Patricia Farrugia named associate dean of Indigenous Health – McMaster University

October 24, 2025

Patricia Farrugia has been named the associate dean of Indigenous Health for McMaster University’s Faculty of Health Sciences. The appointment was approved by the university’s Senate on October 23, 2025.

Farrugia, Anishinaabe-Ojibway, is a proud member of the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation in Neyaashiinigmiing, Ontario. She is an associate clinical professor in the Department of Surgery and an associate member in the Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact. In January 2025, Farrugia and was named acting associate dean of Indigenous Health upon the retirement of Bernice Downey. Downey was honoured at a celebratory event earlier this year.

As associate dean, Farrugia will guide the mission of the Faculty with respect to the Indigenous health program and in collaboration with the Faculty’s executive leadership team, will advocate for Indigenous health resources within the Faculty and university.

Read More: https://healthsci.mcmaster.ca/patricia-farrugia-named-associate-dean-of-indigenous-health/