Toronto Metropolitan University’s (TMU) School of Medicine, in collaboration with the Peel District School Board (PDSB), recently hosted a panel discussion at Mississauga Secondary School, encouraging students to pursue careers in healthcare. The event, held on February 6 as part of Black History Month, featured Black health professionals who shared their personal journeys, challenges, and the importance of mentorship in overcoming systemic barriers.
The panel was a component of the “Future of Healthcare” pathway program—a joint initiative between TMU’s medical school, its Faculty of Community Services, and PDSB. This program aims to increase access to healthcare careers for equity-deserving students by providing early exposure, mentorship, and continued support. Dr. Trudy McFarlane, the Black Health Lead at TMU’s new School of Medicine, emphasized the program’s goal:
“We’re breaking down barriers; we’re building pathways for equity-deserving students to explore careers in healthcare and really show them what’s possible.”
Panelists shared personal stories of perseverance and the systemic obstacles they faced. Levar Bailey, a final-year nursing student at TMU, recounted his battle with paralysis as a child and his determination to give back to the medical community that saved his life. He encouraged students to persist despite challenges, stating,
“You can always be the person you want to be.”
The discussion also highlighted the significance of mentorship and networking. Dominik Shelton, interim assistant dean of recruitment and admissions at TMU’s School of Medicine, advised students to seek mentors within their desired careers to gain insights into the profession’s joys and challenges.
Students in attendance found the panel inspiring. Arianna Malcolm, a Grade 12 student at Applewood Heights Secondary School, expressed motivation upon seeing Black healthcare professionals:
“I’ve never really seen Black doctors… so the panel was a bunch of people I could look up to.”
The “Future of Healthcare” program aims to provide students with speaker series, mentorship opportunities, and experiential learning courses to empower equity-deserving populations and increase representation in the medical field. Dr. McFarlane hopes the program will expand to include experiential opportunities, such as shadowing professionals and internships, and address financial barriers by offering bursaries or scholarships.