Above (left to right): Forbehn Fossungu, Gabriella Game, and Nyechuor Deng are tackling projects that will transform health for Black patients, families, and communities.
February 3, 2025
Three remarkable students from Western University are making waves at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) as part of the Western Black Leaders University Experience (B.L.U.E.) program. The program is designed to provide Black students with hands-on experience and mentorship while they work independently towards a chosen project with a dedicated mentor over a five-month placement. Gabriella Game, Nyechuor Deng, and Forbehn Fossungu are seizing this opportunity to make a difference at LHSC while gaining valuable insights into their future careers in health.
Making a difference together
For Gabriella Game, a fourth-year Health Sciences student, the program has been a chance to translate classroom theory into real-world impact. Working with the South West Regional Cancer Program (SWRCP) at Victoria Hospital, she focuses on the Ontario Lung Cancer Screening Program, where she incorporates equity, diversity, and inclusion principles.
“It’s incredible to see concepts I studied in class come to life,” Gabriella says. “My mentors have been instrumental in guiding me through challenges and helping me grow both personally and professionally.”
Nyechuor Deng, a third-year Nursing student, is tackling a critical issue and one that is close to her heart: increasing awareness about pressure injuries on darker skin tones. Partnering with LHSC’s Nursing Practice Excellence and Innovation team, she is researching the Monk Skin Tone Scale and working to educate health-care providers on how to locate pressure injuries on patients with various shades of skin tone.
“Being able to empower patients and provide education about their health has been the most rewarding part of my placement,” Nyechuor shares.
Meanwhile, Forbehn Fossungu, a fourth-year Biology student, collaborates with LHSC’s Black Health team to organize programs and initiatives that address disparities in Black health.
“Knowing that my work directly impacts Black communities is incredibly fulfilling,” he says.
One of Forbehn’s most rewarding moments came when ideas he contributed towards Black History Month and an upcoming Black Health Fair were fully embraced by the team.
“It feels amazing to contribute to something so meaningful,” Forbehn reflects.
Individual paths, shared goals
Each of the students found their way to apply for a placement at LHSC for different reasons, but with a common desire to make an impact on their community. Gabriella was inspired by a friend’s experience and saw the program as a perfect fit for her interest in public health. Nyechuor’s passion for addressing health-care disparities for people with darker skin tones led her to apply for a placement at LHSC through Western’s B.L.U.E. program after a recommendation from her nursing instructor. Forbehn viewed the program as a chance to gain firsthand experience in the health-care field and work on initiatives close to his heart.
Though the students’ projects vary, they share a commitment to addressing systemic challenges in health care.
“The program offers so much more than just a placement,” Nyechuor explains. “It’s a chance to learn, grow, and create lasting change.”
Navigating challenges
While the program has been immensely rewarding, it has also come with new challenges to face. Gabriella admits that the scope of her research felt overwhelming at first.
“There were moments where I wasn’t sure where to start, but my mentors helped me break it down into manageable steps,” she says.
Nyechuor highlights overcoming self-doubt and developing enough confidence to voice her ideas as one hurdle she has had to overcome during her placement with LHSC.
“I had to learn to trust that my contributions were valuable,” she notes. “The support I received from my team made all the difference for me to feel comfortable enough to share my ideas and feedback with them.”
For Forbehn, managing communication between teams and organizing multiple projects was a learning curve that he believes will serve him well in the future.
“Keeping track of emails and ensuring clear communication with everyone was challenging, but it taught me invaluable organizational skills that I can use moving forward,” he explains.
Looking ahead
The educational placement with LHSC through Western’s B.L.U.E. program has already influenced the students’ career aspirations.
Gabriella is now considering a future in public health, inspired by her hands-on experience and desire to help serve equity-denied communities. Nyechuor envisions her future self as a key member of the Skin Wound and Ostomy team, addressing disparities and inequities within the health-care system through education and action. Forbehn feels more motivated than ever to pursue a career in medicine, strengthened by his experience working within the health-care field and witnessing the impact that his work has had on Black communities.
Encouraging the next generation
All three students encourage others to seize the opportunity to apply for a placement at LHSC through the Western B.L.U.E. program.
“Don’t hesitate to apply. The experience is transformative,” Nyechuor urges. “It’s about shaping your own path while contributing to something bigger than yourself.”
Gabriella agrees, emphasizing the unique blend of mentorship and independence.
“This program has opened doors that I never previously imagined,” Gabriella says. “The opportunity to work on impactful projects and learn from experts is invaluable.”
Forbehn advises future participants to “go beyond what’s expected and make the most of every moment. Take everything you can from this experience. The skills, connections, and insights you gain will shape your future.”
As they continue their journeys, these students exemplify the power of mentorship, diversity, and determination in shaping the future of health care. The Western B.L.U.E. program at LHSC is not just a placement; it’s a movement toward equity, opportunity, and innovation.
“On behalf of LHSC, I would like to sincerely thank Forbehn, Nyechuor, and Gabriella for the work they are doing to advance care experiences and health outcomes for Black patients, families, and community members,” says Cathy Wood, Black Health Lead at LHSC. “Not only are these three students making a lasting impact within the LHSC community by confronting challenges faced by Black patients, they are helping us transform health, together.”