Dr. Patricia Spittal selected to represent Canada as a leader in Indigenous Health

SPPH Professor and CHÉOS Scientist Dr. Patricia Spittal has been selected to represent Canada as a leader in Indigenous Health as part of the U.S. State Department’s International Visitor Leadership Program on Demand (IVLP).

This professional exchange program allows current and emerging leaders all over the world to network and visit public and private sector organizations related to their field of interest. Dr. Spittal was nominated and selected to participate in the IVLP by U.S. Embassy staff. In May, she will be spending eight days in Washington, D.C. and three other communities or towns, where she will attend professional appointments and discuss best practices.

The IVLP has facilitated relationships for individuals involved in a variety of programs, including art and history, journalism, cultural heritage preservation, food and beverage, women’s rights, the environment, and health care.

“I am looking forward to discussing health governance with my international counterparts, specifically legislative differences in impacts and health on Indigenous people,” said Dr. Spittal. “It will be particularly interesting to see the differences between, and have discussions around, resolving land disputes, residential schools, and health sovereignty in the U.S. and Canada.”