Jamaican Canadian paediatrician honoured for leadership

TORONTO:

A Jamaican-Canadian paediatrician was among five female change-makers recently recognised by the Black Physicians’ Association on Ontario (BPA0) for their achievements.

Dr Anna Jarvis is professor emerita of Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto and has been a pillar in the black physician community.

She was the first physician at the University of Toronto to be promoted to the academic rank of full professor in any branch of emergency medicine. Dr Jarvis is a pioneer in the establishment of Emergency Medicine and Paediatric Emergency Medicine in Canada and internationally.

Under the theme, ‘Empowered Healers: Honouring the Legacy and Leadership of Black Women in Medicine’, the organisation paid tribute “ to the pioneering women whose vision and dedication have shaped the landscape of black medical excellence in Ontario and throughout Canada. Their leadership has been instrumental in the creation of the Black Physicians Association of Ontario (BPAO), the development of pathways to increase black representation in medicine, and the mentorship of generations of black physicians.”

The other women honoured were the late Dr Miriam Rossi, Dr Nah-Amakuma Barnor, Dr Remi Ogundimu, and Dr Modupe Tunde-Byass – all described as “ trailblazing physicians, compassionate mentors, and fierce advocates for equity in healthcare. Without their contributions, the diversity and expansiveness of black physicians in Canada would not be possible.”

PIONEERS IN HEALTHCARE

The event celebrated the achievements of black women who have made groundbreaking contributions to the medical field. “Our esteemed honourees are pioneers in healthcare, research, and advocacy – leaders whose dedication has advanced medicine, shaped communities, and inspired future generations,” said the BPAO.

While her initial applications for residency in Canada were unsuccessful, with persistence and willingness, Dr Jarvis was able to fill a vacancy in the paediatric training programme. During her time in the program, Dr Jarvis made significant contributions to the field of paediatric emergency medicine, and established herself as an international authority on emergency health care for children, notes the BPAO.

It said that when paramedic services were created in 1984, Dr Jarvis was involved in establishing the medical services and first responders, teaching some of the first cohorts of paramedics.

She was involved in the establishment of emergency medicine (EM) and paediatric emergency (PEM) as Canadian specialities, and current Canadian Emergency Department Triage standards.

Her major leadership contributions include collaborations with: The University of Toronto, Department of Paediatrics and The Hospital for Sick Children; Royal College Speciality Examination Boards; Canadian Paediatric Association PEM Section; Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians; Toronto Emergency Services; The Michener Institute for Applied Health Sciences, Life Support Program; American Academy of Paediatrics; Greater Toronto Child Health Network; and Credit Valley Hospital.

COMMITTED TO HER PASSION

Her passion and commitment to improve children’s health outcomes led to collaborations with multiple healthcare professional groups.

Dr Jarvis held various academic appointments at the University of Toronto and clinical positions at hospitals, and has received the Order of Ontario, among other various teaching awards.

She continues to demonstrate her commitment to mentoring students and supporting faculty, current and former trainees as their careers evolve, especially international PEM graduates as they introduce PEM in their home countries.

While the associate Dean, Health Professions, Student Affairs, in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto from 2000 to 2009, she developed and coordinated student support services. Dr Jarvis placed equal emphasis on student academics, life enrichment and she encouraged them to become contributing citizens.

Dr Jarvis attended schools in England and The University of the West Indies, Mona campus in Jamaica. After graduation as a physician in 1969, she did internship at Mona, practised in Antigua, and specialised in paediatrics at the University of Toronto in 1976.

Two teaching awards have been established in her name: one at the University of Toronto for Emergency Medicine; the other by the Canadian Paediatric Society. There is also an award in her name for the graduating medical student who best demonstrates a caring, supportive spirit towards classmates.