Black Resident Physicians of Canada
Upcoming Event
Upcoming Event
Navigating Medical - Legal Concerns & Advocacy in Residency
Nobody teaches you what to do when things go wrong.
A patient complaint.
An unexpected adverse event.
A difficult interaction with a supervisor.
Questions about documentation or professionalism.
Join BRPC, PARO, and CMPA for a practical webinar on the medico-legal realities of residency and clinical training.
Learn what support is available, what mistakes to avoid, and where to turn when challenges arise.
Date: July 21, 2026
Message from Dr. Gift Madojemu, President of the Black Resident Physicians of Canada
Dear BRPC members, colleagues, and partners,
It is with immense gratitude, excitement, and humility that I step into the role of President of the Black Resident Physicians of Canada (BRPC). I am deeply honoured to serve this incredible community of Black resident physicians and fellows across the country, and I look forward to building on the strong foundation established by my predecessor, Chantal Philips, whose leadership, vision, and dedication have helped shape BRPC into the thriving national organization it is today.
Since beginning my tenure in April 2026, our organization has continued to grow in meaningful and inspiring ways. One of our proudest achievements has been the successful hosting of our 3rd Annual PGY1/2 Bootcamp, where we brought together approximately 80 physicians and residents in one space dedicated to mentorship, learning, connection, and community. Seeing Black trainees from across Canada gather, support one another, and prepare for the next stages of training reaffirmed the importance of the work we do.
We have also expanded our national presence by successfully filling leadership and representative positions in British Columbia, Manitoba, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Northern Ontario, while actively working toward continued expansion into Quebec. These milestones reflect our commitment to ensuring that Black residents and fellows across Canada feel represented, supported, and connected regardless of geography.
As we look ahead, one of my priorities is to continue strengthening partnerships and collaborations with national and provincial organizations that share our commitment to physician wellness, advocacy, equity, and excellence in medical training. We are excited to deepen our engagement with organizations such as Resident Doctors of Canada, the provincial Professional Associations of Residents, the Canadian Medical Association, the Ontario Medical Association, the Canadian Nigerian Physicians and Dentists, and many others as we continue to advocate for Black trainees and the communities we serve.
The future of BRPC is incredibly bright. Over the next two years, I hope to further strengthen our pillars of mentorship, wellness, advocacy, and governance while fostering opportunities for leadership development, national collaboration, and meaningful impact within medicine and beyond.
I feel truly privileged to help steer this ship during such an exciting period of growth and possibility. Most importantly, I recognize that BRPC’s strength comes from its members — the residents, fellows, mentors, and allies who continue to invest their time, passion, and vision into this community. Together, we will continue to build spaces where Black trainees can thrive, lead, and be fully supported throughout their journeys in medicine.
Thank you for your continued trust and commitment to this work. I look forward to all that we will accomplish together.
With gratitude,
Dr. Gift Madojemu, MD, MPH
General Psychiatry resident/Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellow
President, Black Resident Physicians of Canada
brpo@bpao.org
2026 PGY1 Bootcamp Highlights
Our third annual PGY1&2 Bootcamp Brunch brought together incoming and current residents for a full day of mentorship, wellness, and career guidance. We explored the hidden curriculum, navigating residency, and self-care. We also had a special breakout session for Internationally trained Medical Graduates (IMGs).
Meet The Team
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BRPC Past President & Co-Lead for the University of Ottawa’s Local Chapter.
Dr. Chantal Phillips is a public health resident at the University of Ottawa and a locum family physician practicing in Ontario and New Brunswick. Passionate about health equity and Black health, she centers these principles in both her clinical practice and advocacy work. She serves as President of the Black Resident Physicians of Canada (BRPC), a role she has held since January 2024. Previously serving as President of the Black Resident Physicians of Ontario (BRPO) and lead of the Black Physicians of Canada (BPC) residents and fellows committee, Dr. Phillips recognized an opportunity for strategic collaboration. In July 2025, she facilitated the merger of these two committees into the unified BRPC. Through this leadership, she has strengthened the organization's infrastructure and expanded its initiatives supporting trainee connection, wellness, and professional development across Canada. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, experimenting with coffee, listening to podcasts, and exploring the outdoors.
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Co-Lead for the University of Toronto’s Local Chapter
Dr. Julianah Oguntala is an Internal Medicine Resident at the University of Toronto. She completed medical school at the University of Toronto and, during this time, served as the Chair of the Black Medical Students of Canada (BMSAC). Through the BMSAC, she was able to support Black medical students by advocating at the UGME level and with the AFMC. Through the BRPO, she is excited to continue this work, supporting residents and building a strong community for Black residents.
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Co-Lead for the Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Local Chapter
Dr. Jemeela Thomas is a PGY1 Pediatrics resident at Toronto Metropolitan University with a strong passion for health equity, mentorship, and community engagement. She is committed to advancing initiatives that support Black trainees across all stages of their medical journey. Jemeela brings experience in advocacy, youth outreach, and medical education, and is especially focused on strengthening support systems for early learners. Through BRPO, she hopes to foster a collaborative environment that uplifts and empowers Black physicians across Ontario. Outside of clinical duties, Jemeela finds joy through building community, storytelling, and movement.
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Co-Lead for Dalhousie University Local Chapter
Dr. Gloria Adetunji is a PGY-2 Family Medicine resident at Dalhousie University and BPRC Co-Lead for the Dalhousie Chapter. She is dedicated to delivering inclusive, high-quality care to individuals of all ages, identities, and cultural backgrounds.Her practice emphasizes holistic, community-oriented care, with a focus on health promotion, wellness, and chronic disease management. Gloria values building, empowering, and patient-centred relationships, and she is passionate about making a meaningful impact in the communities she serves.
Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, travelling, and bowling.
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Co-Lead for the Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Local Chapter
Dr. Adeolu Banjoko is a PGY4 resident in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Toronto. She has subspecialty interests in reproductive endocrinology and infertility. Her passions include advocacy and representation in medicine. She is a member of the University of Toronto OBGYN Advocacy Committee and co-founded We Are Medics, a social media platform aiming to support and uplift medicine applicants from underrepresented backgrounds. She has been a member of BPAO and BPC since 2022 and joined the BRPO Leadership Team in 2025.
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Co-Lead for the University of Toronto’s Local Chapter
Dr. Jodie Odame is a Paediatric Haematologist/Oncologist currently working at McMaster Children’s Hospital. After completing medical training at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), she pursued General Paediatrics training at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, followed by Paediatric Haematology/Oncology training at SickKids. Dr. Odame holds separate Master of Science degrees from the University of Toronto: one in Physiology and another in Health Systems Leadership and Innovation.Dr. Odame focuses on hemoglobinopathies, particularly sickle cell disease (SCD). She is passionate about advocating for children and young adults facing systemic challenges, and contributing to the development of policies that improve health outcomes in marginalized populations.
As an international medical graduate (IMG), Dr. Odame is dedicated to mentoring other IMG medical trainees through the application and integration process, bridging global experiences with Canadian healthcare standards.
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Lead for McGill Local Chapter
Sacha Williams is a Global Pediatric Surgery Fellow and PhD candidate at McGill University. Focusing largely on children’s surgical care, her work explores the impact of determinants of health on surgical access and postoperative outcomes. Sacha has presented her research at numerous national/international conferences and published in peer-reviewed academic journals. She sits on the executive boards of two national organizations. Sacha holds a Medical Doctorate, a Master of Public Health in Maternal and Child Health, and a Master of Science in Biotechnology. She is strongly committed to health equity, social justice, and serving vulnerable communities.
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Co-Lead for Dalhousie University Local Chapter
Chidinma is a Family Medicine resident physician and the BRPC Co-Lead at Dalhousie University.She holds a Master’s degree in Occupational Health and Safety and is passionate about ensuring a safe work environment and addressing systemic barriers that affect Black learners and patients. Through leadership, collaboration, and advocacy, she is committed to creating inclusive spaces that promote wellness, professional development, and excellence in healthcare.
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Co-Lead for the University of Toronto’s Local Chapter
Dr. Petra Famiyeh is a third-year resident in Internal Medicine at the University of Toronto. The Black medical community has played an integral role in her medical journey through mentorship and friendship. This experience has motivated her involvement with the Black Resident Physicians of Ontario (BRPO) as chapter lead since beginning residency.She is interested in Rheumatology and Oncology and their intersection. She plans to pursue a career as a clinician-investigator, splitting time between patient work and research focused on the illness experience of Black women.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her many nieces and nephews, knitting, and experimenting with makeup.
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BRPC President & Co-Lead for McMaster University’s Local Chapter
Dr. Madojemu is a resident physician in Psychiatry at McMaster University. She holds a medical degree from the University of Saskatchewan and a Master of Public Health from Memorial University, NL.Deeply committed to community service, Dr. Madojemu actively supports Black and marginalized communities through various leadership and volunteer roles. She has served as President of the Black Medical Students Association SK and President of the Canadian Alliance of Medical Students Against Human Trafficking. Her dedication extends to immigrant and refugee health, youth, and family support as a board member for Truly Alive Youth and Family Foundation Inc. Currently, she serves on the Board of Directors for Grants at STEMHub Foundation, to provide access to STEM programs for underserved populations in Ontario.
She enjoys being an aunty, traveling, and binging on Nollywood.
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Lead for Memorial University’s Local Chapter
Dr. Dourra Assani is a Diagnostic Radiology Resident at Memorial University of Newfoundland. During her medical studies, she was an executive of her school’s BMSA chapter, an active member of the Black medical student association, and contributed to the planning of the BMSAC AGM in her last year. She is passionate about mentorship for black students and an advocate for access to educational support for students from minority groups.She chose to get involved with BRPC because having a Black community in medical school was instrumental in fostering her sense of belonging and helping her connect with mentors.
Outside of her clinical duties, she enjoys cooking, hosting dinner parties with friends and family, watching Marvel movies and TV shows, and swimming
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Co-Lead for University of Ottawa Local Chapter
Onyinye is currently a PGY2 Internal Medicine resident at the University of Ottawa. She graduated from medical school at the University of Toronto in 2024 and, before that, completed her undergraduate studies in Neuroscience and mental health at Carleton University. She is passionate about medical education and mentorship. She served as the co-director of mentorship as part of the Black Medical Student Association in medical school. She hopes to continue to contribute toward building community and creating career advancement opportunities and connections for black learners.
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Lead for Western University’s Local Chapter
Dr. Joanna Walters is an internationally trained physician originally from Jamaica. She is currently a second-year Family Medicine resident at Western University. She has a keen interest in GP Oncology, chronic disease management and health advocacy and policy. Contributing to the work towards more equitable health care is a very important part of what she hopes to achieve in her career in medicine. She is looking forward to working with all the members of BRPC in the role of VP Advocacy.
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Vice President of Wellness & Co-Lead for McMaster University’s Local Chapter
Dr. Tami is a family physician and current public health resident at McMaster University. Passionate about health equity and wellness, she serves as Vice President of Wellness for the Black Resident Physicians of Canada (BRPC). Dr. Tami is committed to addressing systemic health disparities and champions initiatives that promote equity, diversity, and inclusion. She continually seeks opportunities to deepen her expertise in delivering compassionate, equitable patient care.Outside of her clinical and advocacy work, Dr. Tami prioritizes personal wellness, experimenting with new recipes, attending wellness events, and organizing community initiatives. She also loves traveling, exploring new cuisines, and spending quality time with friends and family.
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Lead for Queens University’s Local Chapter
Dr. Giselle Tucker Belliveau is a resident physician in Radiation Oncology at Queen's University. She holds a Bachelor of Health Science in Nuclear Medicine from the University of New Brunswick, a Master of Health Studies with a focus in Leadership from Athabasca University, and completed her Doctor of Medicine at the University of Alberta.Giselle is passionate about healthcare leadership and advocacy across various platforms which has been demonstrated through her previous involvement with the executive team of her local Black Medical Students’ Association (BMSA), on the research committee within the Black Medical Students of Canada (BMSAC), as a student board member of the Alberta Medical Association (AMA) and as the medical student liaison to the Professional Association of Resident Physicians of Alberta (PARA).
She has been a part of the BRPC leadership team since 2025 and is looking forward to contributing to the ongoing initiatives within the organization.
Contact us.
If you are a Black medical resident or clinical fellow in Canada and are not yet connected with our WhatsApp group, we encourage you to reach out to us at brpc@bpao.org with your personal information.
For those in Ontario who are not currently on our mailing list, we invite you to fill out this form. By joining our mailing list, you will receive information about ongoing opportunities, upcoming events, and initiatives specifically tailored to support Black medical residents and clinical fellows in Ontario.