Community News
Black Physicians’ Association of Ontario ‘s Inaugural Awards Gala honours Black excellence in medicine
BY PAUL JUNOR
It will be an evening that will not be forgotten for those who attended the first Black Joy Awards Gala on Saturday, June 15th, 2024, at The Globe and Mail Centre in Toronto. The event was described in the press release issued on Thursday, June 6th, 2024, by the Black Physicians’ Association of Ontario (BPAO) as a gala that brings together trailblazers, celebrates community champions and foster connections that contribute to the advancement of Black excellence in healthcare.
The Honourees section of the Black Joy Gala recognized the amazing achievements of two specific categories: the “First Black” honourees and the Trailblazer Award recipients. The former honours individuals who represent a historic milestone in Black history within the medical community, individuals who have shattered barriers and made significant strides in their respective fields. These include the following:
- Zainab Abdurrahman – President Elect of the Ontario Medical Association (OMA)
- Everton Gooden – President & CEO of North York General Hospital
- Lisa Robinson – Dean of Medicine at University of Toronto’s Temerity Faculty of Medicine
- Dominick Shelton – Interim Assistant Dean, Admissions & Recruitment at the Toronto Metropolitan University’s School of Medicine
- Olufemi Ayeni – President Elect of the Canadian Orthopedic Association (COA)
There were eight Trailblazer Award recipients. These individuals are pioneering Black immigrant doctors from Nigeria and the Caribbean who: embody resilience and determination and have overcome numerous obstacles to establish themselves as leaders and educators in medicine. Despite facing isolation, discrimination, and adversity, they have built a strong network and left an indelible mark on the medical landscape of Ontario. They included the following: Dr. Murtala Abdurrahman, Dr. Ernest Salmon, Dr. Lamidi Oyewumi, Dr. Julius Agboola, Dr. Amos Akinbiyi, Dr. Olayiwola Kassim, Dr. Olufemi Ayeni Sr., Adegbotega Akinyele, and Dr. Barry Isaacs.
The three award categories include:
Excellence in Teaching Award:
Honours educators, particularly a distinguished Black physician in Ontario, for their exceptional dedication, innovation, and impact in medical education. They not only foster inclusivity and equity but also inspire critical thinking and advocate for equity deserving communities. Furthermore, their commitment to lifelong learning and professional development enhances medical education standards. The nominees were: Dr. Natasha Johnson (pediatrician, adolescent medicine specialist and associate professor at McMaster University), Dr. Denice Lewis, Dr. Chibere Ogbuneke, Dr. Mireille Norris (internist and geriatrician at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and serves as an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto), and Dr. Modupe Tunde-Byass.
Dr. Norris received the Excellence in Teaching Award. In her acceptance speech, she states, “This award means a lot to me personally and professionally. I started medical school in 1988 after applying three times over six years. As one of the few Black students, I often didn’t receive recognition despite my passion for teaching and impacting learners, particularly those in the non-accredited Hospitalist Training Program. Professionally, this award is crucial as it enhances my visibility and potential for academic advancement. It allows me to influence medical education at the highest levels and directly impact Black and marginalized learners.”
Learner Leadership Award:
Recognizes outstanding medical students and residents for exemplary leadership. The recipient fosters collaboration, advocacy, and service to address healthcare challenges and positively impact patients and communities. Their adaptability, and problem-solving skills make them a beacon of inspiration for future medical professionals. The nominees included: Dr. Semir Bulle (psychiatry resident), Dr. Zainab Doleeb (second-year OB/GYN resident at the University of Toronto), Dr. Julianah Oguntala (former chair of the Black Medical Students Association (BMSAC) and mentor in the CASPER Program), and Dr. Chantal Philips (first-year resident in Public Health at the University of Ottawa).
Dr. Zainab Doleeb received the Leaner Leadership Award. In her acceptance speech, she states, “Receiving this award for my work on learner wellness, EDI education initiatives, and advocacy for Sudanese refugees was one of the proudest moments of my life. Standing on stage, facing a crowd full of community members, many of whom taught and trained me over the last six years, was incredibly special. It was a lovely and welcoming space, and I felt deeply honoured to be recognized by people I consider as family.”
Corporate Ally Award:
Celebrates corporations demonstrating exceptional commitment to advancing Black health initiatives, surpassing traditional Corporate Social Responsibility efforts. They invest in community health programs, research, and education, addressing health disparities and promoting equity in healthcare. The nominees included: Canadian Medical Association, MD Financial Management, Scotiabank Healthcare (these are affiliate partners), and Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA).
The award was given to the GTAA for the recognition award. The spokesperson states, “We are in the connection business. We will play that an important role as ally “
The affinity sponsor was given to GTAA which was accepted by Alison Forestall, Senior Director, Enterprise Giving and Partnerships and Executive Director of the CMA Foundation. Through her leadership, there has been a major impact on BIPOC communities.
The guest of honour was Rosemary Sadlier who is a strong proponent of the study of Black history in Canada. She is a well-known author and recognized historian and social justice advocate. She served as president of the Ontario Black History for 22 years. She is an Order of Ontario recipient and in June 2024 received an honorary doctorate from the University of Toronto. Two of honouress were Order of Ontario.