The disproportionate burden of tuberculosis (TB) for Indigenous peoples of Canada is an ongoing public health concern. For Sioux Lookout area First Nations communities in northern Ontario, the disruptions of tuberculosis prevention efforts and the continuity of care are brought about by a myriad of factors stemming from colonization. This includes colonially imposed jurisdictional boundaries and policies leading to unclear responsibilities across partners, extremely limited human health resources, high turnover rates, lack of accessibility to specialized TB care and piecemeal funding. This presentation will explore the complexity of tuberculosis management specific to northern Ontario, focusing on challenges and successes in Sioux Lookout area First Nations communities.
Intended audience: Public Health professionals/students, senior governmental health administrators (i.e. Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health (OCMOH), Ministry of Health), Indigenous health professionals, community health workers who work with indigenous individuals and/or populations. Public health physicians, especially those in infectious disease.
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Gain awareness of how historical and cultural factors, colonial policies and inadequate access to the health care system negatively impact TB management for Sioux Lookout area First Nations
- Discuss the challenges of coordinating the public health and clinical management of TB care for individuals diagnosed with active TB and LTBI in the Sioux Lookout area
- Describe how the compounding effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have impacted TB management for Sioux Lookout area First Nations
- Identify the innovations to TB care that have been implemented in the Sioux Lookout area
Presenter(s): Dr. Lloyd Douglas and Dr. Yoko Schreiber
Born and raised in Jamaica, Dr. Lloyd Douglas', MBBS, CCFP, MPH, FRCPC (PHPM), interest for public health arose while studying medicine at the University of West Indies. Since moving to Canada with his family, he has focused his intention to serve First Nations communities in preventive medicine and public health after completing his training at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. Dr. Douglas is currently employed with the Thunder Bay District Health Unit, seconded to the Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority (SLFNHA). He provides leadership and technical expertise for the implementation of Approaches to Community Wellbeing, a First Nations-based and governed public health system for the people and communities in the SLFNHA area. He works, plays and prays on the traditional territory of Lac Seul First Nation, signatory to Treaty 3. Walking with First Nations communities on their journey to good health has been his passion ever since.
Dr. Yoko Schreiber, MD FRCPC, completed her specialty and subspecialty training in internal medicine and infectious diseases at the University of Ottawa (2010), followed by a M.Sc. in Epidemiology under the Clinician Investigator Program (2014). After working several years at The Ottawa Hospital / University of Ottawa, she decided to move closer to the communities she wished to serve and relocated to Sioux Lookout, Ontario. She currently holds a position as an Assistant Professor at both Northern Ontario School of Medicine and the University of Manitoba. She spends her time providing general ID clinical care in the Sioux Lookout region, as well as spending several weeks a year at Winnipeg Health Sciences Centre. Her practice spans from clinical care to assisting with public health issues which includes research, education and involvement in national committee work (Indigenous Services Canada First Nations Inuit Health Branch and Association of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Disease Canada). In all, she considers herself the luckiest ID physician in the country, being able to practice ID in a setting where it is needed, surrounded by lakes and outdoor opportunities in Ontario's "sunset country,” on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabe Peoples.
Disclaimer
The opinions expressed by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies or views of Public Health Ontario, nor does the mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by Public Health Ontario.
Accreditation
Public Health Ontario Rounds are a self-approved group learning activity (Section 1) as defined by the Maintenance of Certification Program of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC). In order to receive written documentation for Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits, please check “Yes” beside the question “Do you require CME credits?” on the registration form.
College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) Affiliate Members may count RCPSC credits toward their Mainpro+ credit requirements. All other CFPC members may claim up to 50 Certified credits per cycle for participation in RCPSC MOC Section 1 accredited activities.
PHO Rounds are also approved by the Council of Professional Experience for professional development hours (PDHs) for members of the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors (CIPHI).
For more information or for a record of registration for other Continuing Education purposes, please contact capacitybuilding@oahpp.ca.
Accessibility
Public Health Ontario is committed to complying with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require accommodations to participate in this event, please contact 647-260-7100 or capacitybuilding@oahpp.ca.
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