How has your identity or lived experience shaped your journey to Family Medicine?
From a young age, I was frequently exposed to the healthcare system through family members living with chronic conditions that required regular care. Early on, I was drawn to the idea of medicine as a space where expertise could explain what was wrong and provide solutions. Over time, both through lived experience and my studies, I came to understand the complexities of healthcare. It's not immune to the historical and structural inequities that have shaped whose pain is believed and whose care is prioritized. This realization has deeply influenced how I approach medicine, not only at the level of individual patient care, but on a systems level.
Within the Department of Family Medicine, I have found space to develop this perspective meaningfully. Through coursework, mentorship from the faculty, and open knowledge exchange, I have been supported in thinking critically about primary care and the healthcare system as a whole while remaining grounded in care and cultural safety.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month has long been a time for me to learn about the impact and legacy of anti-Black racism and to honour those who challenged systems designed to limit their potential.
More recently, I have intentionally expanded that reflection to include celebration of Black joy and healing. For me, Black History Month is not only about survival and resistance, but also about recognizing the fullness of Black life and the ways we continue to imagine, build, and care for one another.
How do you see the importance of visibility and representation?
Visibility and representation can be powerful sources of empowerment, especially for young people. Seeing others in positions, careers, and fields you aspire to join makes those dreams feel more attainable.
At the same time, representation must be intentional and non-tokenizing. Without accompanying structural change, it risks becoming a façade of equity and inclusion. Meaningful representation requires sustained action through addressing the barriers that limit access and belonging. It must also include a commitment to community-engaged efforts that make it easier for those who come after us to enter and thrive.
´¡²ú´Ç³Ü³ÙÌýNafanta Fadiga
Nafanta Fadiga isÌýa 2025 McCall MacBain scholar and aÌýMaster of Science student in the Department of Family Medicine (Global Health concentration) at Â鶹´«Ã½ÍøÕ¾, working under the supervision of Professors Kathleen Rice and Alayne Adams. Her research centers on chronic illness, with a particular focus on sickle cell disease, as well as maternal and reproductive health.
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