Community Health Centre Education (CHCE)
Program for Black Medical Students
Background
The Community Health Centre Education Program (CHCE) for Black Medical Students is designed to increase the capacity of 2nd–4th year Black medical students in Ontario. The CHCE is a 8-week paid summer program exposing Black medical students to Community Health Centres (CHCs) predominately serving Black clientele. This program enhances students’ clinical skills while also developing advocacy and collaborative project skills.
To better serve our community, we’re expanding this program in collaboration with Community Health Centres across the GTA, Ottawa, and Windsor.
Previous CHC Partners
Program Timeline
Application Deadline – March 31st, 2025
Interviews – April 1th - April 10th
Program Start - June 2026
Program End - August 2026
“During my posting, I had the opportunity to interact with a variety of healthcare professionals and gained insights into their roles. The interdisciplinary structure of the centre facilitated comprehensive patient care. I conducted patient history and physical exams, administered immunizations, performed pap smears, and observed procedures like endometrial biopsies. I also witnessed the integration of primary care with allied health services. Patients were referred appropriately, ensuring they received comprehensive care addressing both immediate and long-term health concerns. The multicultural staff enabled effective communication with patients from diverse backgrounds. I learned to understand and address the unique needs of immigrant populations. I actively participated in workshop initiatives addressing issues like female genital mutilation (FGM) and gender based violence (GBV). This experience empowered me to raise awareness and initiate positive change.”
Toyemi, 2023 Participant
Faculty Mentor
Trish Tulloch is an Adolescent Medicine Specialist in the Division of Adolescent Medicine and Assistant Professor in the Department of Paediatrics and the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Toronto. Dr. Tulloch completed her Paediatric residency training at Ohio State University and fellowship training in Adolescent Medicine at the Hospital for Sick Children. She completed a clinical fellowship in Addiction Medicine at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). Dr. Tulloch is a staff physician in the Nicotine Dependence Clinic(The Intrepid Lab) at CAMH and the Hospital for Sick Children in the Division of Adolescent Medicine. She is involved with developing youth vaping cessation clinical interventions (CAMH) and co-leads vaping related studies (SickKids and CAMH).
Dr. Tulloch started her clinical work with the Durham Community Health Centre (CHC) and has continued to promote the incredible wrap around clinical care provided to patients on the part of CHCs.
Black physicians in CHCs play a vital role in enhancing patient care through cultural competency, strengthening community connections, and serving as role models for Black children and youth.
Students in the CHCE program will meaningfully engage in CHC operations, patient care, and self-directed or collaborative projects, gaining valuable experience while making an impact in their community.