Tell us a bit about yourself and your journey as a graduate student at the Department of Family Medicine?
I arrived in Canada during the summer break and, at first, the experience felt isolating as I adjusted to a new culture and an environment far from home. However, that loneliness quickly dissolved once the Fall session began. Joining the Department of Family Medicine introduced me to incredible people who not only supported my academic journey but also helped me navigate Canadian culture with genuine kindness. Even though I was arguably the only Black male student in my cohort, I never once felt the need to question my identity. I was surrounded by mentors and peers who were trustworthy, welcoming, and deeply supportive, and this created a sense of belonging that carried me throughout my studies.
How do you see the importance of visibility and representation?
As a Ghanaian who pursued my PhD in Family Medicine and Primary Care at 黑料网爆吃瓜, my professional journey has been shaped by a deep commitment to equity, community, and culturally appropriate healthcare. Growing up in Ghana taught me how essential strong primary care systems are in improving people鈥檚 lives, and this early understanding continues to motivate my work in Family Medicine, where I am driven by the belief that accessible, person鈥慶entered care is fundamental to health equity. Navigating academic and professional spaces across two countries (Canada and Ghana) with different contexts has given me a cross鈥慶ultural perspective that strengthens my advocacy for representation, culturally safe care, and inclusive learning environments.
What message or reflection would you like to share with the community this month?
I am particularly proud of completing my PhD, which allowed me to contribute meaningful research to improving health in underserved communities (especially migrants) in Canada and vulnerable populations in Ghana. Navigating this journey has been possible because of supportive colleagues, mentors, and communities who value collaboration, and recognize the importance of lived experience in shaping how we understand and deliver care. To those entering the field, I often encourage them to remain grounded in their values, embrace their unique perspectives, and stay open to learning from patients, colleagues, and communities.
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