The Ottawa Hospital, and health care, does not exist in a vacuum – it is a microcosm of the greater community. As such, the events that affect our community have a direct effect on the hospital. In support of our employees, patients and the community at large, TOH would like to engage in an honest conversation about racism, particularly against Black people.
The Healthy Conversation Series is a first step towards an ongoing, broader conversation. A first step towards a journey of learning, understanding, growth, diversity and inclusion so that all members of our community feel seen, heard, represented and valued; a journey that will grow to encompass all parts of our community, including women, Indigenous peoples, racialized communities, and people with disabilities.
Please follow The Ottawa Hospital on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to listen, witness and show support. These stories may be difficult to hear, but listening is the beginning of understanding. Understanding is the foundation of empathy. And empathy is what binds us as human beings.
Upcoming sessions
Celebrating Black Firsts at TOH
This year’s Black History Month theme is ‘February and Forever’: Celebrating Black History today and every day. We are celebrating Black staff and physicians at The Ottawa Hospital who have made history in their fields, breaking down barriers and laying the groundwork for others to follow. Meet some of these inspirational trailblazers and learn about their remarkable achievements.
- February 17 at 1:00 p.m. on Facebook (opens in a new tab)
- Featuring Ellen Odai Alie, Director of Medical Imaging
- Dr. Janine Malcolm, Endocrinologist
- Dr. Alfredo E Walker, Forensic Pathologist
- Dr. Meshach Asare-Werehene, Immuno-Oncology Researcher and Part-Time Professor
Watch previous sessions
Ahead of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, experts from The Ottawa Hospital and throughout the community talk about their experience within the Residential School System.
- September 24 at 12:00 p.m. on Facebook (opens in a new tab)
- Featuring, Roger Daybutch, Mississauga First Nation, Ojibway. Survivor of Spanish Boys Residential School, Spanish, Ontario
- Mackenzie Daybutch, Mississauga First Nation, Ojibway. Intergenerational survivor of Residential School
- Moderated by Dr. Treena Greene, Regional Indigenous Cancer Lead
- June 18 at 12:00 p.m. on Facebook (opens in a new tab)
- Featuring Roger Daybutch, Traditional Knowledge Keeper
- Moderated by Dr. Treena Greene, Regional Indigenous Cancer Lead
- Topics of discussion include:
- The history of colonialism in Canada and the impact on Indigenous Peoples.
- The impact of residential schools on survivors and future generations.
- The path forward towards listening and healing together.
- Panel Discussion – March 8 at 12:00 p.m. Facebook
- Suzanne Madore, Executive Vice-President and Chief Clinical Officer
- Dr. Camille Munro, Palliative Care Physician
- Megan Ellis, Indigenous Program Coordinator
- Nataleigh Oliveira, Registered Nurse in the Birthing Unit
- Panel Discussion – Facebook
- Seyi Okuribido Malcolm, Director, Anti-Racism Implementation, Department of National Defence
- Suzanne Obiorah, Director, Gender and Race Equity, Inclusion, Indigenous Relations and Social Development at City of Ottawa
- Keisha Gomes Gentillion, Senior Marketing Manager, Conference Board of Canada, Founder, Live. Learn. Educate.
- Suzan Richards, Founder and Artistic Director, Cultural Arts Studio
- Ellen Odai Alie, Manager, Integrated Cancer Screening and Prevention, Regional Cancer Program, Corporate Breast Imaging, The Ottawa Hospital
- Panel Discussion – Facebook
- Darla Burrows, eLearning Assistant / Learning Management Systems
- Stephanie Bertrand, Administrative Assistant for Volunteer Services at The Ottawa Hospital
- Erin Murphy, volunteer at The Ottawa Hospital
- Serge Falardeau, Coordinator – Accessibility Services & AODA Compliance Human Resources – Organizational Effectiveness
- Corinne Davison, Educator/Mentor/Volunteer – Facebook
- Panel Discussion – Facebook
- Seth Oduro, Manager of Environmental Services, TOH
- Ellen Alie, Manager of Integrated Cancer Screening and Prevention (Regional Cancer Program) and Corporate Breast Imaging (TOH)
- Dr. Kwadwo Kyeremanteng, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Physician, TOH
- Seth Oduro, Manager of Environmental Services – Facebook
- Ellen Alie, Manager of Integrated Cancer Screening and Prevention (Regional Cancer Program) and Corporate Breast Imaging (TOH) – Facebook and Instagram
- Dr. Kwadwo Kyeremanteng, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Physician – Facebook
- Suzanne Obiorah, Director of Primary Care and Regional Programs, Somerset West Community Health Centre – Facebook
Resources for more education
- The Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI)
- Black Health Alliance
- Afrobiz
- Jaku Konbit
- Cultural arts studio
- National Geographic: Talking to kids about race
- Parents: Anti-Racism for Kids: An Age-by-Age Guide to Fighting Hate
- A Way With Words and Images: Suggestions for the portrayal of people with disabilities
- Video: Things that people with disabilities wish you knew
- Video: Confronting Ableism
- You Can’t Ask That!: A documentary series from CBC