"As we settle into the Harvest season, I hope everyone has found some time to spend with friends and family. It has been a very busy few months since our meeting in July. A new school year has begun—some of us have children in school, our medical students and residents are well into the academic year, and many clinicians are busy revamping their lectures and teaching. We are all continuing our work towards improving the health of our peoples."
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Meet the New IPAC Board: Leading the Charge for Indigenous Health! |
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(In the photo from left to right are Dr. Brent Young, Treasurer; Dr. Jamaica Cass, Secretary; Shelly Young, Student Director; Dr. Ojistoh Horn, President; Dr. Tina Nash, Resident Director; Dr. Alexa Lesperance, Vice-President; and Dr. Ryan Giroux, Physician Director. Photo by Moments In Time Photography). Meet the new IPAC Board of Directors: leaders dedicated to advancing Indigenous health. We’re excited to welcome fresh perspectives and strong leadership as we move forward together on this important journey.
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"My journey with IPAC started off as the Resident Director for 2 consecutive years, 2 years as the secretary and 1 year as the Vice President - I realized the other day I have been with our org for almost 5 years! We have grown so much as an organization in our capacity to impact change and I see what we do as good work. Frankly I wouldn’t have stayed on the board this long if I didn’t believe in the work we do." |
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(Photo from Sept. 24 issue of doctorsNS magazine).
Meet Bonnie Cremo, a second-year medical student from Eskasoni First Nation and IPAC member, never gave up on her dream of becoming a doctor. Her story is featured in the September 2024 issue of Doctors Nova Scotia Magazine. Read Bonnie's story here |
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(Medical student Jordin Fletcher (left), Dr. Brent Young (centre) Dr. Shanté Blackmore at the Wije’winen Health Centre. Photo by Danny Abriel). For the first time, Indigenous learners worked alongside an Indigenous staff physician at the Wije’winen Health Centre and Sipekne’katik Health Centres. Dr. Brent Young calls it a milestone for representation and mentorship in medicine. |
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Congratulations to Drs. Nel Wieman and Evan Adams! Dr. Wieman, Chief Medical Officer, and Dr. Adams, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, have been awarded King Charles III's Coronation Medals for their incredible work on behalf of First Nations Peoples. 👏🏽 |
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Join Karenna'onwe—Dr. Karen Hill—and guests from all walks of life on her podcast for an insightful discussion on relationships in the 21st century through an Indigenous lens, rooted in the teachings of the Two Row Wampum. Don't miss these powerful conversations! |
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Thank you to everyone who completed the 2023/2024 Medical School Report Card Survey, and special thanks to the student volunteers who lead this project.
If you haven’t yet, please review the 2022/2023 results here.
To learn more about IPAC's Student Led Projects and the TRC Report Card Project visit here. |
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Exciting Opportunity with the TRC Report Card Project! The TRC Report Card Project is seeking Indigenous medical students to join their team for a paid, 4-month term from November 2024 to February 2025. As they expand our project this fall, they want YOUR help!
If you’re passionate about organizing events (like sharing circles and focus groups), analyzing data, and collaborating with Indigenous colleagues, this role is for you. Join them in enhancing the experience of Indigenous medical students and improving the medical school curriculum. They encourage you to apply!
Interested? For more information or to apply, please email them at trcreportcard@gmail.com. Share a bit about yourself and your availability for November 2024-February 2025.
Applications close on Sunday, October 27th at 11:59 PM PST. |
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Indigenous Physicians, Residents, and Medical Students Engagement Guidelines |
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IPAC has released the second edition of its Indigenous Physicians, Residents, and Medical Students Engagement Guidelines, published in June 2024. These updated guidelines serve as a reference for both Indigenous physician/medical learner consultants and organizations seeking consultation. Feedback from members and partners helped shape this edition.
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IPAC has compiled valuable resources related to CEPA and Bill S-5, which amends the Canadian Environmental Protection Act to recognize the right to a healthy environment.
We extend our deepest gratitude to all participants who contributed to these important projects, generously sharing their insights, experiences, and wisdom. Your involvement was essential in advancing this vital work for environmental justice.
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Thank you to everyone who has joined us at the IPAC Mentorship Events so far! These gatherings have been a great opportunity for Indigenous medical learners and physicians to connect, grow their networks, and share the spirit of medical education. We kicked things off at the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine (McMaster University) in Hamilton, ON, and will be at McGill University, Faculty of Medicine this evening.
There are still mentorship events happening this month! Click here to see if one is coming up in your area. (Please note: these events are for Indigenous medical learners and physicians only.) |
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IPAC President Dr. Ojistoh Horn, Treasurer Dr. Brent Young, and Executive Director Melanie Osmack attended the CMA's Apology Ceremony on September 18th, held on the traditional territory of the lək̓ʷəŋiʔnəŋ-speaking people of the Songhees and Xwsepsum Nations.
During the ceremony, the CMA apologized for its role, as well as that of the medical profession, in the past and ongoing harms inflicted upon First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples within the health system. If you wish to watch the full ceremony, available here. |
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September 28th marked the fourth anniversary of Joyce Echaquan’s death. IPAC has released a statement reflecting on this tragic event and our ongoing commitment to advocating for equitable healthcare for Indigenous peoples.
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We are excited to announce the release of the Wellness and Healing Resource Guide, developed by the CMA in collaboration with IPAC, as part of the CMA's journey of truth and reconciliation. This guide enhances resources and support for Indigenous physicians and learners, and we thank the Indigenous physicians, learners, and leaders who contributed to its creation.
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Don't miss your chance to register for the Virtual CaRMS panel - West on October 10 at 6 PM Pacific Time! Join current residents and fellows as they share their CaRMS journeys and offer invaluable tips to help you navigate the process with confidence!
Scan the QR code or click here to register |
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Imagine joining a pension plan now that provides you with a predictable monthly income in retirement – for the rest of your life.
Join our webinar on Tuesday,October 15, 2024 at 7:30 p.m. ET to learn more about the Medicus Pension Plan, specifically designed for Canada’s incorporated physicians. Managing Director of the Medicus Pension Plan, Simone Reitzes, and other pension experts, will discuss: - how the plan works
- what you can expect to receive in retirement
- how to get started and
- how Medicus is ensuring financial peace of mind for Canada’s physicians and their families.
Don't miss this opportunity to learn more about how you can secure your financial future today. |
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We’re less than two months away from PRIDoC 2024, taking place in Adelaide, Australia, and we’re excited to announce that several IPAC members will be featured as a keynote speaker and panelists! - Keynote Speaker: Dr. Michael Dumont
- Panel 1: Language and Identity: A Pathway to Improved Health Outcomes – Dr. Karen Hill
- Panel 2: Next Generation Healthcare: Youth Health and Wellbeing –
Dr. Jayelle Friesen - Panel 3: Innovations in Rural Health: Overcoming Barriers and Enhancing Access – Dr. Steph Irvine
This congress brings together leading Indigenous doctors’ member organizations from across the Pacific. We extend our sincere gratitude to the Canadian Medical Association for funding 20 IPAC members—a diverse group of students, residents, physicians, and one elder—to attend PRIDoC. This support will empower participants to engage in meaningful discussions and collaborations as we strive for a healthier future for all our communities.
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Mark your calendars for IPAC’s next Annual Mentorship Gathering and AGM, taking place from June 5th to 8th, 2025, in Saskatoon, SK (Misâskwatômina), located on Treaty 6 Territory. This event will bring together Indigenous medical students, residents, physicians, and allies to connect, share knowledge, and strengthen bonds.
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Explore New Career Opportunities |
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Whether you're a recent graduate or an experienced professional, there's a position for you. From coast to coast, these roles suit a variety of qualifications and educational backgrounds. Click the link to explore these unique positions and take the next step in your medical journey!
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Follow us on social media for the latest updates |
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