Dr. Bernice Downey co-hosts an Indigenous Women's Cancer Care Leadership event
Apr 18, 2019
Photo above: Dr. Bernice Downey (at far right). Photo courtesy of Richard Steiner
Dr. Bernice Downey co-hosted a cancer care leadership event held on March 27 with Toronto Central Region’s Indigenous Cancer Program in partnership with Women’s College Hospital. The event titled: “Enhancing the Cancer Care Journey for First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and Urban Indigenous Peoples: Pathways to Equitable Access for Indigenous Women”, was planned to raise awareness around cancer care for Indigenous women.
Downey is the Regional Indigenous Cancer Lead in the Toronto Central Region Cancer Program and assistant professor in the School of Nursing and the Department of Psychiatry at McMaster University.
Photo above: Dr. Bernice Downey. Photo courtesy of Richard Steiner
It was a special night for Downey, who is leaving the Toronto Central Region team after five years in the role. She reflected on her years spent working with the Toronto Central Region – Indigenous Team to improve access to care for Indigenous people in the region. She acknowledged the importance of education among clinical practitioners as an ongoing priority and affirmed that many are now seeking resources and further training to increase Indigenous cancer care competencies.
Downey was honoured by her team and the regional leadership for her contributions to the Indigenous program with a traditional blanket ceremony.
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