A medical student from northwestern Ontario is an inaugural member of the new Native Medical Students Association of Canada.
Jamie Thompson, who is Métis, is in his second year at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine in Thunder Bay, Ont.
She said she had ties to Manitouwadge, Ontario. and Ignace, Ont. and has a varied family history. Thompson said his interest in medicine dates back to his youth and his education.
“I have always had an interest in traditional medicine, from my grandmother and her cultural background, coming from Métis and Cree families,” she said.
“I discovered traditional medicines through my relationship with her and through learning about the lands around Thunder Bay,” she said. “This is certainly the reason why I have always been interested in health and healing.”
Growing push for more Indigenous practitioners
The Native Medical Students Association of Canada was founded last year by two medical students from the University of Manitoba and the University of Alberta, Thompson said.
They began discussions on creating a safe space for Indigenous medical students.
“They started reaching out to medical students who had expressed an interest in helping form more culturally secure goals after everything that had happened,” Thompson said.
“My email was on that list, so I was one of the first members that they contacted and helped them with social media and crafting a constitution and that sort of thing. They really did. did an amazing job. “
Elections were held in August and a first circle of leaders is now in place. She was elected to the advocacy role and hopes she can make a difference.
“It’s still in its early days,” said Thompson. “But I really hope to be that kind of student council space for Indigenous students to connect, build community, hear about opportunities, and hopefully do well for this student body.”
Thompson’s new position comes as the medical profession reconsiders its relationship with Indigenous peoples and Indigenous professionals. This month, Dr. Alika Lafontaine was elected President of the Canadian Medical Association. Lafontaine grew up in Treaty 4 territory in Saskatchewan and is of Cree, Anishinaabe, Métis and Pacific Islander ancestry.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission has also called for an increase in the number of Indigenous people working in the health profession. According to the latest figures from the 2016 census, less than one percent of specialists and general practitioners in Canada identify as Indigenous.
As for her own future in medicine, Thompson said she leaves her options open.
“I think people ask you the second you go to medical school, what do you want to do? ” she said. “And I haven’t even answered that question yet. But I hope some natives are practicing, some harm reduction and a little interest in obstetrics and gynecology.
We’ll see where those interests take me and I just hope to serve my patients well. “
Listen to the full interview on Superior Morning here:
8:01Jamie Thompson: Native Medical Students Association of Canada
A second-year Métis medical student from Northwestern Ontario is one of the FIRST members of the new Native Medical Students Association of Canada. Listen to her. 8:01
“Travel aficionado. Twitter scholar. Writer. Extreme coffee guru. Evil pop culture fanatic.”