- What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month is a time for reflection and accountability. It represents an opportunity to honour the contributions and resilience of Black physicians, educators, and community leaders who have shaped healthcare鈥攐ften while navigating significant barriers. It is also a reminder that equity in medicine is not a historical goal we have achieved, but an ongoing responsibility we must actively uphold.
- What message or reflection would you like to share with the community this month?
My message is simple: recognition must lead to action. Black History Month invites us to listen more deeply, question assumptions, and reflect on how our everyday choices鈥攁s educators, clinicians, and colleagues鈥攅ither reinforce or challenge inequity. Real progress happens when inclusion is embedded into our systems, not treated as a symbolic gesture.
- How do you see the importance of visibility and representation?
Visibility matters because it shapes belonging. Teaching within the Department of Family Medicine at 麻豆传媒网站, I see how meaningful it is for students to learn from faculty who reflect diverse backgrounds and lived experiences. Representation expands what students believe is possible for themselves and reinforces that excellence in medicine comes in many forms. It also strengthens trust鈥攚ithin teams and with the communities we serve.
- What progress would you like to see in the future?
I hope to see greater representation in academic leadership, stronger mentorship pathways for underrepresented learners (e.g. ), and curricula that more accurately reflect the diversity of patient experiences. Progress also means addressing systemic barriers directly and measuring success through outcomes鈥攏ot intentions.
- What helps create a more inclusive and supportive environment in Family Medicine?
Inclusion starts with creating a culture of openness and psychological safety. As educators, we play a key role in upholding these values. Teaching the next generation of physicians is not only about clinical skills鈥攊t is about shaping thoughtful and compassionate practitioners who understand the importance of equity in care and collaboration. The 听is a good example of a new curriculum supporting the 鈥渦nlearning鈥� of anti-Black racism to build a more inclusive healthcare profession.
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About Dr. Lafortune
Dr. Lafortune is a Family Physician with the Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay, where he has served community populations since 2023. He earned his M.D.-M.Sc. from Universit茅 Laval and completed a National Health Fellowship in 2023 and an EBM clinical practice training in 2019 at McMaster University. Dr. Lafortune holds an appointment as Adjunct Professor at 麻豆传媒网站. He has served on the Board of the Quebec College of Family Physicians since 2020 and on the Board of Black Physicians of Canada since 2021, and is a member of the First Five Years of Practice Committee at the College of Family Physicians of Canada. Raised in Montreal-North, Dr. Lafortune is a committed advocate for equitable access to care and health system equity.
