Dr. Chika Oriuwa, a trailblazing alumna of the University of Toronto’s Temerty Faculty of Medicine, has created a new award to support Black medical students. The Dr. Chika Oriuwa Award for the Advancement of Black Health will recognize graduating MD students who have shown dedication to improving health in the Black community.
Pioneering Achievements in Medical Education
Oriuwa made history as the first Black woman to become the sole valedictorian at Temerty Medicine when she graduated in 2020. During her time as a student, she was the only Black medical student in her class. This experience fueled her passion for increasing diversity in medicine.
“When a medical student has invested into the Black community, which historically has maybe not been valued the same as other areas of medicine, I want them to know that they are seen and appreciated,” Oriuwa explained.
Bridging Medicine and Poetry for Patient Care
“Poetry requires this unflinching examination of the human experience, and I find that medicine really draws on that same aspect. It’s about being able to be enmeshed in what often is the most trying and difficult experiences of someone’s life and being able to remain steadfast in that space.”
Oriuwa’s unique approach to medicine is influenced by her background as a professional spoken word poet. She believes this artistic perspective enhances her ability to connect with patients and provide compassionate care.
Her commitment to both medicine and poetry highlights the importance of diverse perspectives in healthcare. It also demonstrates how interdisciplinary skills can benefit patient care.
Championing Diversity in Medical Education
As a student, Oriuwa served as an ambassador for Temerty Medicine’s Black Student Application Program (BSAP). This initiative aims to break down barriers for Black students applying to medical school.
Her efforts have contributed to significant progress. In 2021, Temerty Medicine welcomed its largest cohort of Black medical students in Canadian history. Twenty-four of the 256 incoming students self-identified as Black.
Recognition and Ongoing Commitment
Oriuwa’s impact extends beyond the university. In 2021, she was honored by the Barbie Role Model Program for her advocacy against systemic racism in healthcare. This recognition included having a Barbie doll created in her likeness.
Now a psychiatry trainee and mother of two, Oriuwa continues to seek ways to support both her patients and the medical community. Her new award is a testament to her ongoing commitment to fostering diversity and excellence in healthcare.
Looking Ahead: Supporting the Next Generation
The establishment of this award coincides with the graduation of the historic Class of 2024. Oriuwa sees this timing as particularly meaningful.
“It’s a celebration of the Class of 2024’s graduation, the work that has been done, and nod to the work this next generation of physicians will do as they find new ways to support the community,” she said.
While celebrating progress, Oriuwa acknowledges that there’s still work to be done. She remains committed to supporting and uplifting future Black physicians and improving healthcare for all.
