Small Steps for Indigenous Health Inclusion in Medical Curricula – DLSPH

After three years of ardent work, the Public Health & Preventive Medicine Program is taking its first steps in Indigenizing its curriculum.

But program leads Profs. Onye Nnorom and Barry Pakes are not rejoicing just yet.

“This is more decolonization work than it is like full Indigenizing,” says Nnorom. “It’s baby steps.”

A working group comprised of Profs. Angela Mashford-Pringle, Pakes, Nnorom, Ross Upshur, consultant Dawn T. Maracle and Resident Mary Choi focussed on making small changes to integrate Indigenous teachings into the curriculum last year.

Residents were tasked to incorporate relevant Indigenous knowledge in lectures with peers on standard public health content with Maracle’s guidance. The level of expertise and standards expected for these roles is significant as residents are often asked to prepare rounds for peers and faculty members across the province.

Read More: https://www.dlsph.utoronto.ca/2022/05/02/indigenous-health-inclusion-in-medical-curricula/