Office of the Dean
The role of the Dean and the Dean’s Executive Team is to provide strategic leadership for the extensive educational and research activities within the Temerty Faculty of Medicine. They also support learners, graduates, faculty, staff and partners to be an unparalleled force for new knowledge, better health and equity.
Patricia Houston, MD, MEd, FRCPC
Vice Dean, Medical Education, University of Toronto
Professor Patricia Houston is Interim Dean of the Temerty Faculty of Medicine from September 1 to December 31, 2023, while Professor Trevor Young, who stepped down as dean, is on administrative leave prior to taking up the role of Vice-President & Provost as of January 1, 2024.
Dr. Houston is a Professor in the Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine. She was appointed Vice Dean, Medical Education in July 2020, building upon her previous position as Vice Dean of the MD Program. As Vice Dean, Medical Education, Dr. Houston is responsible for oversight of the Temerty Faculty of Medicine MD Program, Integrated Physician Scientist Training Program, Postgraduate Medical Education, Continuing Professional Development and Office of Learner Affairs.
Dr. Houston is a graduate of the University of Toronto Temerty Faculty of Medicine and also holds a Masters of Education from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education
Dr. Houston has distinguished herself as a collaborative leader in health professional education. She has served in a number of leadership roles at St. Michael’s Hospital and the University of Toronto. At St. Michael’s, she has served as Medical Director, Perioperative Service Program, Anesthetist-in-Chief, and Vice President, Education. At the University of Toronto, she has served as Vice Chair of Education in the Department of Anesthesia, Vice Dean, MD Program, and Acting Dean.
Throughout her career Dr. Houston has been recognized with numerous teaching and leadership awards. She is committed to ensuring excellence and alignment across the educational programs she oversees and a learning environment where “we all belong.”