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An Initiative of

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Real change takes time and effort but every day we see interactions that shape the culture of academic medicine.

The following are stories from individuals who came forward to share.

Equity

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Headshot of Elke Hutton
You don’t know what you don’t know! Watch for the cognitive biases!
Equity
Ketan Kulkarni
As a physician of BIPOC and racially visible minority, my voice has a wide variety of notes to form a rich pattern. I feel fortunate and privileged to care for patients with blood disorders and cancers and help families with a wide variety of background! From new Canadians to not so new Canadians!

Compassion

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Headshot of Elke Hutton
How empathy and compassion saved my life
Compassion
Elke Hutton
When I lived in Richmond, BC, I was looking for a new GP after my old one told me he wasn't my mother when I came to him for reassurance that I would be ok during an elective procedure.
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High Five!
When was the last time you greeted someone with a high five? It is a gesture of compassion, a deeply humanistic act when we celebrate every success, big or small, with team members as we journey together towards a common goal.
Compassion
Dr. Roger Wong
Thank you so much, Dr. Dawson and the OVFHT!
I can’t thank my family physician enough — Dr. Charlotte Dawson, you quite literally changed my life!
Nicole 
• Almonte, ON 
• August 15, 2023
Thanks to all the mentors in my life!
I remember coming to the realization I had a mentor. I had learned about mentorship and was grappling with the concept and wondering if I should find a mentor. It was an epiphany to then realize I already had one!
Cathy MacLean 
• Saskatoon 
• November 28, 2023
Forging My Path in Timmins, Ontario!
Having the opportunity to study medicine in the Northern Ontario community of Timmins was an exceptional privilege that I do not take for granted. Throughout my time there, I had the opportunity to witness the diverse and comprehensive role of rural family physicians.
Anthony Miller 
• Timmins, ON 
• November 28, 2023

Respect

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Headshot of Dr. Cheryl Holmes
Small acts of kindness matter
Respect
Dr. Cheryl Holmes
This morning, I was prompted to reflect on a time when someone showed me kindness.
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A Journey of Compassion: How One Family Physician Shaped Me
When I look back at my experiences during my medical education journey, there is one moment that I cherish with great appreciation.
Respect
Geneviève Moineau

Safe Spaces

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Headshot of Dr. Angela Cooper
The power of connection shines a light on the hidden culture of medicine
Safe Spaces
Dr. Angela Cooper
Recently, I gave a presentation called ‘Why Wellness Interventions Don’t Work’, to explore how the culture of medicine creates barriers to wellness.
Comfort in Community- The BMSAC AGM
The most transformative experience that has shaped my experience as a Black medical student was attending the 2023 BMSAC AGM. It was my first time attending the organization’s AGM but will not be my last.
Ayomide Fakuade 
• Halifax, NS 
• December 19, 2023

Self-Care

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Headshot of Dr. Lawrence Yang
The power of setting boundaries
Self-Care
Dr. Lawrence Yang
I was a prototypical family medicine hopeful. I had gotten straight A’s in high school, fared well in undergrad, excelled on the MCATs.
Share your story with the academic medicine community.

Are you inspired to share an experience that has impacted you in a meaningful way, thank someone you appreciate, or tell your story? We’d love to hear from you! This is your space to share what you want.

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