Organizations are stronger when they put equity, diversity and inclusion at their forefront. VPSA has been active in promoting EDI principles for many years and funds members’ participation on the VCH Medical Staff Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee. That commitment is now taking on new meaning with the creation of the VPSA Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Committee. This committee will address EDI needs at a department/division level. Its goal is to advance equity, diversity, and inclusion across all aspects of patient care and the medical staff experience in VA/VC.

VPSA President Dr. Ka Wai Cheung is the committee’s interim chair while members work on its terms of reference and initiatives. Other committee members are Drs. Daniel DeForge, Wenna Deng, Fahreen Dossa, Esaba Kashem, and Sandeep Saran.

“Advancing EDI means uplifting our members so that everyone feels belonging and their voice is heard,” said Dr. Cheung. “I imagine a future state when everyone comes to work knowing that they are valued for exactly who they are. However, bias, prejudice and inequities in health care are all too common, and there is still a lot of work that needs to be done. I have been involved in a number of EDI initiatives and am excited about building this network of EDI champions.”

“I’m an out gay physician with a biracial family, and my husband and I have worked in advocacy and community programs ranging from Rainbow Refugees in Canada and racial equity organizations in the States (my husband is African American),” said Dr. DeForge. “I’ve been practicing for 40 years and looking to move into this work within the context of my health-care experience. I feel this group will be a place where I can learn most about the VCH landscape and be of most service.”

“I’m passionate about EDI in the workplace and ensuring an inclusive work environment,” said Dr. Deng. “I worked on anti-racism committees throughout medical school and residency to address inequities in health care. I bring an out-of-province perspective on EDI initiatives I have participated in and seen from Ontario.”

“EDI and wellness have tremendous overlap,” said Dr. Dossa, who is VCH’s interim regional medical director of wellness. “Well-being cannot exist without inclusion, acceptance, and the safe space to have honest conversation. As many of us are aware, this has been historically challenging within medical culture. However, slowly and steadily, our combined efforts (aligned and supported by strong VCH pillars and clear MSA strategic priorities) are moving us in the direction of awareness and tangible action.  I wholeheartedly support this work and am keen to see how we can most effectively work together in this space.”

“Throughout my medical career, I have had the opportunity to both benefit from and contribute to several EDI initiatives and programs,” said Dr. Kashem. “I’ve organized and led workshops and training opportunities for medical learners and staff on various topics including anti-racism, LGBTQ2S+-friendly care, and cultural competency in medicine. During my time at VCH, I have led and participated in multiple EDI initiatives including organizing and moderating a career development workshop for women physicians at VCH, serving as a member of the working group for the VCH anti-racism curriculum development, as well as participating in the EDI mentorship program.”

“I have long been passionate about the right of every person to feel safe and included,” said Dr. Saran. “In my undergraduate years, I took part in anti-racism initiatives and advocacy for marginalized populations here and abroad. During my medical career, I experienced and witnessed instances of discrimination, and this highlighted the need for respect for all in health-care settings too. As a palliative care physician, I work with a vulnerable population that may often face barriers to accessing care. To me, the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion become paramount in giving the best possible care to patients and families facing the most difficult of times, as well as supporting staff who do the challenging work of palliative care. And while there is a considerable overlap between palliative care and EDI work, I am grateful for the opportunity to expand my involvement to the VPSA EDI committee. I look forward to  raising awareness of biases and prejudices where they exist in health care, building cultural competency, and furthering our capacity for respect and inclusion of all.”