Dr. John LeBlanc
On January 2, 2012, Dr. John LeBlanc began his role as Faculty Advisor with the Global Health Office led by Shawna O’Hearn. I sat down with Dr. LeBlanc to reflect on his first year, discuss expectations for 2013 and his passion for global health.
It’s clear that John is committed to enhancing global health at the university, hospital and community in Canada and with our partners. Dr. LeBlanc reflected on his first year;
I’m thrilled to be part of the voice of global health at Dalhousie. I enjoy my work at the Global Health Office; working with a group of individuals with shared values and goals. This role gives me a sense of identity in the Medical School; a role to call my own. I feel like I’m making a substantive contribution.
As Faculty Advisor, John works with international students as they integrate into the Dalhousie Medical School curriculum; guides students doing international electives; participates in microresearch training; and supports the growth of partnerships with organizations like the Nova Scotia Gambia Association.
John spent his first year learning about the programs, working with students, meeting partners and exploring the field of global health education. John worked closely with the Program Coodinator, Said Msabaha, to oversee our partnership with the International Medical University (IMU) in Malaysia and the Nova Scotia Department of Health. Both partnerships have students who enter clerkship (3rd and 4th year of medicine) at Dalhousie.
Dr. LeBlanc (left), Dr. Smith (right) and the IMU/IMG class of 2014
These programs are successful through the collaboration of multiple partners. Over the year, John reviewed the scheduling and programming for the LINK and implemented changes that create a clearer mandate and an updated Terms of Reference. He has also met with departments to create a more coherent flow allowing key players ownership and greater autonomy.
In October 2012, John was a faculty member and mentor with the microresearch team in Tanzania (www.microresearch.ca). His expertise guided research teams to strengthen their questions and final proposals. His participation also guided future directions for Dalhousie’s partnership with the training centre and university in Tanzania.
Dr. LeBlanc has also taught first medical students and will participate in the Advocates in Global Health Program. His commitment to improving health care for all will also push the envelope of global health at Dalhousie, in Atlantic Canada and beyond.
Global health deserves a larger role in the education of today’s health professionals. Healthy societies and health issues are not blocked by borders; achieving health and social determinants of health are not bound by geography – there are marginalized populations everywhere.
Dr. LeBlanc presenting at the Global Health Office Cafe Scientifique Feb, 2013
To read more about these programs please visit the Global Health Office Website
