N-ABL

This document is the framework for the Network for Advancing Black Medical Learners
(N-ABL), which aims to support and advance Black medical learners in the province of Ontario. In this context, Black medical learners encompass medical students, residents, and junior faculty. This Network will form a basis for knowledge exchange and the establishment of best practices to support Black medical learners; however, responsibilities for setting academic standards, ensuring accountability, and monitoring compliance would reside within each medical school.

In 2020, the Black Physicians’ Association of Ontario (BPAO), in partnership with Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) leaders from all six medical schools in Ontario, agreed in principle to the establishment of such a network. The framework also outlines a six-pillar framework to guide the Network’s endeavor to support Black medical learners matriculating through medical schools and training programs. This will not include the admissions process into the medical school itself, as this has been addressed through previous BPAO initiatives; however, there would be attention to admissions into residency programs and faculty representation.

We envision this Network as a partnership that can only be successfully implemented via intentional, cross-institutional collaboration. We are grateful to the Council of Ontario Faculties of Medicine (COFM) for their financial support.