September 29: An Evening with Dr. Chase McMurren

 Over the past year in the Doctors’ Lounge, we have been examining medical culture and its subcultures.

To begin our fall series, we will take a look at cultures within the context of the clinical encounter.

With over 250 ethnicities represented in the city of  Toronto/ Tkarón:to / GichiKiiwenging , it can be difficult to appreciate the nuance & complexity of compassionately and respectfully caring for members of any of these cultural groups.

All of  these groups have their own cultures and subcultures, and as a member of the medical culture and the other cultures that may define you, you may experience the feelings of being an Outsider, especially when when the values of your patients’ cultures may clash with yours as you struggle to maintain a sense of professionalism.

What can a caring and competent clinician do to adapt?

You are invited to spend the evening before National Truth and Reconciliation Day reflecting on the concept of cultural humility, a particular way of listening to Others that may potentially enhance your clinical encounter. Our guide for the evening will be Dr. Chase McMurren.

Dr. Chase McMurren (Spirit name: Water Song Medicine Keeper) is Michif/Metis (Turtle Clan) from Lethbridge, Alberta which is located on traditional Siksikaitsitapi, Blackfoot Confederacy Territory and covered by Treaty 7. He currently lives and works in Tkarón:to | GichiKiiwenging and serves as the Indigenous Health Theme Lead in the MD Program and the Indigenous Practitioner Liaison within the Office of Indigenous Health in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto. Dr. McMurren is also the co-chair of the National Consortium for Indigenous Medical Education (NCIME) Working Group on Physician Wellness and Joy in W