When Emmanuel Fagbola began his MD studies at the University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine, he was excited to finally be living his dream—but trepidatious about the journey.
“Black-identifying students often face systemic barriers and limited access to mentorship, making it harder to enter the field,” says Emmanuel, MD 2027.
He found immediate support in the University of Ottawa Black Medical Students Association (BMSA), a group dedicated to supporting and empowering Black students pursuing careers in medicine. Upon joining the association, usually during Welcome Week of their first year of medical school, members attend socials, participate in events and join the BMSA mentorship program to receive guidance and support from other Black physicians.
“Black-identifying students often face systemic barriers and limited access to mentorship, making it harder to enter the field.”
Emmanuel Fagbola
— Vice-president, uOttawa Black Medical Students Association
Then–vice-president Amani Kane was an instant mentor to Emmanuel, and actively encouraged him to step into the VP role himself at the end of the 2023–2024 academic year.
“Amani’s support has been unwavering ever since,” says Emmanuel. “She’s always eager to answer questions about school, career and life, offering advice that’s not only practical but also deeply attuned to our experiences as Black medical students.”
Having a mentor who understands the nuances of a med student’s journey—the challenges, the aspirations, the unspoken barriers—makes all the difference, says Emmanuel.
“For me, it’s all about community,” he explains. “Beyond Amani’s support, the BMSA community is a space where I can be completely authentic. It’s a place of shared ambition, mutual inspiration, and an unbreakable chain of mentorship.”
Amani still sits on the executive team, now as one of two clerkship representatives. One main strength of the community-based association, she says, is a spirit of connection and mentorship, ensuring its members are in the loop about events and initiatives, as well as answering questions, giving advice, and sharing insights to help MD students handle their current journeys in medical education and to anticipate what lies ahead.
“The group fosters such a beautiful sense of unity and community,” she says. “In addition to strengthening individual journeys, it’s a space where students uplift and guide one another.”
“The group fosters such a beautiful sense of unity and community.”
Amani Kane
— Clerkship representative on the board of the uOttawa Black Medical Students Association
Emmanuel says the group and their initiatives complement the Faculty of Medicine’s commitment to EDI, research and mentorship. His priorities as VP include expanding mentorship initiatives within the Ottawa community to support aspiring Black medical students; increasing visibility of BMSA both within the Faculty and externally to foster greater engagement; and building a sustainable financial infrastructure to ensure the longevity and growth of the group’s initiatives.
His role as VP also grants him a seat on the Faculty of Medicine’s student council, the Aesculapian Society, where as VP he advocates for Black medical students within the broader undergraduate medical community, ensuring their voices are heard at institutional levels while also strengthening their internal initiatives.
“The Black Medical Students Association is a vital force in advancing community, representation and advocacy for Black learners within medical education,” Emmanuel explains. “By creating an empowering space for mentorship, peer support, and professional development, we actively challenge and dismantle the systemic barriers that hinder the success of Black students.”
For example, the Association has spearheaded a new, upcoming Med Interview Mentorship program. The initiative pairs Black-identifying pre-med students with medical student mentors to help them prepare for medical school interviews, and focuses on improving accessibility, fostering connections, and discussing topics like medical social accountability.
The BMSA’s mission is in direct alignment with the Faculty’s commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that the medical training offered to the Black learner community not only reflects but also effectively addresses the needs of the diverse patient populations they are called to serve. The Faculty includes a BMSA branch as part of their EDI mandate, offering support and leadership to programs such as its mentorship program.
BMSA members have been busy organizing a Black History Month Blood Drive on February 15 and 22 at Canadian Blood Services to promote health equity and increase blood donations within the Black community. Collaboration with community partners, such as Canadian Blood Services and the uOttawa undergraduate club Aspiring Black Physicians, will help amplify outreach and awareness. The Association's blood drive FAQs reveal important facts about the underrepresentation of Canadian Black individuals when it comes to blood donations, its implications, and what the public can do to help.
The group also works to address gaps in representation, cultivating a supportive environment that is representative of the population that its members will be treating as physicians. Volunteers within the group recently delivered a presentation of hands-on medical skills to local elementary children to spark their interest in medicine; they also connected with older students, offering guidance and support to help them navigate their path into health care.
They are also planning an upcoming, hands-on medical workshop on uOttawa’s main campus for high school students to give Black-identifying high school students exposure to careers in medicine.
“We believe that giving kids opportunities like this can empower them to pursue their dreams and meet other like-minded peers,” says Emmanuel. “Volunteer medical students will share experiences, lead interactive activities and use tools like sutures to provide a glimpse into the medical field.”
Just as Emmanuel has been guided, he and the membership are excited to pass on that same encouragement and wisdom—and to realize their vision for all they can accomplish in the long term.
“We’re so happy to follow through with the connection and mentorship that’s been nurtured within the BMSA,” says Amani. “We’re super excited to keep building on it.”
“This cycle of support will only continue to grow,” agrees Emmanuel.
“That’s the power of community—it doesn’t just sustain us, it propels us forward.”
Main photo: Members of the Black Medical Students Association delivering a presentation of hands-on medical skills to elementary school children to spark their interest in medicine. Credit: Emmanuel Fagbola
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