Black Physicians of Canada calls for renewed commitment to addressing anti-Black racism to further advance Black health equity

The recent trend of institutions pulling back from diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives is alarming. We need to continue to support initiatives that increase positive healthcare outcomes for all Canadians. Black Physicians of Canada is calling on all federal and provincial parties to commit to diversity, equity and inclusion principles in its healthcare mandate. Supporting inclusive practices and relying on evidence-based research principles within our education and healthcare institutions enables us to be responsive to the healthcare needs of all Canadians. 

Investing in these programs benefits Canadian communities. Implementing DEI initiatives improves access to healthcare services, promotes culturally sensitive care for diverse populations, and lowers healthcare costs by emphasizing preventative care. Additionally, Black physicians are three times more likely to practice in underserved communities.

The Black population experiences significantly higher rates of mortality and morbidity compared to the general population. This disparity is exacerbated by lower socio-economic status, limited access to post-secondary education, higher unemployment rates, overrepresentation in the criminal justice system, and underrepresentation in higher education. Research indicates that Black patients are more likely to feel comfortable with Black doctors and are more inclined to adhere to preventive measures recommended by them including accepting vaccines as was seen during COVID-19 pandemic. Addressing these issues is crucial for achieving improved health and economic outcomes for Black Canadians.

Black Canadians have faced systemic exclusion from Canadian institutions for centuries. The healthcare system is no exception. Black individuals have been purposefully left out of medical education, beneficial research and leadership roles, dating back to the era of slavery and colonization. The exclusion of Black Canadians from medical institutions like Queen's University for 100 years is a shameful part of our country's history that has had devastating consequences and continuing underrepresentation to date. For generations, prominent Canadian schools deliberately barred Black students from accessing medical education and training through discriminatory policies and outright bans. This systemic anti-Black racism robbed countless individuals and communities of access to healthcare leadership and decision-making power. 

According to Statistics Canada, the Black population accounts for 4.5% of the Canadian population yet is only represented by 1.5% of Black physicians. Physicians from diverse backgrounds need support. In a recent joint survey conducted by the Saskatchewan Medical Association (SMA) and College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan (CPSS), among physicians and medical learners in Saskatchewan, 46% of respondents indicated that they experienced racism during their medical career. Of those who experienced racism, 36% self-identified as Black. Eighty seven per cent of the respondents indicated racism had an emotional impact on them while 40% indicated that they were impacted physically.

To address these deep-rooted inequities, we must prioritize the voices, perspectives, and lived experiences of Black individuals. It is essential to listen to and uplift the stories of those who have faced these barriers, amplify calls for restorative justice, and take concrete steps to dismantle the systemic racism that persists.

Education and research institutions must continue their commitment to confronting anti-Black racism and removing it from the lives of Canadians, most of which take shape in diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and programs. We must continue to progress in our efforts to improve healthcare outcomes and overall well-being for all Canadians. 

Dr. Nnamdi Ndubuka, President, Black Physicians of Canada