South Asian Community Health Task Force makes generous investment in medical education and community advocacy – School of Medicine

Community-centred health care in action

The SACHTF, formerly the South Asian COVID-19 Task Force, played a pivotal role in transforming Brampton from a COVID-19 hotspot to one of Canada’s most vaccinated communities. 

Recognizing the region’s unique challenges which included multigenerational homes, high numbers of essential workers and language barriers, the grassroots organization launched the highly successful “This is Our Shot” campaign. 

In collaboration with the Region of Peel, SACHTF offered multilingual and multicultural supports, as well as targeted education campaigns to reduce vaccine hesitancy, demonstrating the power of culturally and socially informed public health initiatives.

“The South Asian Community Health Task Force emerged from a critical need for culturally responsive healthcare,” says Dr. Teresa Chan, founding dean of the TMU School of Medicine and vice-president of medical affairs. “We share a commitment to social accountability. Their gift will support a medical school that will serve the community and centre patients with the goal of health for all.”

Recognizing health leaders and shaping the future of care

The entrance award provides financial support to aspiring physicians in high academic standing who reflect the diversity and drive to positively impact community health, particularly in the Peel Region.

“This is about more than funding,” says Guri Pannu, SACHTF co-founder and chief legal council. “It’s about creating pathways for the next generation of doctors and health leaders—people who understand their communities, serve with empathy, and lead with accountability. Our movement is rooted in equity, collaboration and giving back.”

The investment is made possible by SACHTF fundraising collected from the Brampton community during their campaign which made possible the distribution of more than 3 million items of PPE, across 10 provinces. Scholarships like this one are essential in providing support to students from underrepresented groups and removing financial barriers to medical education. 

Faculty clinicians show community advocacy in action

SACHTF advisor Dr. Tajinder Kaura, MD CCFP (EM) is also clinical faculty at the TMU School of Medicine. Kaura is corporate chief and medical director of  Emergency Services at Humber River Health.

“As an emergency doctor, being able to give back to the community in times of physical distress, when they’re at their most vulnerable, is very meaningful for me,” says TMU assistant clinical professor Kaura. “As faculty at the new medical school, I am committed to building physician capacity in Brampton and shaping a community-centered approach to medical education.”