The COVID-19 pandemic, combined with the ongoing inter-generational trauma and systemic racism experienced by Indigenous medical students and residents, has amplified the urgent need for the Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada’s (IPAC) trusted leadership and support services.
The CMA Foundation is granting them $1 million to support:
- the development of a national mentorship program; and
- the organization’s sustainability through capacity building within the organization.
IPAC’s national mentorship program
The Foundation’s funding will support the development of a national mentorship program to expand the current ecosystem of Indigenous medical learners and physicians across Canada. The program will identify and support emerging leaders by linking Indigenous medical learners to a mentor who can provide guidance, training, advice and growth opportunities.
“This funding opportunity will bolster IPAC's capacity as a national medical organization, allowing us to better respond to the needs of our membership and to more equitably work with our national medical partners.” – Dr. Nel Wieman, IPAC president
This funding aligns with goals identified in Impact 2040, the CMA’s new strategy, to support health and the health workforce, and specifically to work in allyship with First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples to support the development of an impactful action plan to improve the health of Indigenous Peoples.