L-R: James Andrew, Year 1 MD student Kara Ruff, Dr. Dermot Kelleher and Year 2 MD student Haedan Turner
Celebrating 20 years of Indigenous excellence in medicine
On November 8, the UBC faculty of medicine community celebrated 20 years of the Indigenous MD Admissions Pathway (the Pathway) and the Indigenous Family Medicine Residency Program during an event where learners, alumni, family, faculty, staff and Indigenous community members gathered together to honour the achievements of the past two decades.
Since the Pathway launched, more than 120 Indigenous doctors have graduated from the Indigenous MD Admissions Pathway and are now serving communities across the province as family doctors, surgeons, pediatricians, psychiatrists and more.
Today, the Pathway continues to serve a pivotal role in encouraging, attracting and creating new opportunities for more Indigenous learners to study medicine, while supporting them on their journey to becoming doctors.
A growing number of UBC medical graduates are also choosing to complete their medical training through the Indigenous Family Medicine Residency Program, where resident doctors train and enhance the delivery of culturally safe care in Namgis, Snuneymuxw, Musqueam, Tsleil-Waututh, Penelakut, Pacheedaht, Tsartlip and Carrier-Sekani.
Meet some of the current learners and alumni of the programs.
Guests gathered in the Sty-Wet-Tan Hall in the UBC First Nations Longhouse. Leah Walker, Executive Director, Kilala Lelum, Urban Indigenous Health & Healing Cooperative, greeted learners, alumni, family, faculty, staff and community members and guided the evening’s proceedings.
Elder Roberta Price provided a blessing and spoke to the inspiring strength of the programs. She also shared prayers for communities who are struggling in British Columbia, across Canada and around the world.
The Honourable Steven Point, member of the Skowkale First Nation and Chancellor at UBC, reflected on the growing number of Indigenous peoples working and learning across faculties and programs at UBC since he first attended the university in the 1970s and championed the need for continued growth and representation.
“Programs like these are important not just to the university, not just to Canadians but most importantly to Indigenous people.”
— Steven Point
Chancellor, UBC
Dr. Dermot Kelleher, Dean, Faculty of Medicine and Vice-President, Health, UBC, reflected on the impact the programs are having on improving health systems and education across British Columbia. He thanked the incredible Indigenous faculty and staff for their leadership, including learners and alumni for inspiring and mentoring the next generation of Indigenous doctors.
“You enrich our classrooms with unique perspectives, experiences and ways of knowing, and you have been courageous and passionate in sharing your stories so that we can continue to confront racism and discrimination in our Faculty, and shape educational experiences that are more inclusive and safe for Indigenous students going forward.”
— Dr. Dermot Kelleher
Dean, Faculty of Medicine and Vice-President, Health, UBC
Following a beautiful feast of smoked salmon, bannock and vegetables prepared by a local Indigenous company, Salishan Catering, Elder Doris Fox opened the second half of the evening and spoke to the guests about the traditional ancestral land of the Musqueam people. She encouraged guests to go home to their communities and tell them about the night’s events.
Next, Dr. Bob Woollard, former Head, Department of Family Practice, reminisced about the early days of consultation for the program which took place more than twenty years ago in the same great hall where guests gathered for the evening. This was followed by Dr. Yotakahron Jonathan, a resident doctor in the Indigenous Family Medicine Residency Program, who spoke about her experience and gratitude for the program, which integrates Indigenous values, teachings and ways of knowing.
Guests enjoyed entertainment courtesy of Musqueam vocal artist Christie Lee Charles who performed personal and powerful spoken word pieces and hip-hop songs.
Dr. Roger Wong, Vice Dean, Education, Faculty of Medicine, congratulated learners and alumni on all of their achievements and thanked faculty, staff and Indigenous leaders for their significant contributions to the programs.
“You are leading and bringing about great and needed change in our health systems.”
— Dr. Roger Wong
Vice Dean, Education, Faculty of Medicine
James Andrew, Associate Director, Indigenous Initiatives, reflected on the early days of the Pathway and the founders of the program, which continues to inspire Indigenous learners from across Canada to pursue their dreams of becoming doctors.
After the event, learners and alumni gathered together with faculty, staff and Indigenous leaders to celebrate and snap photos to capture the moment, and to share memories of their time in the programs.
Every year, more Indigenous learners are graduating from the programs and are expanding the network of strong Indigenous doctors across the province who are providing compassionate and culturally safe care to people and their families.
Meet the learners and alumni
“My inspiration to become a physician is more often thought of as ‘a calling’ to this work.”
Dr. Kelsey Louie
November 9, 2022
Home community: Tla’Amin Nation, near Powell River
Program: Indigenous Family Medicine Residency
Year graduated: 2017
Current position: Family Physician
Location: Victoria
What inspired you to want to become a doctor?
In my upbringing, it is often taught that we each carry gifts. Those gifts may be apparent at an early age and something we walk with all our lives, while others may take time to present themselves and be unveiled. My inspiration to become a physician, or my journey followed, is more often thought of as ‘a calling’ to this work – the work to listen, support and stand-up others, particularly the health and wellness of Indigenous peoples, is a responsibility I continue to carry. Many Indigenous leaders, healers and knowledge keepers share a vision of seeing our own people in professions such as medicine, and they have worked hard to advocate for admission pathways and wrap-around supports to help our learners through this journey.
As we celebrate the 20-year anniversary of the Indigenous MD Admissions and Indigenous Family Practice Residency programs, we are now witnessing the impact of that work, with UBC’s Faculty of Medicine being a key enabler in supporting Indigenous learners, so that we may share and use our gifts to support the health and wellness of Indigenous peoples and others.
čɛčɛhaθɛč – I thank you
“I wanted to be able to incorporate my worldview into medical practice within the Western healthcare system.”
Dr. Nique Seper
November 9, 2022
Hometown/Community: Cochrane, A.B. (Treaty 7) and Métis Nation of Alberta
Program: Indigenous Family Medicine Residency
Year in program: 2
Location: Unceded Cowichan Territory
What inspired you to want to become a doctor?
I decided I wanted to be a doctor when I was 10 years old. My mom had surgery and I remember her talking about how nice it was to have a compassionate physician to guide her through that process. As a Métis woman, I wanted to be able to do that for others, and as I grew older and recognized how harmful our healthcare system can be, I hoped l would have the opportunity to provide oppressed patients with good and safe care. I wanted to be able to incorporate my worldview into medical practice within the Western healthcare system to improve patients’ experiences and ultimately work to decolonize the system itself.
“My grandad’s trailblazing inspired my two brothers and me to pursue careers in medicine.”
Dr. Miles Marchand
November 9, 2022
Hometown/Community: Kamloops, B.C., Member of the Okanagan Indian Band, Syilx Okanagan Nation
Program: Indigenous MD Admissions Pathway
Year graduated: 2018
Current position: Year 5 Cardiology Resident at UBC
Location: Vancouver
What inspired you to want to become a doctor?
I was inspired to become a doctor by my grandad, Len Marchand Sr. A former student of the Kamloops Indian Residential School, my grandad grew up at a time when First Nations people were prohibited from practicing sacred cultural ceremonies, hiring a lawyer or even voting in federal elections.
My grandad was one of the first Indigenous people to attend UBC, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture. He went on to fight with the North American Indian Brotherhood for the recognition of basic human rights for Indigenous people and eventually became the first Status Indian Member of Parliament. He dedicated his life and career to the betterment of Indigenous peoples and communities.
His trailblazing inspired my two brothers and me to pursue careers in medicine — an opportunity to effect change in Indigenous communities with a different lens. I hope that through the lessons our grandad taught us, we too can make a difference in Indigenous communities across the province.
“As I moved through my medical training, I realized how much family physicians play a role in advocacy.”
Dr. Rebekah Eatmon
November 9, 2022
Hometown/Community: Greater Vancouver, Tsimshian from Lax Kw’alaams and Métis
Program: Indigenous Family Medicine Residency
Year graduated: 2020
Current position: Family Physician
Location: Vancouver
What inspired you to want to become a doctor?
I was inspired to become a family physician in my first year of medical training. I was working with a family physician who did an infant vaccine in one visit, managed a complicated patient in the next, then saw an Elder in the next visit. I enjoyed watching how each one of the patients seemed grateful for his care, and I saw the strong relationship he had with each of them.
As I moved through my medical training, I also realized how much family physicians play a role in advocacy. I think a lot about system change in health care. The wonderful idea is that each of us is part of the system and has a role to play in improving it for our patients.
“Hearing patients talk about improved mobility, quality of life and continued independence is what I find most rewarding about orthopaedic surgery.”
Dr. Colby Finney
November 9, 2022
Hometown: Kelowna, B.C.
Program: Indigenous MD Admissions Pathway
Year graduated: 2018
Current position: Year 5 Orthopaedic Surgery Resident
Location: Vancouver
What inspired you to want to become a doctor?
When I was younger, I was introduced to the world of anatomy and physiology through hunting and fishing and through science classes. Then I discovered that medicine would allow me to combine and apply these concepts on a daily basis with the ultimate goal of helping patients live a fulfilling life.
Hearing patients talk about improved mobility, quality of life and continued independence during post-operative appointments is what I find most rewarding about orthopaedic surgery.
“Becoming a doctor means I can take part in building a healthier future for my community.”
Denna Flett
November 9, 2022
Hometown: Fort McMurray, AB. (Nation: Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation)
Program: Indigenous MD Admissions Pathway
Year in program: 1
Location: Vancouver
What inspired you to want to become a doctor?
There are many reasons I have chosen to become a doctor, and many of these reasons stem from a love for learning. Whether we’re studying human physiology, patient stories, or diseases and disorders — becoming a doctor means we are making a commitment to lifelong learning. This sentiment extends deeper for me.
I lost my relationship with my Indigenous father at a young age. Not only this, but I grew up in a community where there was a negative perception of Indigenous people. Ultimately, I grew distant and ashamed of my ancestry.
While I didn’t know it at the time, coming to UBC for my undergraduate degree was pivotal in changing my outlook. For the first time, I was part of a community that supported Indigenous students and took pride in them. Whether it was the support of advisors, the Longhouse, or peers, I felt uplifted. Additionally, it was at UBC that I learned the story of Dr. Michael Dumont, who combines traditional and Western medical practices at Lu’ma Medical Centre to better serve urban Indigenous patients. Until that point, I had never considered studying medicine as a chance to learn about my culture.
For me, becoming a doctor not only means I can learn about the science I am fascinated by, but it means I have the opportunity to learn more about my culture and how it can be intertwined with medicine. It means I can take part in building a healthier future for my community. Becoming a doctor means I can once again, develop a proud connection to my community.
Share this Page
Published: November 15, 2022
