Catching up with the Black Medical Students’ Association

Potluck dinner with the Black Medical Students' Association. Photo supplied.

This Black History Month, members of the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry’s Black Medical Students’ Association (BMSA; Instagram @bmsa.uofa; Facebook University of Alberta BMSA) are marking the group’s five-year anniversary and planning for the work still ahead, building a better future for Black medical professionals and the communities they will serve in Alberta and beyond.

We spoke to Debby Oladimeji (second year, MD program), the group’s vice-president of social media and marketing, to find out more about what this month means to the BMSA and what inspires their ongoing dedication to advocating for equity in medical education and in their daily lives.

What is the BMSA’s mandate?

We aim to create spaces where Black students can feel seen and heard in medicine. We're determined to address systemic racism and barriers in admissions, curriculum, wellness and community engagement and to advocate for equity in medical education and medical practice so that students who look like us have equal opportunities for success in medicine and are adequately represented in our classes and curriculum. We foster a community that embraces diversity, promotes inclusion and actively works to dismantle discrimination in all its forms. 

What does Black History Month mean to you? 

Black History Month is a time that holds profound significance for us, a time to reflect on the contributions, struggles and triumphs of Black people throughout history, particularly in medicine. This month serves as a reminder of the resilience and brilliance of Black individuals who have paved the way for us. As we celebrate Black History Month, we're embracing an empowering mindset, showcasing Black futures and emphasizing the unstoppable potential of and bright opportunities ahead for Black people all around us. 

How are you marking Black History Month?

This month, we’re amplifying the voices and promoting the work of other Black student groups around campus and, throughout the week of Feb. 19, we'll be hosting several BMSA student takeovers on our Instagram story to showcase the vibrant and diverse Black representation within our medical school. Beyond February, our third annual health fair is coming up in April, with a focus on health education, community engagement and empowerment within the Black community and beyond. 

Who or what inspires you?

The advocacy of Ontario Black physicians Onye Nnorom and Modupe Tunde-Byass, who dedicate their time and research to addressing the health impacts of anti-Black racism, serves as inspiration for us as future physicians. Closer to home, we have Eniola Salami, our Black health lead, who exemplifies Black excellence through her dedication to the success and well-being of Black people in medicine. The pioneering spirit of all the Black medical professionals who have paved the way for us motivates us to continue the necessary work of surpassing systemic barriers and creating a more diverse and inclusive medical system that truly reflects the communities it serves. We are committed to honouring the legacy of these remarkable individuals and advocating for a future where Black voices are uplifted and health equity is a reality for all.

How can other community members be allies in this work?

Allies can help us educate people on the systemic racism and barriers faced by Black students in medicine, using their platforms to amplify the voices of Black students and actively support initiatives led by the BMSA. Allies can challenge discriminatory practices, promote diversity and create inclusive environments where all students feel heard and valued, and can collaborate and partner with the BMSA on projects and events to leverage collective resources. Allies should engage in active listening and learning, seeking to understand the experiences and perspectives of Black students and communities.