Who are we?
The Quebec Black Medical Association – Youth Initiative (hereinafter “QBMA-YI”) is a group of students and young professionals from the black community working in the field of medicine and health sciences.
Our primary objective is to create a space for exchange and support for black students in the health sciences. This space also aims to embody a model of perseverance and success, capable of inspiring the black youth.
It is also essential for us to promote better representation of black people in medical science programs to contribute to a greater diversity in these fields. Ultimately, we aim to raise public awareness of health issues affecting the Afro-descendant population, which are often overlooked, to promote health equity.
We firmly believe that young people in our community with an interest in medicine, health sciences, or medical research have the potential to pursue their dream career choice. However, we are aware that many barriers can hinder their momentum, including the lack of inspiring role models due to the low representation of the black community in the health professions of contingent programs and medical research.
With our mentoring program, we aim to serve as a professional role model, encouraging and supporting young people in the pursuit of their ambitions by providing a forum for exchange and networking. The program is offered to students in partnership with their home educational institution. Most mentors are students or professionals in the health sciences (medicine, nursing, pharmacy, or rehabilitation) and research (biomedical sciences and biochemistry, among others) at the Université de Montréal.
Who is eligible?
Mentor :
Eligible mentors are members of the black community who demonstrate a sincere passion for the fields of health or medical research. They may be young professionals already committed to their careers, or experienced individuals working in a related field. University students in their second year of a relevant program are also welcome to share their experience and support younger students on their path to success. The most important thing is to have the desire to support, inspire, and guide future talents from the community.
Mentee :
This program is aimed primarily at Grade 10 and 11 students, as well as CEGEP students from the Greater Montreal area and surrounding regions. Coaching will be offered from high school or CEGEP until university entrance. It is important to note that participation in the youth mentoring program does not guarantee admission to a medical program or any other program at the Université de Montréal.
*For participants under the age of 18, parental consent will be required.*
Why complete your application?
Completing your application means joining a community where caring, committed, and inspiring mentors are waiting to accompany you on your journey to university. Through their experience, expertise, and listening skills, these mentors will help you build your confidence, better understand your options, and prepare you for graduate studies in the healthcare field. It’s a unique opportunity to learn from, be supported, and receive feedback from like-minded role models.
For mentors, signing up for this program is an opportunity to give back to the community, share your journey, and make a real difference in the lives of young people in need of guidance. It’s also a great opportunity to develop your communication and leadership skills, while forging meaningful links with the next generation of healthcare professionals. Being a mentor means passing on your passion, but also growing by learning from the dreams of the new generation.
Complete your application here: https://forms.gle/NAU42U9CqwT29szeA
How can I contribute to the efforts of the QBMA-YI?
The QBMA-YI is open to different types of contributions to help its growing mission. Whether in the form of financial support, the loan of space for our events (study sessions, mentoring meetings, happy hours, information sessions, etc.), or by putting us in touch with black healthcare professionals to enrich our roster of mentors and collaborators, every gesture counts and is concrete proof that the future of our young black people deserves to be supported.
We are also open to collaborations for conferences, workshops, or panels related to health issues in our communities. Please contact us to discuss ways in which you can get involved and contribute to the success of the next generation of black youth in the health sciences. We invite you to contact us by email at the following address: jeunesseqbma@gmail.com
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to keep up with our projects!