Dr. Josée Lavoie is the inaugural dean of the new College of Community and Global Health (CCGH) in the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences.
The former professor of community health sciences started her five-year term as dean on Aug. 1, 2025. She previously served as director of Ongomiizwin – Research, part of the Indigenous Institute of Health and Healing in the Rady Faculty, from 2014 to 2023.
Lavoie has conducted research in partnership with First Nations, Inuit and other Indigenous groups across Canada and in other countries. Her work has focused on improving access to primary health care for underserved and marginalized populations, and on shifting health policy.
We spoke with Lavoie about her vision for the new college.
What inspired your interest in community health?
My father was a hospital administrator in remote communities in Quebec. I’ve been passionate about community health, equity and policy – especially as they impact underserved communities – for as long as I can remember.
Can you describe an initiative you were part of that made a meaningful impact?
Over the past decade, I worked on strengthening UM’s relationships with Manitoba Indigenous organizations that are interested in leading their own health research.
Organizations including the First Nations Health and Social Secretariat of Manitoba, Manitoba Métis Federation, Aboriginal Health and Wellness Centre of Winnipeg and the Inuit community are now leading state-of-the-art research in partnership with UM researchers.
What do you value about the College of Community and Global Health?
We are dedicated to improving how health and social systems serve people, especially those who have been denied equity. We are uniquely interdisciplinary. We work together to break barriers and transform systems in health care, child and family services, social welfare and more.
We have a long legacy of working collaboratively and listening to community feedback. We have a collective commitment to anti-racism, reconciliation, social justice and equity.
Our work doesn’t end in Manitoba. Our impact reaches across international borders through our initiatives supporting public health and social challenges in countries like Nigeria, Kenya, Pakistan, India and Colombia.
How do you envision the college growing over the next few years?
My goal is to make CCGH a vibrant and exciting college in which to work and learn, where people come to freely engage in respectful debates.
I envision a college known internationally as a leader in systems transformation. A bachelor’s degree in community health sciences is being considered, with plans for an initial intake of 40 students and future expansion. It would help prepare students for the college’s renowned graduate programs.
What message do you have for current and future students at CCGH?
We are an incredibly vibrant environment that is broadly networked with Manitoba Health, other government departments, Indigenous and community organizations, with linkages to lower- and middle-income countries, Arctic-region countries and beyond.
When you come here, you will find a community that supports you. We are focused on a mix of classroom learning and hands-on experience in undergraduate medical education, graduate studies and family social sciences. We also offer a postgraduate residency program in public health and preventive medicine.
If you want to see your work have impact, this is the place to be.
BY DANICA HIDALGO CHEREWYK