Words by BCCFP President, Dr. Vincent Wong
As family physicians, we are uniquely positioned to care for our patients and communities. We take pride in providing relationship-based, whole-person care in the context of our patients’ lives.
Yet, we must acknowledge our biases when providing this care – and the harm that our profession has caused and perpetuated over time through systemic racism and anti-Indigenous practises. The Canadian Medical Association (CMA)’s publicly apology to Indigenous Peoples was a vital first step in acknowledging this truth, but it’s just the beginning.
For me, attending the apology in Victoria on Wednesday was an important time to reflect on my individual and collective role in this harm. It was a moment to go beyond our usual reflections and to delve into meaningful change, starting from within.
This requires a deep examination of how our conscious and unconscious biases can manifest in everyday interactions, as systemic discrimination, and cause harm. It’s often uncomfortable to challenge ourselves in this way – but it’s necessary. It’s not enough to believe we are ‘non-racist’, we have to actively work to dismantle the structures that continue to cause harm.
With that in mind, I would also like to issue my own personal apology to all Indigenous Peoples for my contributions to upholding these structures. I’m grateful to the CMA for prompting this, and hope to move forward with renewed humility and intention.
The BC College of Family Physicians (BCCFP) has also been on a journey of truth and reconciliation since signing the Declaration of Commitment to Cultural Safety and Humility in 2019. This ongoing journey was never going to be quick or easy, and we’re continually learning and unlearning as we go – but our commitment is resolute.
As family doctors, we also have a commitment to our patients to guide them with compassion and integrity. It’s my hope that the CMA’s apology to Indigenous Peoples creates and strengthens partnerships with Indigenous communities to ensure their voices guide us in creating a health care system that is equitable, just, and truly inclusive.
Image credit: Canadian Medical Association
