Community Health Centre Education (CHCE)
Program for Black Medical Students
Background
The Community Health Centre Education Program (CHCE) for Black Medical Students is designed to increase the capacity of 2nd–4th year Black medical students in Ontario. The CHCE is a 9-week paid summer program exposing Black medical students to Community Health Centres (CHCs) predominately serving Black clientele. This program enhances students’ clinical skills while also developing advocacy and collaborative project skills. Selected Participants will also receive a stipend of $4500.
To better serve our community, we’re expanding this program in collaboration with Community Health Centres across the GTA, Ottawa, and Windsor.
Applications for Summer 2025 are now open, and deadline to apply is March 31st!
Research by Mudia Iyayi, MD Candidate, Queen’s University.
Student-Led Research Projects
The CHCE program provides 1st and 2-year medical students with a unique opportunity to design and implement projects that address critical gaps in healthcare delivery.
By focusing on improving health outcomes for racialized populations, participants contribute to meaningful, evidence-based change while developing essential skills in leadership, health equity, and innovation.
Previous CHC Partners
Program Timeline
Application Deadline – March 31st, 2025
Interviews – April 14th - April 17th
Program Start - June 2025
Program End - August 2025
“During my posting, I had the opportunity to interact with a variety of healthcare professionals and gained insights into their roles. The interdisciplinary structure of the centre facilitated comprehensive patient care. I conducted patient history and physical exams, administered immunizations, performed pap smears, and observed procedures like endometrial biopsies. I also witnessed the integration of primary care with allied health services. Patients were referred appropriately, ensuring they received comprehensive care addressing both immediate and long-term health concerns. The multicultural staff enabled effective communication with patients from diverse backgrounds. I learned to understand and address the unique needs of immigrant populations. I actively participated in workshop initiatives addressing issues like female genital mutilation (FGM) and gender based violence (GBV). This experience empowered me to raise awareness and initiate positive change.”
Toyemi, 2023 Participant
Faculty Mentor
Dr. Trish Tulloch is an Adolescent Medicine Specialist in the Division of Adolescent Medicine and Assistant Professor in the Department of Paediatrics at the University of Toronto. Dr. Tulloch completed her Paediatric residency training at Nationwide Children's Hospital/Ohio State University and fellowship training in Adolescent Medicine at the Hospital for Sick Children/University of Toronto. She completed a clinical fellowship in Addiction Medicine at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) where she currently provides consultation within the Nicotine Dependence Clinic (Intrepid Lab). She is actively involved in teaching and serves as vice-chair for the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, Area of Focused Competence in Addiction Medicine.
Dr. Tulloch focuses on enhancing the quality of care for adolescents and young adults with medical complexity due to co-occurring chronic illnesses, substance use, mental health disorders, and psychosocial stressors. Through her clinical practice and academic pursuits she remains deeply committed to addressing the systemic barriers that hinder access to care for marginalized youth and their families.
Black physicians in CHCs play a vital role in enhancing patient care through cultural competency, strengthening community connections, and serving as role models for Black children and youth.
Students in the CHCE program will meaningfully engage in CHC operations, patient care, and self-directed or collaborative projects, gaining valuable experience while making an impact in their community. We're excited to continue this transformative program, applications for 2025 are now open!