EDIA Spotlight at CSM
The Cumming School of Medicine is home to many people and initiatives dedicated to advancing Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (EDIA) in the faculty. Learn more with our spotlight!
Within the Cumming School of Medicine, Dr. Nicole Johnson joined the Department of Pediatrics in 2004, became a Clinical Associate Professor in 2018, and since 2023 has taken on a leadership role as Associate Director, MD Admissions. All of this is in addition to being a Pediatric Rheumatologist, long-time lecturer and educator, preceptor, examiner, and evaluation coordinator.
Dr. Nicole Johnson
Particularly in the realm of EDIA and anti-racism, Dr. Johnson has demonstrated strong leadership. Her achievements and awards are manifold and include the following inexhaustive list:
- 2021 recipient of the Black Achievement Award in STEM from the Calgary Black chambers, for those who create opportunities for Black community members to get involved and join the field.
- 2024 Black Brilliance Mentor Award from the Black Graduating Students of the University of Calgary
- Chair of Task force for EDI for the Canadian Rheumatology Association
- Curriculum co-lead for Racial Equity in Healthcare for CSM PGME Anti-Racism Task Force
- Leading the CSM mentorship program for Black medical students
- As the faculty development lead for the Council on Medical Student Education in Pediatrics (COMSEP), Dr. Johnson facilitates workshops on microaggressions, cultural humility, and trauma-informed care. She also facilitates workshops on the same within the CSM.
- Advocate for the CSM's Black Applicant Admissions Process as part of MD Admissions
- Current research projects such as:
- Principal Investigator for "Advancing healthcare for equity-deserving groups through electronic health records by disaggregated data collection in pediatrics"
- Co-investigator for "Transforming the lives of Black children and youth in Canada"
Dr. Johnson is also notable for the extensive mentoring she provides, going above and beyond. She leads the Black Physician Association of Alberta's student mentorship program, has an active role with the Black Physicians of Canada's Mentorship Committee, and is a member of the CIHR REDI Mentorship Advocacy Committee. She also recieved the Black Brilliance Mentor Award from Black graduating students at UCalgary, and the national Mentor Award from the aforermentioned Black Physicians of Canada. Many individuals count Dr. Johnson as an influential mentor in their life and career.
Quotes about Dr. Nicole Johnson
"Meeting Dr. Johnson was a turning point in my life. Her advocacy in the EDI space, combined with her extensive personal and educational experiences, mader her a reliable source of support. Her advice was not just talk; she provided practical tools and guidance to make these concepts a reality. As I have grown, Dr. Johnson's support has remained unwavereing. I often reflect on her influence and am continually impressed by the person she is, Her remarkable achievements are matched by her steadfast support for me and countless others."
- Samaya Miller, Community mentee
"Dr. Johnson upliifts those who have been harmed and marginalized by amplifying their voices and leads with integrity and a collaborative approach. I believe that Dr. Johnson's many outstanding and impactful leadership contributions towards advancing social justice and accoutnability, particularly in the. realm of. medical education and mentorship, are integral to the very fabric of our academy and community, and are incredibly deserving of recognition and encouragement."
- Dr. Pamela Chu, Associate Dean PESJO
"As one of her students, I can attest that Dr. Johnson played a pivotal role in my medical education. She uplifted me by actively challenging me to do my best throughout rotations and, for me personally, she has truly manifested what Black Excellence looks like. As a proponent of EDI and person-centered approaches to medicine, she has positively impacted my clinical development by helping me look at medical problems from the lens of social and structural determinants of health."
- Dr. Stephen Williams, MHA CHE
"Nicole exemplifies exceptional leadership experience, especially about leadership and research skills that have been instrumental in shaping my understanding and career goals. Most of all, her unwavering support and commitment to work for equity-deserving groups also inspired me with more inclusive perspectives in research and leadership. I am deeply grateful of working with her in the last years."
- Sameer Nizamuddin, One Child Every Child Project Coordinator