigenous health and social issues, including their historical and social context, are an integral part of the UGME curriculum, starting with a mandatory Indigenous awareness day for all new students. We engage with First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities to secure and promote Community Service Learning placements and elective opportunities for all students. This focus ensures that medical students will practice culturally safe care in serving Indigenous populations.
An advisory group consisting of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Elders, local and regional Indigenous community members working in the health and education sectors along with two medical student representatives, meets biannually to provide advice, guidance and support to the Indigenous Program. They also serve as important resources as the Program works to incorporate Indigenous content and activities into the curriculum.
As of the 2016-17 academic year, 69 Indigenous students are attending or have graduated from the Faculty of Medicine’s UGME program. It is our hope that these physicians and physicians-in-training become role models and leaders in their respective fields, working to improve the health of Indigenous patients, families and communities.
“As Director of the Indigenous Program, I am proud of the Faculty’s efforts in our support of students and our engagement with Indigenous Elders and community partners across Canada. We are making a difference together in bringing our knowledge and experience in Indigenous health to both Indigenous and mainstream health care settings.” - Dr. Darlene Kitty, Director, Indigenous Program.