Influencing change and addressing issues of racism and inequity at DFCM

Dear colleagues,

Recent acts of racial violence including the death of George Floyd have sparked widespread public protest against anti-Black racism across North America. Right here at home, the tragic deaths of Regis Korchinski-Paquet and D’Andre Campbell remind us that anti-Black racism has deep roots in our own country and its history. The Department of Family and Community Medicine (DFCM) denounces anti-Black racism, and joins with those experiencing grief, anger, and frustration - not only toward these recent events, but toward the historic and ongoing impacts of systemic racism and injustice that continually affect Black communities.

The past months have also highlighted that both health and racial equity remain elusive in our communities. We know that COVID-19 has disproportionately impacted marginalized communities. We know that the origin of the pandemic has also led to widespread discrimination against people in the Asian community.

The present circumstances are a call to action – we must strive to influence change, including working to recognize and address our own implicit bias in its various forms including anti-Black racism. We, as a department, also must examine our own practices and structures to better understand how we create anti-racist spaces for our colleagues, learners and patients, along with a broader commitment to equity and social accountability. There is urgency for change. Leaders in our department plan to take us toward action in the coming months to help address some of these crucial issues for our department, patients and communities.

Although strides have been made in equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) within our department, there is work to be done. However, the work must be balanced with compassion for those who lead EDI initiatives, as they deal personally with the impact of the recent events. It will be important for us to continue to highlight and challenge issues of racism and inequity long after these issues have left the media’s attention.

We encourage you to reach out and find the supports you need. There are many initiatives and resources at the University of Toronto, including:

• The Anti-Racism and Cultural Diversity Office (ARCDO) will hold a virtual community gathering this Thursday, June 4 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Together, with Black community leaders in Toronto, they will reflect on the recent tragedies and hold a moment of silence for those who lost their lives to racial violence. More information can be found on their website.
• The Faculty of Medicine’s Office of Inclusion and Diversity details additional events and offers important resources here.
• The Faculty of Medicine also has a Resource Navigation Line to assist faculty with finding the support they need at this time. They have information on diverse, culturally-safe resources, including information about Black mental health professionals and can be reached at facultynavigator@utoronto.ca or (416) 978-8203.

Faculty, staff and learners, we welcome your thoughts and reactions as we work together to improve, for all, the environments in which we live and work. If you have any feedback for us, please contact dfcm.communications@utoronto.ca. For our Black faculty, staff and learners, know that we see you and are here for you in this difficult time.

Sincerely,

David Tannenbaum
Interim Chair

Katherine Rouleau
Vice-Chair, Global Health & Social Accountability

David White
Vice Chair, Family Doctor Leadership

Onye Nnorom
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Lead

Ritika Goel
Faculty Lead in Social Accountability

Vivian Tam
PGY2 – FRAT co-president