Diversity of perspectives: a conversation about representation on Council

Listen time: 26 minutes

CPSA Council is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive environment in which all members can contribute to authentic discussions and innovative strategies.

Unconscious bias exists in all of us, in one way or another. In this conversation, two CPSA Councillors discuss how our Council’s anti-discrimination initiatives are influencing Albertans, the profession and CPSA’s team. Join Dr. Daisy Fung and Patrick Etokudo as they explore how CPSA Council’s 2021 transition to an equal composition of public and physician members supports diversity of thought, strategy and lived experience on important issues affecting all Albertans.

Throughout the conversation, they reflect on where Council is now and where it’s going, highlighting the collective commitment to growth—more questions, more vulnerability, more uncomfortable conversations. Daisy and Patrick also discuss the importance of creating a psychologically safe space where everyone can participate and engage in these discussions.

Dr. Daisy Fung, BMSc, MD, CCFP

Dr. Daisy Fung (she/her) is a family physician at the Kaye Edmonton Clinic with a special interest in home visits and long-term care. She has been on CPSA Council since 2020 and, as a member of CPSA’s Strategic Planning Working Group, she is proud to be involved in the addition of anti-racism and anti-discrimination objectives to help guide CPSA’s direction. Dr. Fung is also vice chair of CPSA’s Anti-Racism Anti-Discrimination Action Advisory Committee and looks forward to continuing work to protect patients through this lens. She is a growing advocate for the elderly, long-term care residents, women as patients and as professionals in medicine, and destigmatizing mental health and chronic illness through social media, traditional media, educational working groups and research.

Patrick Etokudo

Patrick Etokudo has been a public member of CPSA Council since 2021. Part of his community work includes the leadership of the Nigerian Canadian Association of Calgary. In that role, he works extensively with other non-governmental organizations, government agencies and individuals to advance awareness of racism and discrimination in their many facets, as well as intervention and education on anti-racism and anti-discrimination. He has also been a sponsor and has spoken at many forums on this subject, including at his workplaces.