Staff in the spotlight at Temerty Medicine

Excellence took centre stage at the 2023 Staff Impact and Long Service Awards reception in Hart House on Tuesday, Nov. 28.

This is the tenth year for the annual celebration, which recognized 51 staff members for individual and team contributions and commemorated those celebrating significant anniversaries with the university.

Interim Dean Patricia Houston thanked the awardees and acknowledged the pivotal role of staff in supporting the Temerty Medicine mission.

“While the spotlight often shines on our esteemed faculty and learners, these awards celebrate and honour the staff who are equally critical to our success,” Houston told the crowd.

“Every day, in countless ways, you rise to meet challenges and collaborate with colleagues to solve problems with creativity and enthusiasm. You embody the very best that our community has to offer.”

Established in 2013, the recognition event celebrates outstanding staff for excellence in areas of administration, leadership, inclusivity, community engagement and innovation.

The program took a brief pause after the 2021 awards to undergo a review and revamp. Following feedback from consultations across Temerty Medicine, the renewed 2023 program features expanded award categories and eligibility criteria, and an all-new format for the celebration.

“This program celebrates staff who are so essential in supporting the mission of the Faculty,” said Mark Friesen, human resources director and event organizer. “The updated award categories and criteria allow us to recognize a broader range of projects and achievements.”

Chief Administrative Officer Denis Bourguignon offered his congratulations to the recipients. “The ground-breaking work of our researchers, educators and students hinges upon the commitment that each of you brings to your respective roles,” he said. “Your expertise, creativity and passion form the very backbone of our operations.”

Bourguignon also reflected the transformation of the ceremony, which previously took place at the annual Faculty barbecue. “We wanted to move the awards to a more intimate celebration that was on par with the exceptional calibre of our honorees,” he said.

The 2023 celebration also introduced a new category for divisional recognition of those marking significant career milestones. Eight long-time employees, contributing a cumulative 260 years of service, were honoured with Long Service awards. Three individuals were lauded for more than four decades each of service to the university.

Friesen congratulated the recipients, saying, “Your journey with us has been extraordinary, and we are truly privileged to have you as colleagues and valued members of the Temerty Medicine community.”

In recognition of their achievements, awardees received prints of artwork by Lisa Boivin, a Temerty Medicine alumna and postdoctoral researcher with the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network.

Boivin, who is a member of the Deninu K’ue First Nation, is renowned for her interdisciplinary artwork which weaves together themes of bioethics, healthcare and the land-based practices of Dene medicine.

2023 LONG SERVICE AWARDS

Celebrating 25 years of employment with the university: 

• James Wilson, Engineering & Computing Technician, Division of Teaching Laboratories
• Maggie Lam, Financial assistant, Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Sciences
• Rhiannon Davies, Business Officer, Division of Respirology 
• Rachel Zulla, Graduate Affairs Officer, Graduate and Life Sciences Education
• Kristin Parsonson, Finance Administrator, Department of Surgery

Celebrating more than four decades of service with the university:

• Mariana Arteaga, Business Officer with the Wilson Centre, for 43 years of service. 
• Elizabeth Den Hartog, Business Officer, Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Sciences for 45 years of service.
• Lynette Anderson, Business Officer with the Department of Biochemistry, for 47 years of service. 

2023 STAFF IMPACT AWARDS

• Administrative Excellence Award

• Community Contribution Award

• Emerging Leadership Award

• Engagement Champion Award

• Exemplary Leadership Award

• Fostering an Inclusive Environment Award

• Service Excellence in a Laboratory Research Environment Award

• Excellence in Innovation and Creativity

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Administrative Excellence Award

• Andrew McLeod, Executive Assistant, who made an indelible impact by spearheading the setup and operational success of the Office of the Vice Dean, Medical Education, amidst multiple roles and pressing priorities. 
• Cecilia Manalo, Payroll and Financial Officer, for her exceptional financial expertise, meticulous attention to detail, and adeptness in administrative practices that have significantly enhanced departmental efficiency and stakeholder relations within the Department of Medicine.
• Elizabeth Day, MD Program Foundations Course Coordinator, who exemplifies exceptional dedication in providing top-tier service, proactive support, and meticulous attention to student and faculty needs at the Mississauga Academy of Medicine.
• Sandra Sokoloff, Executive Assistant to the Chair and Academic Appointments Coordinator, whose exceptional performance, dedication and extraordinary contributions during challenging times supports the success of the Department of Occupation Science & Therapy.
• Daniel Johnston, Program Coordinator, who demonstrated unwavering dedication, exceptional organizational skills and unparalleled support for faculty and residents making him an essential asset to the adult neurology program within the Department of Medicine. 

Community Contribution Award

• Trevor Cuddy is known at the faculty for his work as director of the continuing professional development portfolio, however for more than two decades, he has continually demonstrated a commitment to fostering STEM outreach programming for K to 12 students at both the local and national level. His efforts consistently focus on engaging underrepresented youth, including Indigenous and Black youth, girls and young women, and at-risk students and those in remote communities.
  
  Trevor also lends his governance skills as a long-time board member and current chair of Actua, a STEM youth outreach organization, and as board director with Resident Doctors of Canada.
  
  Trevor’s efforts have brought STEM experiences to hundreds of thousands of students across North America, fostering a love of science and positively impacting a generation of students and future scientists.

Emerging Leadership Award

• Charlotte Pashley, Program Officer, Undergraduate Education, whose proactive leadership, selfless dedication, and commitment to supporting and uplifting her colleagues, embodies the essence of leadership by example in the Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology. 
• Christopher Chipman, Business Development Officer, whose exceptional leadership qualities, innovation, and resilience in navigating challenges have not only revitalized Continuing Professional Development but also inspired growth and success. 
• Sarah Topa, Senior Partnerships & Communications Officer, whose exceptional leadership across initiatives, communication improvements and student experience enhancements has driven success and growth within Institute of Medical Science programs. 

Engagement Champion Award

• Elizabeth Cho, whose consistent support, collaborative spirit, and dedication to fostering positivity and inclusivity make her an invaluable member of the Department of Medicine.
• Sobiga Vyravanathan, Curriculum & Education Administrator, whose proactive and dedicated approach to enhance educational initiatives at the Institute of Medical Science highlights her as an exemplary administrator and role model for all stakeholders involved. 
• Brenda Bui, Operations Business Manager, whose exceptional leadership, initiation of multifaceted initiatives and fostering of meaningful engagement across departments has had a great impact on departmental programs, faculty, and staff development in the Department of Anesthesia & Pain Medicine.

Exemplary Leadership Award

• Cody Copeman-Hubert, Director of Alumni Relations and Special Events, who demonstrates leadership through her exemplary guidance and collaboration, ensuring flawless event execution and embodying a collaborative spirit that fosters success within the Advancement team.
• Kerri Bailey, Director, Business and Administration, for demonstrating exceptional leadership, fostering a positive work environment, supporting career growth, and driving strategic success within the Department of Medicine. 

Fostering an Inclusive Environment Award

• Kate Sedore, who exemplifies a dedication to fostering an inclusive environment, addressing systemic barriers, and supporting a sense of belonging through her proactive initiatives and genuine care for students within the Department of Immunology. 
• Golnaz Farhat, Strategic Research Development Officer, whose work in Office of the Vice Dean Research & Health Science Education incorporates inclusivity and equity principles in research planning with scientists goes above and beyond granting agency requirements. 

Service Excellence in a Laboratory Research Environment Award

• Matej Ušaj, Database Analyst and Data Administrator, for demonstrating exceptional service excellence in laboratory research through his precision, technical expertise, and commitment to improving lab functionality at the Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research. 
• Sherin Shibin, Platform and Project Coordinator, who exemplifies exceptional service excellence by leading the Donnelly Sequencing Centre, fostering collaborative, cutting-edge sequencing solutions and enabling ground-breaking research at the Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research. 

Excellence in Innovation and Creativity Award

• Korosh Kianizad, Manager of Applied Immunology MSc and Research Programs, for his work in the creation and management of the Applied Immunology MSc program – a ‘first of its kind’ in Life Sciences education at U of T. Korosh is lauded for “bringing this program to life” with the Department of Immunology. From navigating the governance process to creating innovative coursework, Korosh is involved in virtually all aspects of this unique program.
• MD and PGME Data Management & Advisory Group (DMAG) for their collaborative and pioneering work to better understand and improve the learner experience in the MD and PGME programs.
  
  This comprehensive approach leverages artificial intelligence to capture and analyze qualitative data. The team’s collective efforts foster a new model for informed decision-making, supporting accreditation activities and enables the Faculty to pinpoint areas for enhancement more effectively to ensure an optimal experience for learners.
  
  The DMAG group includes Khushnoor Adatia, Carolina Mitchell, Frazer Howard, Hunain Kochra, Katrina Chu, Laura Murgaski, Margit Bullivant, Mariela Ruetalo, Natali Chin, Nima Krishnan, Samantha Inwood, Rola Alnajjar, Elizabeth Kristy, David Tihanyi, Jennifer Dare, Natasha Shaikhlislamova and Tamica Charles.
• Office of Learner Affairs (OLA) Administrative Team, whose unwavering dedication is essential to the success of Temerty Medicine learners. 
  
  The OLA was formed in 2022 with a mission to enhance the delivery of integrated services and streamlined programming for learners at the St. George and Mississauga campuses.
  
  It supports the personal, academic, and professional needs of learners, and oversees the welfare of 1,700 Undergraduate Health Professions learners and over 3,500 Postgraduate medical trainees across 92 diverse programs. This includes advising on career planning and addressing learner concerns, to ensuring accessibility accommodations and providing robust wellness and mental health supports. 
  
  This work shapes the educational journey of learners, both at individual and systemic levels, and fosters optimal learning environments and experiences to nurture the growth of accomplished healthcare professionals.
  
  OLA administrative staff exhibit exceptional ingenuity, originality, and forward-thinking in this mission. Their dedication continues to empower learners, guiding them through challenges and enriching their learning experiences.
  
  The OLA team includes Carole Sandy, Diana Nuss, Joanne Leo, Jonathon Dionisi, Lorraine Sheffield, Marina Mammon, Mark Wlodarski, Moira Ruthralingam, Sara Abura, Sobiya Syed, Sundeep Battu, Saunia Palmer-Nelson, Karen Crow, Stephanie Karam, Lisa van der Laan and Colleen O’Connor.