Benjamin Barrie, a Dalhousie University nursing student with autism, was awarded his second QEII Foundation Diversity in Health Care Bursary at a celebration in September 2024. PHOTO CREDIT: QEII Foundation
Benjamin Barrie always had an interest in working in health care; to be a helping hand and being able to make someone’s day better. Benjamin’s passion for health care was fueled by his own experiences.
“I chose to pursue a career in health care thanks to the wonderful experiences I’ve had with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers here in Nova Scotia,” says Benjamin.
This is what drove him to the field of nursing. A second-year nursing student at Dalhousie University, Benjamin says he values being able to study close to home and provide health care to Nova Scotians upon his graduation.
But Benjamin’s path hasn’t been easy. As a student with autism, his diversity is often invisible and frequently overlooked by those around him. This invisibility can be challenging as his unique needs and perspectives may only sometimes be recognized or understood. One challenge Benjamin has faced was adapting to the fast-paced clinical environment, though he found a way to overcome this challenge.
“I learned to use my unique perspectives to provide compassionate and effective care,” says Benjamin. “These experiences have strengthened my drive to advocate for all individuals, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are met, regardless of how visible their diversity may be.”
Benjamin’s passion for diversity and equity in health care has been influenced, in part, by the QEII Foundation Diversity in Health Care Bursary program. These bursaries, awarded each year to students from underserved and underrepresented communities studying in health care, provide valuable financial support to recipients.
As a two-time bursary recipient — in 2023 and 2024 — Benjamin says the bursary has had a significant impact on his life.
“As a past and current recipient, I am grateful for this bursary that has not only provided financial support but also inspired me to pursue my goals with great strength,” says Benjamin.
Benjamin is passionate about becoming a speaker for advocacy, focusing on promoting the needs and contributions of those with invisible diversities. Benjamin acknowledges that being “different” has always been hard for him and being accepted in the Dalhousie nursing community has been important.
This past year, Benjamin was elected president of the Dalhousie University Nursing Society. In this leadership role, working alongside other nursing students, he’s been committed to leveraging his personal experiences and the experiences of others — both positive and negative — to ensure equitable access to all support systems within the Dalhousie nursing community.
Since beginning his nursing program in fall 2023, Benjamin says for the first time in his life, he’s felt welcomed and accepted for who he is and for his differences. While he’s faced some barriers concerning his autism, he’s also witnessed how diverse the healthcare needs of Nova Scotians are.
“My goal is to address the barriers that those with autism and other diversities face in health care in Nova Scotia and make things better, as well as encouraging more diverse people to pursue a career in healthcare,” he says.
As a speaker at the QEII Foundation’s diversity bursary celebration, Benjamin shared his passion with his fellow recipients, donors and other guests.
“I am truly a believer in the limitless possibilities that lie ahead in the advancement of health care,” says Benjamin.
“Together, we have the potential to transform lives and create a healthier future for all. Embracing changes that support these values will be crucial in achieving our shared goals.”
Benjamin has also expressed his gratitude to the QEII Foundation donors who provide funding for program and lend their support through believing in tomorrow’s healthcare professionals, like Benjamin. With 80 bursaries, valued at $2,000 each, awarded at the September 2024 celebration, the impact is significant.
“The bursary has enabled me to focus on my studies and personal growth, allowing me to embrace the challenges and opportunities of being a nursing student,” says Benjamin. “Your generosity and vision for a more inclusive healthcare system inspires us all.”
To support healthcare education for students like Benjamin, visit QE2Foundation.ca/Diversity.
