A leading advocate for anti-racist clinical education and Black health will deliver the keynote address to the fourth annual Anti-Racism Symposium on March 23 at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU).
'I know what it means to be seen as less than human,' says Dr. Eniola Salami, who will present a talk at KPU Surrey on March 23 at the university's annual Anti-Racism Symposium.
Dr. Eniola Salami, Assistant Clinical Professor and Black Health Lead at the University of Alberta and a family physician, will present "White Coat, Black Girl: A Personal and Professional Reckoning with Racism in Medicine."
"I know what it means to be seen as less than human. I am a Black woman in addition to being a physician and have experienced both sides of the clinical encounter. I never want a patient to feel that way and I am dedicated to doing the work it takes in practice, medical education and community to ensure that," she says.
Salami was born and raised in Calgary, Alta. to Nigerian parents, and being the daughter of immigrants deeply impacted her perspective on systemic injustice and systemic racism. Her work centres on the development of antiracist curricula in medical education and the incorporation of Black health into medical training.
"White Coat, Black Girl" will examine how racism shapes medical training, professional identity and patient care -- and how racial inequities remain deeply embedded in medicine, particularly in Canada.
Canada ranked in the bottom three of 11 developed countries for health equity, according to a 2017 international report, specifically ranking the country last regarding income-based gaps in cost-related access to medical care. Salami says these inequities lead to massive disparities in health outcomes.
"Systemic bias has real clinical consequences and can even be fatal. Racism is a key determinant of health and has life and death consequences for Canadians."
Advancing anti-racism, says Salami, requires us to move past the "good intentions" of individual clinicians and treat racism as a structural system that demands reform at the clinical, institutional and political levels.
"In medicine we practice primum non nocere, first, do no harm. It is at the bedrock of our fiduciary duty to our patients and our communities. To be an anti-racist medical practitioner is to prioritize recognizing the inherent dignity of the patient in front of you. By challenging racist stereotypes and remedying historical wrongs, you actively recognize and affirm the humanity and dignity of your patients, dignity that has been and continues to be taken away by racism and racial discrimination."
The Anti-Racism Symposium is presented by the Office of Equity and Inclusive Communities (OEIC) at KPU. The day-long event will also include remarks from Amna Shah, Parliamentary Secretary for Anti-Racism Initiatives and Surrey City Centre MLA.
"Racism has no place in our health care system or in any part of our province. I'm grateful to KPU for bringing people together to confront hard truths and drive meaningful change," says Shah. "Our government introduced the Anti-Racism Act and anti-racism data legislation to help identify where gaps and barriers exist, so we can deliver better and more equitable services to racialized and Indigenous communities. We will continue to build on that work to ensure every person receives the care and respect they deserve."
Also taking place will be a presentation of the university's inaugural Black Excellence Awards, recognizing and celebrating Black students, alumni and employees who demonstrate exceptional commitment, leadership and impact at KPU and beyond.
"Many examples of Black excellence may happen behind the scenes at KPU. These awards allow the university community to celebrate and give visible recognition to the meaningful impact their peers are making every day, while supporting the ongoing work of racial justice and Black liberation across all areas of university life," says Dr. Asma Sayed, Vice-President, Equity and Inclusive Communities at KPU.
The Anti-Racism Symposium takes place at KPU Surrey, 12666 72 Ave. from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The morning keynote and awards presentation will be followed by two panel discussions in the afternoon.
The event is open to the university community and the public. Admission is free; registration is required.
