Reflections from a Public
Member of Council
Public Representative
Ms. Damilola Iduye
I am privileged to be appointed to the Council to serve as a public representative from the Nova Scotia Black community. I attended my first Council meeting in March 2022, and it was great to have a sneak peek into how I can meaningfully contribute to the regulatory operations of the College.
I see value in the College’s intentional approach to ensuring that the voices of people of African descent in Nova Scotia are heard.
Anti-Black racism is one of the key determinants of health affecting Black Canadians. The negative impacts of systemic anti-Black racism abound in relation to healthcare access and outcomes in African Canadian populations.
As a Black woman, I have personally experienced how individuals from the Nova Scotia Black community receive sub-optimal care. While there is considerable attention to the experiences of people of African descent in accessing care both in Nova Scotia and across Canada, the lack of equitable representation of Black health professionals further contributes to racial disparities in health outcomes.
I see value in the College’s intentional approach to ensuring that the voices of people of African descent in Nova Scotia are heard in relation to the regulation of the medical profession, and I hope to share my knowledge and expertise to enhance the work of the College.
I look forward to engaging with other Council members in contributing to improved medical regulation through equity-informed advocacy for increased representation of Black professionals. As well as contributing to enhanced accountability for fostering equity, diversity, inclusiveness, and accessibility at the individual practitioner level and within the broader profession.