The FNHA's Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Nel Wieman, is among 12 doctors honoured today with awards conferred by the Canadian Medical Association (CMA).
A recipient of the May Cohen Award for Women Mentors, Dr. Wieman was chosen as a female physician and CMA member who has demonstrated outstanding mentoring.
In recognizing Dr. Wieman as the definition of a physician leader, the CMA notes that “she not only holds the distinction of being the first Indigenous woman to become a psychiatrist in Canada, but through decades of clinical and advocacy work she has also mentored countless women and Indigenous physicians and medical learners."
Last month, Dr. Wieman spoke to the CMA about the fruits of a new national mentorship program launched by the Indigenous Physicians Association in Canada (IPAC), where she serves as president, that will help create a better physician workforce that is both culturally safe and provides better patient care.
“We are proud to acknowledge Dr. Wieman's receipt of this important award from the CMA", said FNHA CEO Richard Jock. “Nel is a consummate professional and inspirational Indigenous leader who continues to significantly contribute to the overall success of her profession and our organization."
As an Anishinaabe member from Little Grand Rapids First Nation in Manitoba, Dr. Wieman completed her medical degree and psychiatry specialty training at McMaster University. Since then, she has more than two decades of clinical experience, working with Indigenous people both in rural/reserve and urban settings.
