Support ‘hub’ for Black doctors aims to bridge gaps in London health care, rebuild patient trust

A provincial association representing Black physicians is launching a remote hub in London, where doctors and medical students can connect and discuss important issues impacting the community along with ways to improve health care for Black patients.   Black Physicians Association of Ontario (BPAO) serves almost 400 doctors in different stages of their careers, and works with community organizations and non-profits to build better health outcomes for Black Ontarians.  A key priority of the hubs is to bridge gaps between Black patients and the health-care system by working with physicians from their communities who understand their unique needs, said executive director Chenai Kadungure.  “Our membership is full of people who are proactive leaders,” she said. “The challenges they had to face when becoming physicians inspired them to try and positively impact the environment as much as possible for those coming after them.” The hubs will allow members to provide peer support, mentor students, and identify areas within health care that can be more inclusive of racialized patients, along with other initiatives.  The Toronto-based organization has a growing pool of doctors across the province and is expanding that support network for those outside the area to share their insights and experiences, organize...