Health Equity & Systems Transformation

The Health Equity and Systems Transformation (HEST) portfolio is a dynamic and evolving unit in the Cumming School of Medicine (CSM). It supports the advancement of equity, social justice and social accountability.

Health equity is the principle that everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, age, ability, or socioeconomic status should have access to what they need to achieve their best health and wellness. This includes resources and health-care providers with relevant knowledge of equity deserving groups to provide appropriate care. Systems transformation are the changes we are making to ensure this happens.

The HEST portfolio fosters innovation and collaboration, promotes a sense of belonging, champions inclusive practices, and drives structural and policy reform. Our efforts are designed to transform systems and enhance the well-being of students, faculty and staff.

HEST is also a hub for anyone looking for resources or how to get more involved in the practice of equitable medicine. Learn about the diverse range of focus areas the HEST portfolio supports, as well as the associate deans, and directors working within HEST (see below).

This video features Dr. Kannin Osei-Tutu, MD, and Dr. Pamela Chu, MD, discuss the important of precision equity.

Dr. Kannin Osei-Tutu Senior Associate Dean, Health Equity and Systems Transformation

The HEST portfolio is led by Dr. Kannin Osei-Tutu MD, MSc. He is an award-winning speaker, practitioner of hospital medicine, associate professor and the inaugural Senior Associate Dean — Health Equity and Systems Transformation.

Dr. Osei-Tutu is a respected teacher and mentor to several students and residents. He is the past Associate Director, Student Advocacy and Wellness Hub and the past Director of Resident Support in the CSM.

Dr. Osei-Tutu was elected to the Board of Directors of the Black Physicians of Canada in July 2020 and founded the Black Physicians' Association of Alberta in 2021. He serves as a Strategic Advisor to the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, Chair of the Canadian Residency Accreditation Consortium National Accreditation Working Group to Address Anti-Black Racism in Canadian post graduate medical education, and National Chair of the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada Committee on Black Health, Innovation, and Advancement.

Supporting equity deserving medical school applicants

A number of programs are available to help support Undergraduate Medical Education applications, including:

○ Pathways to Medicine Scholarship Program
○ Indigenous Health Program
○ Black Application Admissions Process

Get started

A Courageous Conversations session put on by the Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Diversity and Excellence Research Hub

Equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility and belonging (EDIA) are foundational institutional values that drive individual achievement and institutional excellence.

Debunk myths and equip yourself with actionable resources to champion EDIA at UCalgary.

Explore the benefits of EDIA