Black Physicians’ Association of Ontario (BPAO)’s Awards Gala Honours Black Excellence in Medicine
The Empowered Women Healers event celebrates BPAO members who are visionaries, mentors, and changemakers whose legacies continue to shape the landscape of Black medicine in Canada
Toronto, ON — May 29, 2025 — The Black Physicians’ Association of Ontario (BPAO), the most established organization of Black physicians in the country, is hosting its second Annual Awards Gala to bring together trailblazers, celebrate community champions and foster connections that contribute to the advancement of Black excellence in healthcare.
On June 7, 2025, BPAO proudly presents Empowered Healers: Honouring the Legacy and Leadership of Black Women in Medicine. This event will pay tribute to pioneers who have dedicated their careers to mentorship, advocacy, and innovation in medicine.
The Empowered Women Healer Awards recognize pioneering Black women doctors who have achieved significant success in the field of medicine. Despite the hardships they have faced, they had made or continue to make an impact as physician-educators, community builders and advocates for better Black health outcomes and medical education outcomes for Black medical learners. Their legacy continues to fuel organizations like the Canadian Association of Nigerian Physicians and Dentists (CANPAD), the BPAO and Black Physicians of Canada to make a long-term impact.
The honourees include the following:
Dr. Nah-Amakuma Barnor, Pediatrician and Former Chief of Pediatrics of Humber Memorial Hospital (now Humber RIver Health)
Dr. Nana-Akwa Barnor's legacy is one of profound service and inspiration. She immigrated from Ghana to Toronto at the age of 16, inspired by the unwavering support and influence of her maternal grandmother to pursue a career in medicine. After graduating from medical school at the University of Toronto in 1974, she went on to complete a residency in pediatrics and later subspecialized in pediatric neurology. Dr. Barnor began her career as a developmental pediatrician, establishing a successful private practice while also working at the former Humber Memorial Hospital, where she eventually rose to the position of Chief of Pediatrics. Throughout her career, she was known not only for her clinical excellence but also for her compassionate, holistic approach to care—treating children while mentoring and educating entire families. A fierce advocate for equity, Dr. Barnor was deeply committed to advancing the well-being of new immigrants, Black and racialized children. She was especially respected within the Black community for her dedication to empowering young people to reach their full academic and personal potential. Together with her husband, Dr. Lamptey, Dr. Barnor was a tireless community builder and champion of youth empowerment. They were both strong supporters of the University of Toronto’s Summer Mentorship Program, regularly welcoming Black high school students into their practice to expose them to the possibilities within the field of medicine and dentistry. Her professional work, research, and personal life were seamlessly woven together by her unwavering commitment to family, community, and the pursuit of excellence.
Dr. Anna Jarvis, Professor Emeritus Temerty School of Medicine Dr. Anna Jarvis has been a pillar in the Black physician community. While her initial applications for residency in Canada were unsuccessful, with persistence and willingness, Dr. Jarvis was able to fill a vacancy in the pediatric training program. During her time in the program, Dr. Jarvis made significant contributions to the field of pediatric emergency medicine, and established herself as an international authority on emergency health care for children. When paramedic services were created in 1984, Dr. Jarvis was involved in establishing the medical services and first responders, teaching some of the first cohorts of paramedics. Dr. Jarvis held various academic appointments at the University of Toronto and clinical positions at hospitals, and has received the Order of Ontario, among other various teaching awards. She continues to demonstrate her commitment to mentoring students.
Dr. Remi Ogundimu, Former Assistant Professor in Faculty of Medicine Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) As a community leader, Dr. Remi Ogundimu has spent decades bringing a wealth of information, education, advocacy, and understanding to Greater Sudbury. She was a Clinical Lecturer (VPT), Department of Paediatrics, University of Ottawa (1993 -2005) and an Assistant Professor in Faculty of Medicine at NOSM (2005-2014). In these positions medical students rotated through her office for clinical experience. She has given countless hours and time working with the Sudbury Afro Heritage Association, the Ontario Government’s Committee of the bicentenary of the Abolition of Slave Trade in 2007, and served on the Board of the Sudbury Multicultural and Folk Arts Association in the roles of Vice-President (2007-2013) and President (2014-2018). Dr. Ogundimu is also proud to serve as a volunteer coffee hostess on occasions after service at her church, the Church of the Epiphany. Over the years Dr. Remi Ogundimu has received honours and accolades in recognition of her outstanding achievements. She was the first woman to serve as the president of the Canadian Association of Nigerian Physicians and Surgeons (CANPAD) (2013 - 2015). She was presented with the Canada 150 Community Service Award in 2017, and was honoured as One of the 100 Accomplished Canadian Black Women at its inaugural ceremony in 2016. Locally, she was named Woman of the Month in 2018, by the Business and Professional Women’s Association of Greater Sudbury.
Dr. Miriam Rossi, Former Emeritus Professor, Temerty School of Medicine One of the BPAO’s founding physicians, Dr. Miriam Rossi was a pediatrician and teaching faculty at the University of Toronto, and a strong advocate and mentor for minorities. She led several initiatives to improve diversity in the medical school, in particular, the creation of the Summer Mentorship Program, established to encourage young Black and Aboriginal students, who are under-represented in medicine, to pursue careers in the health sciences. The program she created aimed to improve equity in the field of medicine, healthcare and society as a whole and has led to the success of several BPAO members today.
Dr. Modupe Tunde-Byass, President-Elect, Federation of Medical Women of Canada Dr. Modupe Tunde-Byass is a Fellow of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (UK) and The Royal College of Surgeons of Canada, actively serves at North York General Hospital and holds the position of Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Toronto. She was the inaugural President of the Black Physicians of Canada (BPC),and is the current President-Elect - Federation of Medical Women of Canada now. She is dedicated to advocating for Black learners and mentoring future obstetricians and gynecologists, making her a distinguished role model in physician mentorship and career development.
The gala is an evening focused on “Where Legacy meets Leadership”. The presenting sponsors, MD Financial Management and Scotiabank, have highlighted their commitment to supporting the immense contributions and leadership of Black Leaders in medicine and demonstrated their advocacy for the next generation of Black physicians. This exclusive fundraising gala brings together BPAO members and the broader medical community for an unforgettable night of inspiration, connection, and impact. This event specifically fundraises for BPAO’s efforts around fostering a more inclusive and equitable future by advocating for the next generation of Black physicians, ensuring they have the resources, mentorship and opportunities needed to thrive and continue this legacy of excellence.
“Since the founding of BPAO in 2007 by our posthumous honouree Dr. Miriam Rossi, the association has advocated for improving the health of people in Black communities in Ontario, and implemented programs that encourage and facilitate Black youth to pursue a career in medicine,” said Dr. Mojola Omole, president of the BPAO. “Many of our members are distinguished Black physicians and exceptional educators who have not only had a huge impact on the field of medicine, but have also supported Black doctors in their fields. Additionally, we have outstanding medical students and residents who possess leadership, adaptability and problem-solving skills that make them beacons of inspiration for future medical professionals. We are beyond proud to honour these exemplary Black physicians and celebrate Black medical learners at this gala event.”
2025 Black Excellence Awards
In addition to the recognition of the “Empowered Healer” honourees, several awards will be presented at the event. The BPAO will shine a spotlight on individuals and organizations that have not only made significant contributions to their communities and industries but have also embodied the spirit of joy, positivity and empowerment within the Black community.
The Excellence in Teaching Award honours educators, particularly distinguished Black physicians in Ontario, for their exceptional dedication, innovation and impact in medical education. Honourees not only foster inclusivity and equity but also inspire critical thinking and advocate for equity within deserving communities. Furthermore, their commitment to lifelong learning and professional development enhances medical education standards. The nominees for this award include:
Dr. Bourne Auguste is an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto. He was the Chief Medical Resident at Women's College Hospital from 2015 to 2016. His main area of clinical interests have been on peritoneal dialysis and home hemodialysis, having published numerous peer-reviewed articles and contributed to various book chapters. Within quality improvement, his main interests have evolved around patient safety, patient-centredness and equity. He has shown the importance of personalized training and education for patients, and providing prescriptions that allow flexibility in day-to-day schedules with incremental peritoneal dialysis. His research focuses on enhancing patient safety and innovation in nephrology, with a particular interest in cardiorenal syndrome. He successfully launched a bedside catheter program at Sunnybrook Hospital, utilizing ultrasound techniques for PD catheter insertion, offering acute peritoneal dialysis treatment options for patients. Winner of the Marc Goldstein Fellowship Award for Clinical Excellence, he was also awarded the Department of Medicine Early Faculty Award for Quality Improvement at Sunnybrook, as well as voted one of the Top 100 Doctors in Ontario. Currently, Dr. Auguste is making history as the Provincial Medical Lead- Health Equity at the Ontario Renal Network | Réseau rénal de l’Ontario where he has been instrumental in addressing the racial disparities in kidney disease.
Dr. Trudy McFarlane is the Associate Dean of Black Flourishing at Toronto Metropolitan University’s (TMU) School of Medicine. Prior to that she held the Black Health Theme Lead Portfolio at TMU. She oversees advancing the school’s commitments to implementing an anti-racism approach and combating anti-Black racism. A distinguished family physician, general practitioner, psychotherapist and medical consultant, Dr. McFarlane completed her family medicine residency at Dalhousie University and has since played a vital role in medical education and mentorship of diverse medical learners. She co-led the successful Black Vax Facts initiative that gave community access to vital answers for vaccine related queries. In her role with the School of Medicine, Dr. McFarlane seeks to explore innovative approaches to incorporating equity, diversity and inclusion into the structure and foundation of the School of Medicine, and to contribute to the scholarship of teaching and learning for all medical learners, with a particular focus on Black medical students. Her dynamic leadership is instrumental to advancing community, belonging and excellence within the medical education landscape and beyond.
Dr. Fahima Osman is a Breast Surgical Oncologist at North York General Hospital and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of Toronto. She earned her MD from McMaster University, followed by a General Surgery residency and Breast Surgical Oncology fellowship at the University of Toronto. Dr. Osman also holds a Master’s in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University, where she focused on health disparities in low- and middle-income countries and improving access to cancer care. As a highly respected breast surgical oncologist, Dr. Osman has co-led her breast cancer program to numerous milestones, including being the only breast centre in Canada accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC). Driven by her passion for digital health technology, she founded MyJourney Health Inc., a digital platform that provides comprehensive support to breast cancer patients and their clinical teams. Dr. Osman’s inspiring journey as the first Canadian-trained Somali medical doctor has garnered media attention, including her feature in the Dove campaign, "Women Who Should Be Famous." Her life story has been shared in various outlets, serving as an inspiration to her community. In addition to her professional accomplishments, she is a devoted wife, mother of two wonderful children, and takes great joy in the close-knit bonds of her large extended African family.
Dr. Cynthia Maxwell was the founding President of the BPAO. Dr. Maxwell is Vice President, Medical Affairs & System Transformation and Lead Medical Executive at Women's College Hospital. She is an accomplished physician, researcher and educator who has been recognized as a transformative health system leader. She is a Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist as well as an Obesity Medicine Specialist at Mount Sinai Hospital (Toronto), Sinai Health and Professor, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Toronto. She is Vice Chair of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto. Dr. Maxwell co-leads the Network for the Advancement of Black Learners (N-ABL), the provincial network to support Black medical learners as inaugural chair. She is a member of the Governing Council of the Provincial Council for Maternal and Child Health.
The Trailblazer Rural Medicine Award highlights a visionary healthcare professional who has made groundbreaking contributions to rural medicine through innovation, leadership, and dedication to underserved communities. These are pioneers who have improved healthcare access, inspired change and demonstrated an unwavering commitment to rural and remote populations.
Dr. Chibere Ogbuneke is a Family Physician in Sudbury and most recently served as the International Medical Graduate (IMG) Coordinator at the NOSM University. He leads the development of a crucial IMG curriculum that provides comprehensive support for IMGs. His efforts are particularly impactful in empowering Black learners throughout the province. Currently he is BPAO’s director of IMG Support, funded by Toronto Pearson’s Uplift Program.
Dr. Kerubo Workman is a Family Physician in Chatham-Kent, Ontario, dedicated to serving a rural and aging population. As the only Black woman practicing family medicine in the region, she provides culturally sensitive care and advocates for health equity. She is committed to supporting palliative patients through home visits, ensuring they receive compassionate end-of-life care. A role model and mentor, Dr. Workman is breaking barriers in rural healthcare and inspiring the next generation of Black physicians
In memoriam:
Dr. Titus Owolabi
Dr. Adebusola Onayemi
Dr. Charles Omole
Dr. Douglas Salmon
Dr. PK Joseph
The Learner Leadership Award recognizes outstanding medical students and residents for exemplary leadership. The recipient fosters collaboration, advocacy and service to address healthcare challenges and positively impact patients and communities. The nominees for this award include:
Dr. Brieanne Olibris is the first NOSM University medical student to serve on the BMSAC Executive Council as Director of Student Affairs. She recently matched to Obstetrics & Gynaecology at University of British Columbia (UBC). Prior to entering medical school, Dr. Olibris completed a PhD in Population Health and a PhD in Medicine simultaneously. While completing her PhDs, Dr. Olibris was a Doctoral Fellow, and was hired as the youngest part-time professor in her faculty. Moving forward, Dr. Olibris is planning for a career as an academic clinician so she can continue to work with and for all women through research and safe, comprehensive women’s health care.
Dr. Cheikh Tchouambou is a recent Honours Bachelor of Health Sciences graduate (McMaster, ‘22), currently enrolled in the MD program at the University of Toronto (‘26). He is also the past Co-President of the Black Medical Student Association at the University of Toronto. Within medicine, he is keenly interested in expanding the parameters of what constitutes “medical innovation” to include health equity (i.e., balancing health outcomes across social determinants of health). Advocacy is a major personal pillar as he had to overcome accessibility barriers. As an advocate, he is keen on dismantling accessibility barriers, notably within academia and youth recreational sports.
Dr. Julia Kemzang is a fourth-year MD candidate at the University of Ottawa. Dr. Kemzang has an impressive academic foundation with an Honours Bachelor in Health Sciences and a minor in Psychology. As the Valedictorian of the Health Sciences class of June 2021, she has consistently demonstrated academic excellence, earning a place on the Dean’s Honours list throughout all four years of her undergraduate studies. Her remarkable leadership has been recognized with prestigious awards, including the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame Award for Medical Students, the Canadian Federation of Medical Students Leadership Award, and uOttawa’s Faculty of Medicine Leadership Award. She has also contributed to research through the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP).
Dr. Chantal Phillips is a second-year resident in Public Health at the University of Ottawa. As the President of the Black Resident Physicians of Ontario (BRPO), she's been a pivotal leader in the Black community, addressing anti-Black racism, supporting Black medical students, and spearheading initiatives like a PPE distribution program and a medical school fee waiver program for low-income applicants. Her dedication to community needs makes her an exceptional candidate for this award.
The BPAO will also announce the winner of the Corporate Ally Award which celebrates corporations demonstrating exceptional commitment to advancing Black health initiatives, surpassing traditional corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts. These organizations invest in community health programs, research and education, addressing health disparities and promoting equity in healthcare. The nominees are George Brown College and Lucky Iron Life.
The BPAO Empowered Healers Awards Gala will take place on June 7, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. at Liberty Grand - Governor’s Room at 25 British Columbia Road, Exhibition Place, Toronto. For more information: https://bpao.glueup.com/event/2025-gala-134269/
For more information about the BPAO and to learn more about becoming a member, visit https://bpao.org. Medical students can join the association at no cost.
About the Black Physicians' Association of Ontario
The Black Physicians' Association of Ontario (BPAO) is a charity that works for the equitable representation of the Black population in medicine and ensuring that racialized health disparities are eliminated. The BPAO was founded in 2007 following an influx of Black physicians in the province coming into practice, and registered as a not-for-profit in 2015. We are the most established organization of Black physicians in the country and have supported the establishment of nascent provincial and national organizations, including the Black Physicians of Canada (BPC and the Black Medical Students' Association of Canada (BMSAC). The BPAO sees a province where Black Ontarians are equitably represented in the field of medicine and racialized health disparities are eliminated. For more information, visit https://bpao.org.
Media contacts:
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