The University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Medicine has appointed Dr. Sarah Funnell as the Founding Director of the Centre for Indigenous Health Research and Education (CIHRE). Dr. Funnell, a graduate from the Faculty’s Indigenous program, begins her three-year term on July 1, 2021.
A public health specialist and an Anishinaabekwe and Tuscaroran family physician, Dr. Funnell has established herself as a leader in Indigenous health. Dr. Funnell will guide the faculty as it works alongside Indigenous stakeholders and health practitioners to develop a vision and a solution-oriented future for strengthening research and education. This important dialogue will be responsive to local and regional needs and focused on Indigenous health and social priorities.
Dr. Funnell, who completed her residency at uOttawa as well as a master’s degree in epidemiology, is an Associate Medical Officer of Health at Ottawa Public Health.
The establishment of a Centre for Indigenous Health Research and Education is an important step into addressing health inequity experienced by Indigenous Peoples. The purpose of the Centre is to create collaborative approaches across research and education to promote cultural safety, human rights and anti-racism, all in support of Indigenous health equity.
As part of the Faculty’s response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and its commitment to social accountability, the Centre is expected to be a hub of transformation where education, research and practice are integrated to the benefit and betterment of Indigenous communities.
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