By Sierrah Agustin, Research Team Member
Canada’s universal healthcare paradigm is supported by many, however, what happens when it fails to upstand its moral responsibility to eliminate barriers? In the glorious land and free, many Indigenous patients continue to have their health concerns dismissed, experiencing delayed procedures such as cancer screenings and more. They are forced to make the difficult decision of travelling to southern regions of Canada or to gamble on the level of care that they will receive when seeking medical attention in their area. For some, their fear of returning for treatment is adding to health risks as they delay follow-up appointments.
For Dr. Nadine Caron, there's a difference to be made between obstacles that come with the territory— such as travel lengths from remote communities—and those that the health care system can change.
Dr. Nadine Caron. Photo Credit: CBC.
Dr. Nadine Caron is a member of the Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation and the first Indigenous woman to become a general surgeon in Canada. She currently practices at the University Hospital of Northern British Columbia in Prince George, Canada and has been recognized for her outstanding contributions in the areas of equity, and diversity.
Throughout her career, Caron has witnessed Indigenous patients avoid care altogether because of past experiences of racism. She acknowledges that their avoidance can contribute to worsening health, increased chances of surgery, and delays in needed treatment. She’s repeatedly heard physicians judge Indigenous patients, families and communities for their avoidance of the healthcare system. However, what many of these professionals have failed to acknowledge is that Canada’s historical mistreatment of Indigenous peoples has bred this mistrust. In Caron’s eyes, it’s up to healthcare providers to break the cycle of stereotypes, assumptions, and racism.
Her commitment to mending the relationship between Indigenous people and the healthcare system has driven her to found and co- direct the Centre for Excellence in Indigenous Health at the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Vancouver. The Centre was founded in 2014 with the goals of increasing the representation of Indigenous people in the medical field, promoting research into Indigenous health, and training future physicians in culturally competent care.
Thanks to efforts spearheaded by Caron and others, there's been a gradual increase in Indigenous individuals entering the medical field where she foresees a day when First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people are routinely employed as scientists and healthcare professionals within Canada’s healthcare sector.