Black History Month Student Spotlight: Meet Halimat Ibrahim

Halimat Ibrahim. Photo supplied.

Halimat’s interest in medicine started when she was a young girl. However, growing up in a rural community, she faced the challenges many Black students encounter when pursuing medical education, especially when representation is scarce. Now, as an MD student and the current president of the University of Alberta’s Black Medical Students’ Association, Halimat is a passionate advocate for a diverse health-care community where Black students are encouraged to lead. In light of Black History Month, she reflects on her journey and the ongoing importance of mentorship, representation and health equity.

What drew you to your area of study?

My journey into medicine started long before I had the words to describe what I wanted to do. As a young girl, I was fascinated by the human body and how doctors seemed to have the power to make people feel better with just the right word or touch. I remember playing with my first “Operation” board game, carefully removing tiny plastic pieces, pretending I was a real doctor. I didn’t just want to play; I wanted to understand how and why things worked the way they did. 

That curiosity only deepened as I grew older. Science became my favourite subject and I was drawn to health care, where I saw the power of medicine in action. Pharmacy became my first step into this world. As a rural community pharmacist, I had the privilege of working closely with patients, helping them understand their medications and advocating for better care. Those moments reinforced my decision to pursue medicine. Although I loved pharmacy, I wanted to be involved in every step of a patient’s care — bridging the gaps in health-care access and advocating for those who are often overlooked. Medicine is where my childhood curiosity, my passion for patient care and my commitment to health equity all come together.

What inspired you to take on student leadership roles at the U of A?  

My journey as a Black, Muslim, first-generation immigrant has given me a deep appreciation for the importance of representation and inclusion in medicine. Coming from a rural town and navigating spaces where diversity is limited has shown me the challenges that underrepresented students face in accessing medical education. These experiences have fuelled my passion for mentorship, advocacy and creating meaningful change. This drive led me to serve as president of the Black Medical Students’ Association (BMSA)and co-lead the MD Admissions Initiative for Diversity and Equity (MD AIDE). I also co-led the Health Equity Conference (HEC) in 2024, organized by the Medical Students’ Association (MSA). Through these roles, I aim to support students from historically marginalized communities in their pursuit of health-care careers. 

What work is the BMSA focused on and what are you most proud of so far?

The Black Medical Students’ Association is developing a mentorship program that connects Black medical students with aspiring applicants. Our goal is to create a lasting mentorship cycle where successful applicants can mentor others in the future. 

We are also preparing for our Annual Health Fair, which focuses on increasing access to health-care resources and education. We are excited to collaborate with the Black Pharmacy Students’ Association and the Black Pharmacy Professionals of Canada to make this event a success. Additionally, we are grateful for the support of Dr. Eniola Salami, our Black Health lead, who ensures we have the resources and guidance needed to bring this initiative to life.

What is the significance of Black History Month to you personally?

Black History Month to me is a time to celebrate Black excellence, resilience and the countless contributions of Black individuals to society, while also acknowledging the systemic barriers that persist. For me, it is an opportunity to amplify Black voices, share our stories and ensure that the next generation of the African diaspora sees themselves reflected in spaces where we have historically been underrepresented. It is both a celebration and a call to action, a reminder that while we have come far, there is still work to be done.

Are there Black health leaders, mentors, or other individuals who exemplify Black excellence to you? 

One individual who exemplifies Black excellence is Dr. Tobi Obatusin. I had the privilege of attending pharmacy school with her. She was the president and a key founder of the Black Pharmacy Students’ Association, and her leadership has left a lasting impact. She has received numerous awards for her contributions to equity, including the Alberta College of Pharmacy Leadership Award. Dr. Obatusin has continued to break barriers and uplift others, becoming one of the key founders of the Black Pharmacy Professionals of Canada. Her commitment to advocacy, mentorship and community building has been truly inspiring. 

Seeing someone who shares a similar background take on such influential roles has reinforced my belief in the power of representation. She has shown me that leadership is not just about occupying a space, but about creating opportunities for others to thrive. Her journey motivates me to continue my work in mentorship and health equity, ensuring that Black students and professionals have the support they need to succeed.

What would you like the health-care community or broader community to know about the Black student experience?

The Black student experience in health care is one of resilience and perseverance, but it is also marked by isolation, microaggressions and systemic challenges. There are times when imposter syndrome creeps in, making me question whether I truly belong in these spaces. Other times, it feels like I have to constantly prove my worth — to myself, to my peers and to the institutions around me. It’s a weight that many Black students carry, the unspoken pressure to excel not just for ourselves, but for those who will come after us. This is why representation matters, not just for students, but for the patients we will one day serve. Culturally competent care starts with a diverse health-care workforce, one where Black students are supported, valued and empowered to lead.