Orthopedic Surgeon
BScN, MD, MSc, FRCSC
What are the roles and responsibilities in your current position?
Chair of Indigenous Health, Undergraduate MD program, Micheal G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University
Director, Integration Foundation
Orthopedic Surgeon – Foot and Ankle, Trauma, Spine academic and community based practices in Hamilton, Ontario
What barriers did you have to overcome to succeed?
Stereotypical thinking – become the new stereotype – strong, independent Indigenous people who stand on the shoulders of their ancestors and community members to stand and demand change
Mental health issues, environmental pressures – you are never alone. Connect with friends, family and your community to lighten your spirit and gain strength to face you challenges
What is your advice for healthcare students?
Have a plan, it may be hard some days to view how things will work out. Realism and hard work can help to get you where you want to go. You will look back and be so much wiser and stronger than you ever imagine.
Haudenosaunee Health Services 