Support Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in FHS Curriculum, Events, and Opportunities
Advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, Indigeneity, and accessibility (EDIIA) within health sciences education creates opportunities for marginalized students to access and succeed in careers previously closed to them. It addresses the many ways in which healthcare systems in Canada fail to equitably meet the needs of all Canadians.
Over the last several years, Queen’s Health Sciences (QHS) students, faculty, and staff have found ways to incorporate EDIIA concepts into many facets of the faculty’s academic operations. However, until these ideals are firmly rooted in all areas of health sciences education and research, health professionals and health scientists will lack the expertise to provide equitable and inclusive care to all Canadians.
Caroline Instrum is a student in the Bachelor of Health Sciences program at Queen’s University. During her time at Queen’s, she has struggled to find a space specifically for Indigenous learners in QHS. This inspired Instrum to create The Indigenous Learners of Health Sciences—a community in which Indigenous students from across QHS have an accessible space for discourse and emotional support.
“I saw the need for a space where Indigenous QHS students could connect and share our experiences. I have an older sister at Queen’s, and I’ve seen the difference that similar groups in her faculty have had on her experience” says Instrum.
Caroline, with support from the Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, plans to bring in Indigenous professors and other Indigenous health professionals as speakers to share their experiences and discuss how they incorporate traditional Indigenous knowledge into health sciences teaching and practice. These discussions will enhance what is being learned in the classroom and propel the reconciliation and Indigenization of the curriculum and program delivery in the faculty.
The transition to educational and healthcare equity is one that requires ongoing outreach, mentorship, decolonization, and diversification of research, curriculum, admissions, and recruitment. It requires skill-based training in cultural humility, conflict resolution, human rights, anti-colonialism, anti-racism, anti-oppression, allyship, and cultural safety. The QHS Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Fund will support this tremendous undertaking by funding initiatives that drive this much needed change.
Make an impact on QHS students and their future patients across Canada when you donate to the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Fund.
