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More than just financial help, a yearly bursary program is helping a new generation of Black and African Nova Scotian students enter the medical field.
When the Dartmouth General Hospital Foundation announced its latest winners on Tuesday, it marked six years of a program dedicated to bringing more Black professionals into local hospitals.
For Shanique McFarland, a student at Lockview High School, the award means she can focus on her education.
“It’ll definitely free up my time because I work two jobs and I have school,” said McFarland. “So it’ll give me more time to work on school and better my grades.”
The foundation hands out two types of grants — an $8,000 award for a student of African ancestry, and a series of $2,000 bursaries for one African Nova Scotian student at each Dartmouth-area high school.
The ceremony focused on community, bringing together local health-care workers, students, and past winners.
Shanique McFarland won a $2,000 bursary, which she said will help her journey to work in respiratory therapy. (Colin North)
Nathan Cromwell-Tesfazion received one of the grants in 2023. He worked with the foundation through his undergraduate studies, and will be attending medical school at Dalhousie University in the fall.
“I can say right away upon starting, I got an unbelievable amount of support from the foundation. I wouldn’t be where I am without them,” he said. “They offered me employment, connected me with mentors, some of which are physicians who I’m still doing research with today.”
The foundation said the money is only one part of the equation. The program is also about proving to students that their hard work is recognized.
Cromwell-Tesfazion said he became emotional when his medical school acceptance letter arrived.
“I know every day now when I walk into this hospital that I deserve to be here,” he said.
Nathan Cromwell-Tesfazion won the $8,000 grant in 2023. He will attend medical school at Dalhousie University this fall. (Colin North)
The foundation has run the program for the last six years to ensure local health-care teams better reflect the communities they serve.
Mariam Sulyman, a community partnership officer at the foundation, said these awards are a critical first step toward a stronger health system.
“If your population feels seen in the health-care team that’s serving them, it’s a service to every single health-care professional no matter what ethnicity you are,” said Sulyman.
Mariam Sulyman said the bursaries are a first step toward breaking down barriers in health care. (Colin North)
For McFarland, the long nights of studying are a worry for tomorrow. Today, she’s grateful for a moment of recognition.
“I feel really happy because I feel seen and appreciated for my achievements,” said McFarland. “I feel really appreciated by everyone here.”
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