We’re exploring the work and lives of five Black STEM trailblazers in Canada who were the first to embark on their scientific ventures in medicine.
Black STEM History in Canada: Historic Firsts in Medicine
Anderson Ruffin Abbott was the first Black Canadian to be licensed as a physician. Born in 1837, Abbott grew up in Toronto, Upper Canada where he studied medicine at the Toronto School of Medicine and later the University of Toronto. He not only wrote about medicine, but advocated for desegregation, wrote on Black history, biology, and poetry; and was published in periodicals in Canada, the USA, and the UK.
Dr. Sophie Bethena Jones was born in Chatham, Ontario in 1857. Her parents were activists, and her uncle was the first dentist in British Columbia. She too studied at the University of Toronto where she pursued an education in medicine. After her time at UofT, she became the first Black female doctor at the University of Michigan and founded the Nursing Program at Spelman College. She became an advocate for public health and health equity, following in her parents’ footsteps of advocacy.
Dr. Douglas Salmon was born in 1923 and, like his predecessors on this list, studied medicine at the University of Toronto. However, he went on to new heights by becoming the first Black surgeon in Canada. To this day, the Dr. J. Douglas Salmon Award for Black Medical Students is a scholarship awarded to Black undergraduate students at UofT.
Dr. Clotilda Douglas-Yakimchuk was born in 1932 and she became the first Black graduate of the Nova Scotia Hospital School of Nursing. She also achieved a second historic first: Dr. Douglas-Yakimchuk was the first Black president of the Registered Nurses’ Association of Nova Scotia. She was a nurse for 50 years, before dedicating the later years of her life to affordable housing and improving senior living facilities.
Dr. June Marion James was born in 1960 in Trinidad & Tobago. She became a trailblazer in Canada when she was the first Black woman admitted to the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Medicine. Dr. James is an active member of the Winnipeg community, and she is a specialist in the Department of Allergy and Immunology at the Winnipeg Clinic to this day.
These are just a few of the many incredible Black heroes in STEM who paved the way for future generations to follow in their footsteps.
Black STEM Excellence: Today’s STEM Role Models
At Scientists in School, we are continuously seeking out incredible scientists to share their expertise with the young learners who are looking for role models to inspire them. Check out all the great conversations we’ve had with Black STEM experts as part of our Spotlight series!
John C. Urschel is a Canadian-American mathematician and former professional American football player.
Julian Victor is a wildlife videographer, conservationist, and urban wildlife fan. Julian’s mission is to educate people about our planet’s incredible wildlife, raising awareness and encouraging us to think globally and act locally.
Justine Hudson is an Arctic marine biologist and, “Professional Snot Collector.”
Dr. Cylita Guy is an urban ecologist, data scientist, and children’s book author who studies bats.
Dr. Emily Choy is an Arctic Marine Biologist. Dr. Choy’s research focuses on the effects of climate change on Arctic marine predators like seabirds.
Peter Soroye is a researcher and science communicator who studies the intersection between climate change and habitat loss on pollinators.
Maryam Tsegaye was the 2020 Junior Breakthrough Challenge winner with her video on Quantum tunneling.
Dr. Maya Warren, an ice cream scientist, gives us the scoop behind the sweet science of ice cream.
Black History Month at Scientists in School
We highlighted some of our favourite pieces of wisdom from Spotlight interviewees: In Conversation with Black STEM Champions.
We went back into history to learn about Black STEM Heroes Who Shaped the World.
Further Reading
- Explore the Black History Month: a guided learning journey from the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion
- Peruse the learning materials assembled for A Black People’s History of Canada
- Learn about a few Black inventors of the past
- Listen to the Radio Canada series on Black history in Canada (en francais).
- Walk through a virtual exhibit on Black pioneers in British Columbia
Do you know a STEM expert we should interview in our Spotlight series? Email inquiries@scientistsinschool.ca with the name and area of expertise of your nominee!
Scientists in School is a Canadian science outreach charity dedicated to sparking children’s interest in STEM through hands-on discovery. Explore our workshops and help us turn your young learners into young scientists.
