Black History Month: Dr. June Marion James
Inspired by her grandmother and spurred on by her family’s experience with typhoid, Dr. June Marion James attended the University of Manitoba with the intention of pursuing a career in medicine. She was the first Black woman to attend the university, and the only Black woman of the six women in its medical program in 1963.
Dr. James began her career as a Paediatric Fellow in Hematology and Oncology at the University of Manitoba, but became interested in the area of asthma and allergies as new and developing treatments were making waves at the time. She went on to develop the first ever Family Asthma Program in Manitoba that brought together patients, families and a multidisciplinary team in an effort to better understand and manage asthma, letting children with asthma live less restrictive lives. In 1981 she received the YWCA Woman of Distinction Award for her work developing this program.
Throughout her career Dr. James was admired for her work ethic and professionalism making her a respected physician and leader in the medical community. She was a member of countless organizations and committees such as the Caribbean Canadian Association, the Winnipeg Foundation, United Way, the Congress of Black Women, and the Manitoba Museum. She was also a foundational figure in the establishment of the Harambee Housing Co-op, which provides affordable social housing in Winnipeg. Dr. James also served as President of the Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba from 2002-2003.
Dr. James has received many much deserved accolades for her work. In 2002, she was a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth 50th Jubilee Medal. In 2004 she was named to the Order of Manitoba. More recently, she was an named as one of the 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women, and in 2021 received the Manitoba Women Trailblazer Award.
Dr. June Marion James is happily retired, but continues to support medical students with the June Marion James bursary that is awarded to an International student at St. Johns College at the University of Manitoba.
References
https://doctorsmanitoba.ca/news/university-of-manitobas-first-black-female-medical-student
https://www.sciencerendezvous.ca/news/2021/02/25/black-canadian-scientists-to-know
About the Author
Claire Notman (Programming & Communications Coordinator)
Claire holds a Bachelor of Education with a major in History from Queen’s University. Throughout her professional career, Claire has enjoyed working with a number of local and national non-profit agencies developing and delivering educational programming, and supporting outreach and communications efforts. Hiking, biking and singing are the ways she take a break from the hectic day-to-day.