The annual Education Achievement Celebration recognizes and celebrates the tremendous contributions being made to medical teaching and education scholarship throughout the Temerty Faculty of Medicine. The 23rd annual event took place Wednesday, May 21, 2025.
C.I. Whiteside Education Achievement Keynote Address
The annual keynote address delivered at the Education Achievement Celebration is named for Professor Catharine Whiteside. From 2006 to 2014, Professor Whiteside was Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Vice Provost Relations with Health Care Institutions at the University of Toronto. In 2012 she was recognized with Canada’s Most Powerful Women Top 100 Award and in 2016 she was appointed as Member of the Order of Canada.
Contemporary Education: Past, Present & Future
Delivered by Profs. Stavroula Andreopoulos and Denise Belsham
Stavroula Andreopoulos is an award-winning educator. Since 2020, she has held the ranks of Professor, Teaching Stream and Associate Graduate Faculty in the Department of Biochemistry. In addition to her major teaching load, she was Undergraduate Coordinator for the Department until 2018, and is currently Program Director for the prestigious Amgen Scholars Program which provides fully-funded opportunities for undergraduate students across Canada to participate in innovative biomedical research with world-renowned faculty at the University of Toronto. In addition to her basic medical research, her scholarship focuses on curriculum renewal and development of online teaching resources. She is the recipient of several grants and teaching awards locally and nationally, including the University of Toronto’s 2024 President’s Teaching Award. She was just recently awarded the prestigious 2025 3M National Teaching fellowship from the Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education.
Denise Belsham is an award-winning educator and researcher in the Department of Physiology. She holds a Canada Research Chair (Tier 1) in Neuroendocrinology, and she has served as Acting Chair and Vice Chair of the Department of Physiology. The focus of her laboratory is to understand, at the molecular level, how the brain achieves its diverse physiological functions, and she is the founder of two biotech companies that further this work. She currently serves as the first female President of the International Neuroendocrine Federation. She has been awarded numerous teaching awards at the local and national levels, including the prestigious University of Toronto President’s Teaching Award, which recognize her contributions towards the careers of the over 170 trainees from her laboratory. She is particularly proud that many of her students have been young women and members of under-represented minorities, well poised to pursue advanced scientific careers, for which she serves as a role model in STEM.
W.T. Aikins Awards for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching
The W. T. Aikins Awards are named after Dr. W.T. Aikins, the first Dean of the University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine after it was reorganized in 1887. These awards are the Faculty's most prestigious awards for sustained commitment to excellence in undergraduate teaching.
Diane Donat
Associate Professor, Department of Medicine
Recipient of the W.T. Aikins Award for Individual Teaching Performance - Foundations.
Dr. Diane Donat is a Staff Endocrinologist at The Toronto General Hospital and Associate Professor of Medicine in the Department of Medicine. She holds Master’s Degrees in both Pharmacology and Education from the University of Toronto. Her clinical practice focuses on diabetes and her specialty is in diabetes and pregnancy. Her appointment at the University is as a clinician-teacher and her passion for teaching is mainly at the undergraduate level. Over the years, she has been nominated for and won teaching awards both at the Hospital and University.
Dr. Donat has taught with enthusiasm, care, and dedication that only a person who absolutely loved clinical teaching would do... Her ability to inspire confidence and intellectual curiosity is truly exceptional.
Shaheeda Ahmed
Associate Professor, Department of Medicine
Recipient of the W.T. Aikins Award for Individual Teaching Performance - Foundations.
Dr. Shaheeda Ahmed is a Clinician Teacher and Non-Invasive Cardiologist and Echocardiographer in the Schulich Heart Program, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre (SHSC). She completed medical training at McGill and Harvard before joining U of T. She is the Education Lead in the SHSC DOM and the SHSC Site Director for the U of T Cardiology Fellowship program. She collaborates nationally in educational activity as a longstanding member of the Royal College of Canada Cardiology Examination Board and the Canadian Society of Echocardiography. Her mission is to help learners realize their potential, build self-belief, practice with compassion & see the breadth of possibility in medicine.
Dr. Ahmed is truly distinguished by her dedication to learners’ wellness and psychological safety. Her absolute joy in teaching and seeing the success of her learners is palpable - she is a “beating heart” (pardon the pun) of our Division’s teaching mission.
Dini Hui
Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Recipient of the W.T. Aikins Award for Individual Teaching Performance - Clerkship.
Dr. Dini Hui is an Assistant Professor in the Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. She completed her undergraduate medical degree and residency training at U of T. She then completed a fellowship in Maternal Fetal Medicine, also at U of T. Her clinical interests lie in managing patients with kidney disease and medical complications during pregnancy at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. Following completion of the Education Scholars Program through the Centre for Faculty Development in 2018, she took on the role of Undergraduate Medical Education Director in her Department.
Dr. Hui is a natural educator - one who inspires excellence in her students through her thoughtful mentorship, depth of knowledge and unwavering support. She is deeply committed to ensuring that all learners feel valued, respected and empowered to thrive.
Edward Etchells
Professor, Department of Medicine
Recipient of the W.T. Aikins Award for Individual Teaching Performance - Clerkship.
Dr. Etchells is a staff physician in the Division of General Internal Medicine at Women’s College Hospital and Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. He currently enjoys working with students in the Women’s College Hospital Acute Ambulatory Care Unit (AACU) and the Sunnybrook Inpatient General Internal Medicine Clinical Teaching Unit. He wants to send special thanks to his many teachers, especially Dr. Ken Robb.
Dr. Etchells is particularly effective as a clinical teacher because he is first and foremost an outstanding clinician who combines superior clinical judgement with exceptional bedside skills, role-modeling patient-centered and high-quality care.
Jennifer Lake
Assistant Professor - Teaching Stream, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy
Recipient of the W.T. Aikins Award for Development and Use of Educational Innovations.
Jennifer Lake is a pharmacist and Assistant Professor (Teaching) at Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy. Her areas of interest for education and research are interprofessional education & collaboration, pharmacy practice in primary care, and pedagogical approaches to integrate basic and clinical sciences. In the MD program, she has been the Theme Lead (Pharmacology/ Pharmacotherapy) for six years working across the program to collaborate on these topics.
Jennifer is collaborative and uses her wide range of skills and knowledge to meet program needs and contribute to ongoing transformations in our content.
Miriam Rossi Award for Health Equity in Undergraduate Medical Education
The Miriam Rossi Award for Health Equity in Undergraduate Medical Education aims to recognize University of Toronto MD Program faculty and administrative staff members for their commitment to diversity and health equity in undergraduate medical education. The award is named after Dr. Miriam Rossi, a pediatrician, teaching faculty, and former associate dean of student affairs in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, and a strong advocate and mentor for minoritized groups and communities.
Umberin Najeeb
Associate Professor, Department of Medicine
Recipient of the Miriam Rossi Award.
Dr. Najeeb is a staff internist at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. She is Vice Chair Culture & Inclusion and the Co-Director of the Master Teacher Program in the Department of Medicine. Her scholarly focus is on the 1) transition & integration of Internationally Educated Health Professionals into their training and working environments and 2) health professions education (curriculum design, program development, faculty development & mentorship). She uses her voice and lived experiences to be an ally in her many roles. She teaches around the constructs of equity, diversity, inclusion, and allyship, and is actively involved in research, scholarship, and policy work related to social justice and EDI. She has received multiple prestigious awards for teaching, education, and mentorship.
Umberin provides a rich environment that fosters research efforts, advocacy and mentorship. Her efforts to develop nationally recognized standards have helped advance social justice and equity causes. Her unwavering commitment to professionalism, empathy and excellence in patient care has inspired mentees and colleagues.
Nirit Bernhard
Assistant Professor, Department of Paediatrics
Recipient of the Miriam Rossi Award.
Dr. Nirit Bernhard is a general paediatrician and Assistant Professor with the Department of Paediatrics. She holds a Hon BSc and MSc from U of T and completed her Medical Doctor degree from the University of Western Ontario. She completed post-graduate training and a year of Chief Residency with the Department of Paediatrics, U of T. Nirit is the Faculty Lead, Portfolio in the MD Program and Post Graduate Medical Education. She channels her passion for working with children with different health needs and abilities through her work in the Down syndrome clinic, part of the Ability Program at Sick Kids Hospital and has been a consultant paediatrician at Women’s College Hospital since 2011. Nirit proudly lives in a multigeneration home with her family in Toronto.
Nirit's innovative approach to curriculum design, commitment to health equity research and advocacy for marginalized communities has enriched the learning environment and inspired a culture of inclusivity and advocacy.
Norman Rosenblum Award for Excellence in Mentorship in the MD/PhD Program
The Norman Rosenblum Award for Excellence in Mentorship in the MD/PhD Program was established in 2018 in recognition of Dr. Norman Rosenblum’s tenure as Associate Dean, Physician Scientist Training in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto and his outstanding contributions to mentoring of MD/PhD students. The award recognizes faculty members, residents, or members of administrative staff who exhibit an exemplary level of leadership and commitment to mentorship and role modeling for MD/PhD students in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine.
Robert Vanner
Assistant Professor, Institute of Medical Science
Recipient of the Norman Rosenblum Award.
Robert Vanner is a Medical Oncologist and Clinician Scientist at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. He completed his MD and PhD in Molecular Genetics through U of T's D/PhD Program. He followed Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology training at U of T with a postdoctoral fellowship at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and the German Cancer Research Center - DKFZ. His research program uses population databases, genomics, and animal models to determine how mutations in the blood system called clonal hematopoiesis shape cancer growth and response to treatment.
Rob has lived the life of balancing the demands of medical training with wet lab research and has played a very big role in guiding MD/PhD and also several junior co-op students who were making early career decisions.
Awards for Excellence in Postgraduate Medical Education
These awards recognize outstanding contributions of faculty members who teach medical residents and fellows; develop, organize and administer training programs; develop innovative approaches to teaching, research, and evaluation; or serve as mentors and advocates to postgraduate medical trainees.
John Hanlon
Associate Professor, Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine
Recipient of the Excellence in PGME Award - Development & Innovation.
Dr. John Hanlon is the Director of Education for the Department of Anesthesia at St. Michael’s Hospital and an Associate Professor at the University of Toronto. He developed and was the founding Program Director of UofT Pain Medicine subspecialty residency program, which earned 8-year RCPSC accreditation and national recognition for a Leading Practice or Innovation in its first external review. He also designed and launched a yearly National Pain Medicine Ground School, a free hybrid 2-day education course for pain trainees across Canada. He has authored 19 peer-reviewed publications in the past five years and is a respected clinician —named one of Toronto’s Top Doctors in Pain Medicine for the third time.
Dr. Hanlon has demonstrated exceptional leadership, advancing our department through his innovative contributions to postgraduate education. His efforts have not only raised awareness in the field of pain medicine but also benefited the broader academic community.
Esther Bui
Associate Professor, Department Medicine
Recipient of the Excellence in PGME Award - Development & Innovation.
Dr. Esther Bui is a neurologist, clinician educator, and associate professor with the Dept. of Medicine in the field of women's neurological health. Her pregnancy and epilepsy clinic is dedicated to fertility, pre-conception counselling, pregnancy & postpartum care for women with epilepsy but extends to all the life stages including ageing, perimenopause, and menopause. Dr. Bui created a training program for resident physicians to learn about Women's Issues in Neurology. She also founded Canada's first accredited Women's Neurology Fellowship at U of T. She is lead author of the Women's Neurology curriculum for the American Academy of Neurology, co-Director of the Women's Neurology Fellowship Program & Director of the Epilepsy Fellowship program.
Dr. Bui's commitment to education in neurology, and to addressing gender-based disparities in diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders - both through clinical care & education - and her passionate commitment to supporting the work of clinical teachers is to my mind truly unparalleled.
Andrea Bezjak
Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Recipient of the Excellence in PGME Award - Teaching Performance, Mentorship & Advocacy.
Dr. Bezjak is a Professor in the Departments of Radiation Oncology and Clinical Epidemiology and Health Care Research at the U of T and Thoracic Radiation oncologist at the Princess Margaret Cancer Center. She graduated from McGill Faculty of Medicine, came to Toronto for her Radiation Oncology residency, and has been on staff at PMH since. Dr. Bezjak has (co)authored more than 300 manuscripts and has been a principal investigator of multi-center clinical trials. Currently, she is the Medical Director, Princess Margaret Cancer Care Network and Radiation Oncology Residency Program Director at U of T. Helping to train and support the next generation of radiation oncologists is one of the most satisfying parts of her very fulfilling clinical & academic career.
Dr. Bezjak had dedicated over three decades to the education and mentorship of medical students, residents and fellows. By fostering an environment of critical thinking and lifelong learning, she has profoundly influenced the development of future leaders in Radiation Oncology.
Perla Lansang
Associate Professor, Division of Dermatology
Recipient of the Excellence in PGME Award - Teaching Performance, Mentorship & Advocacy.
Dr. Lansang is a full-time staff dermatologist and associate professor in the Division of Dermatology at U of T. She is based at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and cross-appointed at SickKids. She completed medical school and dermatology residency at University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital. She subsequently pursued fellowships in pediatric dermatology at SickKids and advanced medical dermatology at Sunnybrook. As a clinician-teacher, she served as the Director of Undergraduate Education for 10+ years. Dr. Lansang remains actively involved in all levels of education, making significant contributions to curriculum development in undergraduate education while continuing to organize & design postgrad courses.
Dr. Lansang is an extraordinary educator, mentor, and leader who has consistently gone above and beyond to enhance postgraduate education and support the professional development of her colleagues and trainees.
Sarita Verma Award for Advocacy & Mentorship in Postgraduate Medicine
The Sarita Verma Award for Advocacy and Mentorship In Postgraduate Medicine was established in 2010 at the end of Dr. Verma’s term as Vice Dean, Postgraduate Medical Education (PGME) at the University of Toronto Temerty Faculty of Medicine, in recognition of her exceptional contributions to postgraduate medical education in Ontario. The award recognizes staff or faculty members who exhibit an exemplary level of leadership and commitment to social responsibility, mentorship, advocacy, and resident well-being.
Kevin Weingarten
Assistant Professor, Department of Paediatrics
Recipient of the Sarita Verma Award.
Dr. Kevin Weingarten is the Director of Postgraduate Medical Education in the Department of Pediatrics at Sickkids/U of T and the Core Pediatrics Residency Program Director. He is also a physician on the Pediatric Advanced Care Team at SickKids. After completing medical school at U of T, Dr. Weingarten pursued his residency training in pediatrics at SickKids. He then went on to do fellowships in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology (at SickKids) and Pediatric Palliative Care (at Boston Children’s Hospital). Dr. Weingarten completed his Masters in Bioethics at the Joint Centre for Bioethics at U of T, and is an Assistant Professor at U of T.
Dr. Weingarten is an effective, beloved teacher who champions social responsibility and resident well-being. Having worked with many medical education leaders, one would be hard-pressed to find a more dedicated, passionate advocate & mentor.
Robert Sheppard Award For Health Equity and Social Justice
The Robert Sheppard Award for Health Equity and Social Justice was established in 2016 in honour of Dr. Robert Sheppard who served as Associate Dean, Postgraduate Medicine from 1977 to 1988 at the University of Toronto. Dr. Sheppard was one of the first endocrinologists in Canada. Apart from being an influential endocrinologist and Faculty Leader, Dr. Sheppard was deeply committed to volunteering initiatives in his community after retiring from medicine. This award recognizes outstanding contributions of faculty members and medical residents/fellows involved in the development and/or implementation of activities, programs or research related to social justice and health equity in faculty development or postgraduate medical education.
Shaheen Darani
Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry
Recipient of the Robert Sheppard Award.
Dr. Darani completed her medical degree at McMaster University, her psychiatry residency training at U of T, and a fellowship in forensic psychiatry at Yale University. She is a clinician educator and assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry and staff psychiatrist at CAMH. She is a treasured and passionate educator serving as the Director of Faculty Development in the Department of Psychiatry, past Site Director for Postgraduate Education at CAMH, and Associate Director of Postgraduate Learner Affairs/Wellness in the Office of Learner Affairs in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine at the UofT.
Her commitment to creating education initiatives that address health disparities through an equity & social justice lens has inspired and empowered residents and faculty to be leaders of positive change.
Colin Woolf Excellence in Program Development and Coordination Award
This award recognizes excellence in program/conference development.
New and Evolving Academic Leaders (NEAL) Program Team
Centre for Faculty Development
Recipient of the Colin Woolf Award. NEAL is led by Cate Creede-Desmarais (pictured).
The NEAL program is designed for people in an academic health science context who are committed to becoming change agents in their spheres of influence and beyond by centering principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, Indigeneity and accessibility in their leadership practice. This program is intended for those who are committed to challenging the status quo, and looking to develop tools, skills, and evolving practices to positively shape our future academic health sciences system. NEAL Program Leader Cate Creede-Desmerais is an educator, certified coach & experienced strategy lead. They have supported 250+ strategic change initiatives in higher education and academic & community healthcare across Canada.
The NEAL Team is made up of diverse, exceptional, passionate health professions educators - each bringing their own unique lenses, perspectives, lived experiences and expertise to address the leadership needs of an increasingly complex academic health system.
Ivan Silver Innovation Award
Dr. Ivan Silver has provided leadership and mentorship for many who have chosen to pursue an academic career in the area of CPD. He served as Director of the Centre for Faculty Development, and was the Vice-Dean, Office of Continuing Education and Professional Development before taking on the role of Vice-President of Education at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). This award recognizes an innovative CPD initiative developed and delivered by a University of Toronto faculty member or team that has demonstrated an impact on health professionals’ performance or improved health outcomes.
Petal Abdool
Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry
Recipient of the Ivan Silver Award.
Dr. Abdool is a Geriatric Staff Psychiatrist at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and a Consultation-Liaison Geriatric Psychiatrist at Providence Healthcare. She is the Assistant Program Director for International Medical Graduates and an Assistant Professor at the U of T in the Dept. of Psychiatry. She is the inaugural Medical Director of the CAMH Simulation Centre and the Faculty Lead, Simulation Education Integration for the Temerty Faculty of Medicine. Her area of research is focused on the use of Simulation in Medical Education.
Dr. Abdool exemplifies excellence in CPD - combining innovative technology, comprehensive learner engagement, robust evaluation & deep commitment to equity and community impact.
Excellence in Interprofessional CPD
With the evidence of the importance of exceptional healthcare teams in the provision of quality healthcare, educators continue to develop CPD education programs and conferences that are designed to enhance interprofessional practice. This award recognizes excellence in CPD activities designed to enhance interprofessional team practice and improve healthcare delivery.
Raj Rasasingham
Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry
Recipient of the Excellence in Interprofessional CPD Award.
Raj Rasasingham has collaborated with colleagues worldwide and has contributed to workshops and policy statements on mental health advocacy. He has actively advocated for children’s mental health, driving system change in psychiatry. Additionally, he serves as National Chair of CPD Directors in Canada. He has received notable awards, including the Council on Psychiatric Continuing Education Award, Colin Woolf Continuing Education Award, and the Ivan Silver Award for Innovation. He is a co-principal investigator and collaborator on various grants in postgraduate & public education. Recently, he was honored as a Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association.
[The conference] developed by Dr. Rasasingham stands as a model of excellence in interprofessional CPD, promoting knowledge exchange, skill development, & collaboration across disciplines.
David Fear Fellowship
Dr. David Fear exemplified the role that may be played by active clinicians and educators in the development, coordination and promotion of CPD at the level of departments, hospitals, communities and across the Faculty of Medicine. Dr. Fear was an anesthetist at the Hospital for Sick Children, active in the University´s Department of Anaesthesia, where he served as Director of Continuing Education, and the Chair of the Faculty Council Committee on Continuing Education. The David Fear Fellowship is intended to support faculty members who wish to develop or enhance their competence or skills in CPD, their scholarship or their professional development
Karen Wang
Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry
Recipient of the David Fear Fellowship.
Dr. Karen Wang is a youth inpatient psychiatrist at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. She completed her medical training at McMaster University and a general psychiatry residency at the University of Toronto, subspecializing in child and adolescent psychiatry. Her academic interests focus on innovative and collaborative program development, utilizing quality improvement methodologies to enhance patient outcomes. In addition, she is involved in curriculum development and medical teaching at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Dr. Wang's project demonstrates the innovative spirit of the David Fear Fellowship, combining educational leadership with a deep commitment to improving mental healthcare delivery.
Excellence in Community-Based Teaching (Office/Clinic/Practice)
This award recognizes excellence in teaching and education at a community-based physician office/clinic.
Eva Knifed
Lecturer, Department of Family & Community Medicine
Recipient of the Community-Based Teaching Award - Office/Clinic/Practice.
Dr. Knifed practices comprehensive family medicine at Discovery Family Health, including low risk obstetrics at North York General Hospital. She completed her master’s degree in Bioethics & has an interest in bioethics education. Dr. Knifed is involved in the development of the novel ethics curriculum at the postgraduate level. She is the Ethics and Professionalism Lead at DFCM. She is an educator & co-developer of the Medical Records Keeping course for Continuing Professional Development at UofT. Her passion for family medicine obstetrics has led her to become the Family Medicine Obstetrics Chair at NYGH.
Dr. Knifed’s dedication to teaching goes beyond just sharing knowledge. She builds confidence, encourages critical thinking, and leads by example.
Excellence in Community-Based Teaching (Rehabilitation Sciences)
This award recognizes excellence in teaching and education at a community-based office/clinic OR community hospital.
Lisa McQueen
Adjunct Lecturer, Department of Speech Language Pathology
Recipient of the Community-Based Teaching Award - Rehabilitation Sciences.
Lisa has been a Speech Language Pathologist at Toronto Rehab for 25+ years. She holds an Adjunct Lecturer appointment with U of T and is Education Site Coordinator for SLP clinical placements across all four Toronto Rehab sites. She was the recipient of the 2024 Award for Clinical Teaching Excellence as well as the 2023 UHN Award for Contribution to Patient Education and Engagement. She has held numerous leadership positions, including SLP Practice Leader, Co-lead for Stroke Distinction Accreditation and Stroke Clinical LEAN Lead. Her most cherished role is as a clinician at her second home on the Inpatient Stroke Unit. She feels privileged to be able to combine her two passions, education & communication in her day to day work.
Lisa exemplifies what it means to be a selfless, dedicated, and highly respected clinician—not only in the eyes of her students but also in those of her patients and colleagues.
Excellence in Community-Based Teaching (Community Hospital)
This award recognizes excellence in teaching and education at a community hospital.
Amna Karabegovic
Assistant Professor, Department of Family and Community & Medicine
Recipient of the Community-Based Teaching Award - Community Hospital.
Dr. Amna Karabegovic is a full-time practicing emergency physician at North York General Hospital. She is an assistant professor and the program director at the University of Toronto for the DFCM emergency medicine fellowship. She is the current co-chair of the Emergency Medicine Update (EMU) conference. She has an interest in medical education and clinical teaching. Her most important job is being the mother of two amazing, highly spirited children.
Amna has a unique ability to challenge learners while fostering a safe learning environment. Her ability to seamlessly integrate on-shift teaching with real-world application is second to none.
Sustained Excellence in Community-Based Teaching
These awards recognizes sustained (normally 10 years) excellence in community-based teaching and education, and may include mentorship, the integration of scholarship in teaching, interprofessional collaboration, etc.
Sarah McClennan
Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine
Recipient of the Sustained Excellence in Community-Based Teaching Award.
Dr. McClennan has been a valued member of the Temerty Faculty of Medicine since 2009. She is currently the Chief and Medical Director of their Emergency Program & Urgent Care Program at Trillium Health Partners, where she has played a pivotal role in promoting learner scholarship within the emergency department. She has consistently demonstrated her passion for education & emergency medicine. As Academy Director at MAM from 2017-2024, she made many significant education leadership contributions, and she engaged with medical students to develop in them a curiosity & passion for lifelong learning. She continues to support medical students in her role as a Faculty Career Advisor for Temerty Medicine
Dr. McClennan's mentorship has been transformative. Her active efforts to make me feel seen and supported have been invaluable throughout my medical education journey.
Mireille Norris
Associate Professor, Department of Medicine
Recipient of the Charles Mickle Fellowship Award.
Dr. Norris is an Internist and Geriatrician at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. She is Faculty Lead for Black and Indigenous Medical Learners, Dept. of Medicine and is the lead for the Core Internal Medicine Black & Indigenous pathway. Dr. Norris focuses on dementia care, fall prevention, quality improvement & medical education. Her interest in under represented physician education has been enhanced by the experience of recruiting & mentoring International Medical Graduates for the Hospitalist Training Program. Her own experience as a Black female French speaking physician was instrumental in empowering her trainees. She is the Black Health Theme Lead for Temerty Medicine, and contributes to the Sunnybrook President Anti-Racist Task Force, Sunnybrook Program Accessing Research Knowledge, Black Physicians Association of Canada & Network for the Advancement of Black Learners.
Her passion towards patients is impressive and contagious. She has a knack for picking up on small details and then demonstrating eye-opening realities about the case.
Excellence in Undergraduate Laboratory Teaching in Life Sciences Award
This award is for excellence in teaching, coordination, and/or development of undergraduate laboratory-based courses in Arts and Science offered by the basic science departments in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine.
Kristina Lisk
Assistant Professor - Teaching Stream, Division of Anatomy
Recipient of the Undergraduate Laboratory Sciences Teaching Award.
Dr. Lisk holds a PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences from U of T & a MSc in Clinical Anatomy from Western University. During her PhD training, she also completed a 3-year fellowship in health professions education at the Wilson Centre. She currently serves as Course Director for two highly sought-after anatomy courses. Dr. Lisk leads an active program of research focused on examining strategies to optimize learning of the anatomical sciences during integrated instruction & exploring the impact of innovative teaching tools on student learning. Her most recent work incorporated the use of 3D printed models to support active learning during lecture-based instruction & integrating virtual reality into traditional lab-based exams.
Prof. Lisk is continually seeking out opportunities to improve and exceed expectations which contributes to her ongoing development and the continued success of her courses.
Sian Patterson
Associate Professor - Teaching Stream, Department of Biochemistry
Recipient of the Undergraduate Laboratory Sciences Teaching Award.
Sian Patterson is an Associate Professor, Teaching Stream, in the Department of Biochemistry and is responsible for the coordination and instruction of large undergraduate lecture and lab courses. Her pedagogical research focusses curriculum and faculty development, with an emphasis on strategic design to highlight and assess student learning. As the Associate Chair in Undergraduate Education and Undergraduate Coordinator for the Department of Biochemistry, she plays an active role in student mentorship and program delivery and is a past recipient of the Temerty Faculty of Medicine Excellence in Undergraduate Life Sciences Teaching Award.
Dr. Patterson is approachable, kind, caring, a positive role model for her students, and an extremely dedicated educator.
Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching in Life Sciences Award
This award is for excellence in teaching, coordination, and/or development of undergraduate lecture or seminar courses in Arts and Science offered by the basic science departments in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine.
Helen Miliotis
Associate Professor - Teaching Stream, Department of Physiology
Recipient of the Undergraduate Teaching Award.
After completing her doctorate at the Institute of Medical Science at the University of Toronto, Dr Miliotis' interest in combining scientific training with education led her to study student development theory at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, earning a Certificate of Leadership in Higher Education. She became the inaugural program director for the MHSc Medical Physiology program in 2020. Her teaching aims to help students apply foundational core concepts to real-life scenarios and to develop competencies and transferable skills for a variety of career possibilities. She has also received the Robert Goode Early Career Teaching Award from the Dept. of Physiology and the Temerty Early Career Excellence in Graduate Teaching and Mentorship Award.
Helen doesn’t just teach, she inspires. She challenges students to think deeply, helps them build confidence, and gives them the tools they need to succeed beyond the classroom.
Sustained Excellence and Innovation in Life Sciences Education
This award recognizes sustained contributions (at least 15 years of all undergraduate appointments as of December of application year) to any aspect of undergraduate education.
Richard Horner
Full Professor, Department of Physiology
Recipient of the Sustained Excellence and Innovation in Life Sciences Education Award
Richard Horner is author of over 140 research articles in peer-reviewed journals. His research has been continually supported by CIHR since 1998. Dr. Horner was elected Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences (FCAHS) in 2017. In 2023 he was awarded the Distinguished Lecturer Award in Sleep Sciences by the CIHR-Institute of Circulatory and Respiratory Health and Canadian Sleep Society in recognition of impacts of research, mentorship, and training in Canada and internationally. Dr. Horner leads and teaches undergraduate and graduate courses on sleep science spanning physiological mechanisms to clinical problems.
What has impressed me most about Prof. Horner is he continually seeks ways to improve his teaching. One thing that has stood out... is the care he has for both his students’ learning & their well-being.
Early Career Excellence in Graduate Teaching and Mentorship
This award recognizes outstanding contribution to the training and experience of graduate students, as evidenced by excellence in teaching, supervision and mentorship and dedication to students.
Monika Molnar
Associate Professor, Department of Speech-Language Pathology
Recipient of the Early Career Excellence in Graduate Teaching and Mentorship.
Dr. Monika Molnar completed her doctoral studies at McGill. Since 2024, she is an Associate Professor at the Dept. of Speech-Language Pathology. Dr. Molnar leads the Bilingual and Multilingual Development (BAM) research group at the Rehabilitation Sciences Institute. In her graduate teaching, she focuses on the significance of evidence-based practice in speech-language pathology, helping students recognize its essential role in improving clinical care. Her research training is driven by a commitment to student success, incorporating advanced research techniques to support the development of innovative, high-quality scholarship. She was also recognized with the Dr. Patty Rigby Award for Early Career Excellence in Supervision and Mentorship.
Dr. Molnar creates an atmosphere where students feel comfortable asking questions, sharing ideas & exploring complex issues. Her passion is contagious.
Sustained Excellence in Graduate Teaching and Mentorship
This award recognizes sustained contributions (at least fifteen years of all graduate memberships as of December of application year) to any aspect of graduate teaching.
Nancy Salbach
Professor, Department of Physical Therapy
Recipient of the Sustained Excellence in Graduate Teaching and Mentorship.
Dr. Nancy Salbach is a physical therapist & Professor in the Dept. of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences Institute. She is a KITE Senior Scientist and holds the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute Chair. She is an accomplished researcher who has obtained over $16M in funding, published 160+ articles, and supervised 113 trainees. She is a recognized leader in stroke and exercise guideline development in Canada. Research in her Knowledge to Action Mobility Lab aims to optimize function, mobility & physical activity among older adults. Key research innovations include a mobile app used by thousands of physical therapists worldwide for walking assessment post-stroke; and community exercise programs that help older adults with mobility limitations stay active.
Dr. Salbach is a leader in the field of stroke rehabilitation, mobility & knowledge translation. She's sought after as a speaker, reviewer, supervisor, and lecturer - nationally and internationally.
Riyana Babul-Hirji
Associate Professor, Department of Molecular Genetics
Recipient of the Sustained Excellence in Graduate Teaching and Mentorship.
Riyana Babul-Hirji completed her MSc in Genetic Counselling at McGill. She was a member of the founding faculty of the MSc program in Genetic Counselling at U of T. She is an Associate Professor in the Dept. of Molecular Genetics, Assistant Program Director of the MSc program in Genetic Counselling and a genetic counsellor at SickKids. Riyana is a member of Professional Standards in Mentorship and Education Committee in her department, dedicated to fostering a culture of EDI & accessibility within our academic community. Riyana was one of nine Genetic Counsellors selected to participate in the Master Genetic Counsellor Series. In addition, she was a two-time recipient of the Cheryl T. Shuman Interprofessional Teaching Award.
Riyana provides leadership for didactic course work across the program. This work involves ensuring course coordinators are creating an inclusive learning environment.
PA Excellence in Teaching Award
Outstanding teaching in the BScPA Program.
James Misurka
Lecturer, Department of Family & Community Medicine
Recipient of the PA Excellence in Teaching Award
James Misurka is a dedicated healthcare professional with a strong academic background and extensive clinical experience. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Kinetics from the University of Guelph, followed by a diploma in Cardiac Sonography from the Mohawk-McMaster Institute. He then completed his Physician Assistant degree at U of T. Currently, James works as a Physician Assistant in Surgical Oncology at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, where he plays a vital role in patient care & multidisciplinary treatment planning. He is actively involved in medical education, serving as a lecturer in the Dept, of Family & Community Medicine. James is committed to mentoring the next generation of healthcare professionals while continuously enhancing their expertise in surgical oncology and interdisciplinary collaboration.
[Jim] truly shaped the way I ask questions and analyze the patient before me. He made the classroom engaging, comfortable, informative. I can see how much I've progressed with his guidance.
PA Role Model Award
Outstanding Physician Assistant involved in the BScPA Program.
Gabrielle Cook
Facilitator & Preceptor, BscPA Program
Recipient of the PA Role Model Award.
Gabrielle Cook is a Canadian Certified Physician Assistant who graduated from the U of T program. She currently works in a past paced, high acuity emergency department. She enjoys the ER because of the variety in case presentation across different specialties, highly collaborative environment and the ability to treat patients of all ages. She has a special interest in pediatric care and in educating new PAs in emergency medicine training.
Gabrielle is an exceptionally skilled PA who creates a very supportive learning environment... She is positive, caring & non-judgemental, while pushing you to think critically & expand your knowledge.
Rising Star Award
Outstanding contributions to the PA Profession by an alumna/alumnus of the BScPA program.
Patricia D'Silva
Lecturer, BscPA Program
Recipient of the PA Rising Star Award.
As a graduate of U of T's Consortium of PA education, Patricia has worked as an ER Physician Assistant for the past 5 years. Recently joining the U of T faculty, Patricia currently serves as a course director for the Consortium of Physician Assistant Education, shaping the next generation of healthcare professionals. Honored to be named a PA Rising Star, Patricia is dedicated to advancing as a clinician and educator. Patricia hopes to share knowledge and enthusiasm with PA students, fostering the same love for patient care that has driven Patricia's own journey.
[Patricia] is an exceptional teacher and mentor, embodying the qualities that make for a truly impactful educator.
Helen P. Batty Award for Excellence & Achievement in Faculty Development: Sustained Excellence as a Faculty Developer
Recognition of sustained excellence in teaching in faculty development over a significant period of time (minimum 5 years) – ultimately leading to the enhancement of instruction, career development, professionalism, inter-professionalism, and / or health professional leadership.
Lindsay Baker
Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry
Recipient of the Helen P. Batty Award.
Lindsay is the Associate Director of Curriculum Integration and Partnerships at the Centre for Faculty Development, bringing nearly two decades of experience as a faculty development leader, researcher & educator. Throughout her career, she has worked to bridge the gap between education theory, science, and practice, with a focus on creating meaningful, inclusive, and transformative learning experiences. Her approach to faculty development emphasizes driving systemic change through innovation and reflexivity. Lindsay is passionate about breaking down educational silos and promoting the sharing of knowledge and expertise. She believes that diversity of thought and ideas leads to better outcomes and enrich learning experiences.
Lindsay’s contributions over the past decade are nothing short of exceptional... there is no doubt that her work will continue to inspire & transform faculty development for years to come.
Helen P. Batty Award for Excellence & Achievement in Faculty Development: Excellence or Innovation in Program Development and Design
Recognition of an outstanding faculty development program within the Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto which led to the enhancement of faculty members’ teaching, education, administration, leadership, scholarship, and/or advocacy knowledge, skills, or attitudes.
Department of Psychiatry Mentorship Working Group
Department of Psychiatry
Recipient of the Helen P. Batty Excellence or Innovation in Program Development and Design.
The Department of Psychiatry values mentorship given its role in career development, career satisfaction and wellness. The Department is committed to assisting each faculty to find a primary mentor, and also offers a number of mentorship groups or communities of practice to support development for specific academic roles or for peer support related to identity.
The Mentorship Working Group membership includes:
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Mary Jane Esplen (Chair 2019 - 2024), Shaheen A Darani (Chair 2023 - Present), Lucy Barker, Sumeeta Chatterjee, Certina Ho, Nicole Kozloff, Krista L. Lanctôt, Elizabeth Lin, Diane de Camps Meschino, Alpna Munshi, Raj Rasasingham, Ivan Silver, Sophie Soklaridis, Peter Szatmari, John Teshima, Simone Vigod, Jiahui Wong.
As an individual, the 1:1 formal mentorship within the department helped me to better understand the university at large and feel a sense of belongingness.
Award of Merit for Excellence in Interprofessional Teaching
This award is for excellence in IPE teaching over a two-year period.
Elisabeth Despres
Adjunct Lecturer, Department of Physical Therapy
Recipient of the Award of Merit for Excellence in Interprofessional Education Teaching.
Beth Despres is a physiotherapist and educator currently employed at Sinai Health as the Lead for Interprofessional Education. She also teaches and facilitates at the University of Toronto, where she is an Adjunct Lecturer in the department of Physical Therapy and is actively involved as part of the IPE Leaders Network at the Centre for the Advancement of Collaboration in Healthcare and Education (CACHE). Beth is passionate about interprofessional work-integrated learning as a bridge between collaboration theory and entry-to-practice teamwork competencies in the health professions.
Beth is thoughtful and reflective. She brings a cheerful & collaborative spirit to network discussions and activities. Her ability to ask questions and stimulate critical thinking no doubt translates wonderfully to the teaching context.
Award of Merit for Outstanding Role Modeling of Interprofessional Collaboration for Patient-Centered Care to Learners
This award honours an outstanding health-care team that demonstrates collaboration among different health-care professionals to support excellence in the delivery of patient-centred care. It is given to an established team that is recognized for its ability to role model and teaches the competencies necessary for health professionals to practice collaboration. Learners can be defined as those at any time along the professional career trajectory.
Senior Friendly Team
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Recipient of the Award of Merit for Outstanding Role Modeling of Interprofessional Collaboration for Patient-Centered Care to Learners.
The Sunnybrook Senior Friendly Team is an interprofessional group that embeds evidence-informed practice to improve care for older adults across the Sunnybrook organization and in our larger community.
The membership of the team includes:
- Dr. Barbara Liu
- Leanne Hughes
- Hammad Aqeel
- Fran de Belchior
The team exemplifies the highest standards of interprofessional practice & person-centered care by advancing best practices, fostering a culture of collaboration & empowering staff to drive change.
Ivy Oandasan Leadership Award for Outstanding Leadership in Advancing Interprofessional Education
This award honours excellence in interprofessional education. It recognizes a leader either community-based, hospital-based or university-based whose unique and innovative contribution has had a significant impact on interprofessional education at the University of Toronto.
Deborah Kopansky-Giles
Assistant Professor, Department of Family and Community Medicine
Recipient, Ivy Oandasan Leadership Award for Outstanding Leadership in Advancing Interprofessional Education.
Dr. Kopansky-Giles is an Assistant Professor in the Dept. of Family & Community Medicine and a Professor at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College. She is actively engaged in collaborative, primary care health service delivery research with focus on integrative models of care, health policy, competency-based education & interprofessional education. Deborah chairs the St. Michael’s Hospital DFCM IPE Committee and oversees curriculum development, program delivery, evaluation & scholarship activities. She sat on the DFCM Faculty Development Committee overseeing the inaugural Health Professional Educator’s program. She is a member of the WHO World Rehabilitation Alliance Primary Care Workstream and the U of T WHO Collaborating Centre on Family Medicine & Primary Care.
As a dedicated teacher in both clinical and classroom settings, Deborah is student-centred in her design of IPE curricula and will – without fail – ensure all education sessions are evaluated and continuously updated with input from participants.
Behdin Nowrouzy-Kia
Assistant Professor, Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy
Recipient of the Temerty Award for Excellence in Professional Values.
Behdin Nowrouzi-Kia, OT Reg. (Ont.), PhD, FRSA, is an occupational therapist and assistant professor at the Dept. of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy. He holds the Inaugural Emily Geldsaler Grant Early Career Professorship in the Workplace Mental Health. Dr. Nowrouzi-Kia is also an affiliate scientist at the Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network and a Collaborating Scientist at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. He uses an occupational lens to systematically study occupations related to workability, work disability prevention, and return to work. His work is motivated by holistic approaches that extend beyond efforts to prevent or cure diseases from a purely physical perspective.
Dr. Nowrouzi-Kia exhibits strong commitment to psychologically, culturally and physically safe learning environments by ensuring his classes provide students with authentic learning experiences, grounded in theory & practice.
Martine Quesnel
Assistant Professor - Teaching Stream, Department of Physical Therapy
Recipient of the Temerty Award for Excellence in Professional Values.
Martine Quesnel is a physiotherapist & Assistant Professor (Teaching Stream) at the Dept. of Physical Therapy. She is the Associate Program Director and Director for Clinical Education and Mentorship for the Ontario Internationally Educated Physical Therapy Bridging Program. At U of T, she plays pivotal leadership and mentorship roles in guiding internationally educated physiotherapists through their professional integration. Her research interests include mentorship, clinical education & experiences of internationally educated physiotherapists. She practices clinically in the Brain Program at Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, where she supports patients living with neurological conditions. Her work underscores dedication to patient care & rehabilitation.
Martine truly exemplifies her commitment to excellence through fair and ethical approaches to teaching and learning when engaged in curriculum design and delivery, always ensuring that she has her students’ needs first and foremost in her interactions.
Meeta Patel
Assistant Professor, Division of Emergency Medicine
Recipient of the Temerty Award for Excellence in Professional Values.
Dr. Meeta Patel is an emergency physician at North York General Hospital. She is the Assistant Director of Learner Experience in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine, the faculty development lead, and an Assistant Professor in the Division of Emergency Medicine. Dr. Patel has held several educational leadership roles supporting learners across the continuum and is the recipient of a national mentorship award from the Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians, as well as multiple local awards for Continuing Professional Development and Faculty Development.
Dr. Patel's strong moral compass, communication, collaboration & empathy have had concrete, meaningful impacts on innumerable learners and the overall learning environment.
Heather Flett
Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry
Recipient of the Temerty Award for Excellence in Professional Values.
Dr. Heather Flett is an Assistant Professor in the Dept. of Psychiatry and a staff physician at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). She is an educator in Undergraduate, Postgraduate & Continuing Medical Education and has held roles in education leadership including the CAMH Postgraduate Site Director and Chair of the Departmental Safety Committee. She served as a Director of the Postgraduate Wellness Office at Temerty Medicine from 2018-2021. As the Temerty Professor of Learner Wellness, the goal of her work is to support organizational strategies and resources at the departmental, program, supervisor and individual level to foster learner wellbeing & success. She has a passion for collaborating with leadership, teachers, staff and learners to foster conditions that enable wellbeing for learners and all who train and practice in our learning environments.
Dr. Flett is incredibly conscientious and comprehensive in her commitment towards learner wellness... She ensures [we] explore initiatives and decision-making that consider various ways of knowing, which is essential to support the health and well-being of all learners.
University of Toronto President's Teaching Award
Founded in 2006, the President’s Teaching Award (PTA) is the highest honour for teaching at the University of Toronto. The PTA recognizes sustained and ongoing excellence in three interrelated areas: educational leadership, teaching excellence, educational innovation.
David Tang-Wai
Professor, Division of Neurology
Recipient of the 2024 University of Toronto President's Teaching Award.
Dr. Tang-Wai is the current Department Division Director for neurology at UofT and former adult neurology residency program director. He is also the co-director of University Health Network Memory Clinic and chair of the Scientific Advisory Committee for the Toronto Dementia Research Alliance. Since his appointment to U of T in 2003, his goal is to overcome the “educational neurophobia” that many learners have towards the field, i.e., the discomfort that learners at all levels have with this specialty and difficulties they experience in conducting or interpreting the neurological examination. These challenges lead to delays in diagnosis and increases healthcare demands. His unique style of teaching has led him to be an invited teacher in various U of T departments, universities & national conferences. Learners from all parts of Canada come to spend time in his clinics.
I always looked forward to working with Dr. Tang-Wai, and this was a shared feeling across residents. While with him, it was impossible not to learn something every time from his keen sense of detail, focus on the nuances of the examination, and clear and concise thought process.
Roula Andreopoulos
Professor, Department of Biochemistry
Recipient of the 2024 University of Toronto President's Teaching Award.
Stavroula Andreopoulos is an award-winning educator. Since 2020, she has held the ranks of Professor, Teaching Stream and Associate Graduate Faculty in the Department of Biochemistry. In addition to her major teaching load, she was Undergraduate Coordinator for the Department until 2018, and is currently Program Director for the prestigious Amgen Scholars Program which provides fully-funded opportunities for undergraduate students across Canada to participate in innovative biomedical research with world-renowned faculty at the University of Toronto. In addition to her basic medical research, her scholarship focuses on curriculum renewal and development of online teaching resources. She is the recipient of several grants and teaching awards, locally and nationally.
What sets Dr. Andreopoulos apart as a truly excellent and innovative educator is her full immersion in the educational process at all its levels. She is consistently at the cutting edge of the educational process and always seeking to improve the learning process.
Canadian Association for Medical Education (CAME) Certificate of Merit
To promote, recognize and reward faculty committed to medical education in Canadian medical schools. To promote CAME at each of the Canadian medical schools.
Julie Johnstone
Assistant Professor, Department of Paediatrics
Recipient of the CAME Certificate of Merit.
Dr. Julie Johnstone is an Academic Clinician at the Hospital for Sick Children. She currently holds the roles of Director of Assessment and Special Projects for the Core Pediatric Residency Program and Director of Education for the Division of Pediatric Medicine.
Dr. Johnstone is a gifted teacher and mentor who touches learners at multiple levels. She is known for her depth of knowledge and exceptional communication skills. She role models comprehensive, compassionate care.
Lindsay Melvin
Assistant Professor, Clinician Teacher, Department of Medicine
Recipient of the CAME Certificate of Merit.
Dr. Lindsay Melvin is a Clinician Investigator at UHN and an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto.
Dr. Melvin is an award-winning teacher, highly effective leader, and impactful education scholar. Her talents in this area were evident from the time she started on faculty.
Giovanna Sirianni
Associate Professor, Department of Family and Community Medicine
Recipient of the CAME Certificate of Merit.
Dr. Sirianni is a family physician with a focused practice in palliative care, an Associate Professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the Temerty Faculty of Medicine, a medical educator and About Empathy Podcast co-creator. Dr. Sirianni has held multiple educational leadership roles including as Enhanced Skills (PGY-3) Program Director, Palliative Care Program Director, Faculty Development Lead and Workplace Based Assessment Lead for the MD Program at the University of Toronto. Throughout her medical education leadership career, she has been engaged in scholarship and research with publications in CMAJ, Medical Teacher and Canadian Family Physician among others. In 2024, Dr. Sirianni was named as an AMS Fellow in Compassion and Artificial Intelligence.
Dr. Sirianni is an organized, detail‐oriented, dedicated and compassionate teacher and educator who places learner centredness, communication skills and competency‐development at the heart of her work.
The Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada (AFMC) Administration Award
This award celebrates the contributions of the administration within a faculty of medicine where efforts and work have contributed to national discourse and the betterment of Canadian Academic Medicine. The award is aimed at celebrating and showcasing the contributions of non-academic, administrative staff in a Canadian medical school.
Trevor Cuddy
Director, Continuing Professional Development
Recipient of the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada (AFMC) Administration Award.
Trevor Cuddy is the Director of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) at the University of Toronto. Trevor has pioneered national best practices in CPD, including the creation of programs addressing health inequities and co-founding the Narrative-Based Medicine Lab.He is a champion of EDI, Anti-Racism, and Indigenization, and a mentor within Canada’s CPD community. Trevor has demonstrated a career-long commitment to staff talent development, creating new career pathways and advocating for the professionalization of staff within Medical Education. Trevor’s far-reaching impact includes national leadership as Chair of the Board of Directors of Actua and Board Director of Resident Doctors of Canada.
Trevor stands out as an effective and influential leader for a myriad of reasons, with one key attribute shining above all others — his authentic and unwavering dedication to staff development.
Royal College AMS Donald Richards Wilson Award for CanMEDS Integration
This award recognizes a medical educator or individual leader of a team, program or department who has demonstrated excellence in integrating the CanMEDS roles into a Royal College or other health-related training program.
Sacha Agrawal
Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry
Recipient of the Royal College/AMS Donald Richards Wilson Award for CanMEDS Integration.
Sacha Agrawal, MD, FRCPC, MSc is associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, and a staff psychiatrist and clinician educator at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH).
Canadian Association of Medical Education Ian Hart Award
Ian Hart Award for Distinguished Contribution to Medical Education: Established in 1992 in honour of Dr. Ian Hart, founder of CAME, this award recognizes senior faculty who have made an exceptional contribution to medical education throughout their academic career. CAME is delighted to present the 2025 Ian Hart Award for Distinguished Contribution to Medical Education to Dr. Shiphra Ginsburg, University of Toronto.
Shiphra Ginsburg
Professor, Department of Medicine
Recipient of the CAME Ian Hart Award 2025.
Shiphra Ginsburg, MD, MEd, PhD, is a Professor in the Department of Medicine and a Scientist at the Wilson Centre. She holds the Canada Research Chair in Health Professions Education. Dr. Ginsburg completed medical school at McGill, followed by postgraduate training and a Master of Education at U of T. In 2016 she completed a PhD in Health Professions Education at Maastricht University. She serves as Deputy Editor at the journal Medical Education and is on the Editorial Board of Academic Medicine. In 2019, she was selected as one of 12 inaugural Fellows for the Karolinska Institute Prize for Research in Medical Education.
Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education: 3M National Teaching Fellowship
The 3M National Teaching Fellowship is Canada’s most prestigious recognition of excellence in educational leadership and teaching at the post-secondary level. In 1986, the Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (STLHE) and 3M Canada partnered to recognize exceptional contributions to teaching and learning in Canadian post-secondary education. The 3M National Teaching Fellows community embodies the highest ideals of teaching excellence and scholarship and is committed to encouraging and supporting the educational experience of every learner. Up to 10 Fellows are selected annually.
Roula Andreopoulos
Professor, Department of Biochemistry
Recipient of the 2025 3M National Teaching Fellowship.
Stavroula Andreopoulos is an award-winning educator. Since 2020, she has held the ranks of Professor, Teaching Stream and Associate Graduate Faculty in the Department of Biochemistry. In addition to her major teaching load, she was Undergraduate Coordinator for the Department until 2018, and is currently Program Director for the prestigious Amgen Scholars Program which provides fully-funded opportunities for undergraduate students across Canada to participate in innovative biomedical research with world-renowned faculty at the University of Toronto. In addition to her basic medical research, her scholarship focuses on curriculum renewal and development of online teaching resources. She is the recipient of several grants and teaching awards, locally and nationally.
Roula's level of empathy is rarely practiced, but desperately needed, in higher education. Roula emphasizes the emotional well-being of her students, which contributes to a more supportive learning space.
Questions?
For questions about this award celebration, please reach out to medicine.awards@utoronto.ca.