The Pacific Region Indigenous Doctors Congress (PRIDoC) 2022 will take place July 10-15, 2022 at the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre in Vancouver B.C., on the unceded, traditional territories of the Coast Salish: the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.
PRIDoC 2022 will be hosted by The Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada (IPAC) in partnership with 'Ahahui 'o nā Kauka, Te Ohu Rata o Aotearoa (TeORA), The Association of American Indian Physicians (AAIP), The Australian Indigenous Doctors' Association (AIDA), and The Medical Association for Indigenous People of Taiwan (MAIPT).
More than 300 physicians, residents, medical students, and other health advocates from throughout the Pacific are expected to gather in Vancouver for the PRIDoC experience. Our event will feature health and medical presentations important to Indigenous well-being, cultural events, and cross-national networking opportunities.
"Canada has a rich and diverse Indigenous population comprising the Métis, First Nations and Inuit peoples – we look forward to honouring all of our nations from coast to coast to coast and showcasing our beautiful and varied cultures.
PRIDoC is an Indigenous-led space for Indigenous physicians, residents and medical students, health researchers, health professionals and allies. We gather around shared issues of concern related to the health and wellness of the many Indigenous communities and nations throughout the Pacific Region.
The theme of the conference will be Connecting to the Spirit of the Land, derived from rich conversations with three Elders: Syexwaliya (Squamish First Nation), Te'ta-in Shane Pointe (Musqueam First Nation) and Mae Louise Campbell (Ojibway Métis) and discussions with the general IPAC membership through a series of online Town Halls.
Connecting to the Spirit of the Land implies active effort on our parts – individually and collectively – on different levels. As Indigenous physician leaders, we have a responsibility to advocate for the health of future generations, our planet and our homelands, including our precious natural resources, foods and traditional medicines in the face of climate change and environmental destruction. In our practices, we acknowledge the value of "two-eyed seeing," connection to land and traditional healing in caring for our peoples. For ourselves, we find ways to nurture our spirit by fostering the connection to the land that sustains us, so that we can continue to provide the best care.
As Indigenous physicians, we are supported by generations of our ancestors and are valuable resources for the health and well-being of our peoples. Paraphrasing Elder Mae Louise, "the world needs the wisdom we carry in our bones" -- let's come together in September 2020 on Coast Salish Territory to bring forward this wisdom and these teachings and continue our PRIDoC discussions and celebrations!"
Dr. Nel Wieman, Board President, IPAC
The Pacific Region Indigenous Doctors Congress (PRIDoC) was started in 2002 to provide a vehicle for Indigenous physicians and medical students to network, discuss issues of mutual interest, share scientific advances and best practices as well as ancient wisdom and traditional knowledge to further the health and well-being of our communities. In addition, support and mentorship of our medical students has always been an important PRIDoC function.
The PRIDoC Council has six formal members that take turns hosting PRIDoC every two years. PRIDoC 2018 was hosted by 'Ahahui o nā Kauka in Hawaii. PRIDoC 2020 was otponed due to COVID 19. PRIDoC 2022 is being hosted by The Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada (IPAC) in Vancouver B.C., on the unceded, traditional territories of the Coast Salish: the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.
PRIDoC Council Members
Association of American Indian Physicians (AAIP)
Australian Indigenous Doctors Association (AIDA)
Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada (IPAC)
Medical Association for Indigenous People of Taiwan (MAIPT)
The Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada (IPAC) is a member-based, non-profit organization, led by elected board members who volunteer their time. IPAC is proud to be the official host of PRIDoC 2020. If you are a Canadian Indigenous physician, resident or medical student, we encourage you to become an IPAC Member.
IPAC was formed to encourage and support First Nations, Metis and Inuit youth wishing to become medical doctors, to support those already in training or practice and to promote the work of its members in their many capacities and disciplines. The Association also supports Indigenous health initiatives at community and university levels and wishes to promote health for all Indigenous peoples, mentally, physically, intellectually, and emotionally.
IPAC Board
President: Dr. Nel Wieman (B.C.)
Vice President: Dr. Evan Adams (B.C.)
Treasurer: Dr. Sarah Funnell (Ontario)
Secretary: Dr. Kona Williams (Ontario)
Physician Director: Dr. Mandy Buss (Manitoba)
Physician Director: Dr. Michael Dumont (B.C.)
Resident Director: Dr. Alexa Lesperance (B.C.)
Student Representative: Josha Rafael (Ontario)
Become an IPAC Member