Friday's opening night featured a welcome reception where the outstanding achievements of alumni were celebrated. Dr. Alireza Jalali, Associate Dean, External Relations, Engagement and Advancement and MC for the event, recalled the decisive role played by all alumni in the many successes experienced by the Faculty.
“We are extremely proud of our Faculty and all we have accomplished. The Faculty and the university have seen their positions strengthened in many rankings again this year.” said Dr. Jalali.
“And we’re not done yet! Of course, none of this would be possible without you, our esteemed alumni who have put in the work to make this world a healthier place.”
The evening featured the presentation of the Alumni Awards of Distinction to graduates who have made significant contributions to medicine and the communities they serve.
Following the awards ceremony, those in attendance enjoyed a variety of delicious foods together. Laughter and shared memories could be heard until the evening’s close.
On Saturday individual classes reunited, providing a valuable opportunity to reconnect with old friends and share memorable anecdotes with fall in Ottawa and all its warm, joyful colors providing a natural backdrop for nostalgia. In this tailor-made setting, different classes chose to meet around a good meal. The class of 1973 chose to enjoy steak and seafood in Gatineau, while the class of 1978 got together in Lansdowne Park and the class of 1983 favored Italian cuisine at a restaurant in Little Italy. The class of 1993 chose the charm and tranquility of a golf club in Gatineau.
Sunday was marked by the Alumni and Friends Brunch, which took place in the Atrium of Roger Guindon Hall, the epicentre of the Faculty of Medicine. October 15 is internationally celebrated as World Anatomy Day as well, so to mark the occasion attendees heard an inspiring accredited keynote address from Dr. Christopher Ramnanan, director of Anatomical Sciences and associate professor in the Division of Clinical and Functional Anatomy.
Dr. Ramnanan shared his perspective on the future of medicine and the opportunities available to graduates.
"It was a great opportunity for me to speak to previous graduates, to take a trip down memory lane regarding how anatomy education evolved over the years, and to look ahead at where anatomy education could go in the future,” said Dr. Ramanan following the event.
“While the various teaching technologies (in particular, point-of-care ultrasound) will certainly augment clinically relevant anatomy knowledge […] the state of the art for teaching anatomy to future doctors (who will be treating human patients, after all) still appears to be the human body itself.”
Following Dr. Ramanan’s address alumni were given the chance to discuss the transformation of anatomy education over the years, transitioning from traditional teacher-centric methods to more student-centered, experiential approaches.
A tour of the Faculty’s modern anatomy learning facility afforded an occasion to meet the pioneering members of the Master of Anatomical Sciences Education program, highlighting the evolution of interprofessional learning environments in medical education.
It also allowed alumni to see first-hand the latest technological advances that are shaping the training of future doctors. The visit was a tangible reminder of the faculty's ongoing commitment to academic excellence and preparing its students for the challenges of the ever-changing medical world.
The classes that celebrated special anniversaries were also honored at the Sunday brunch, with the presentation of anniversary certificates and recognition pins for the classes of 1973 (50 years since graduating), 1978 (45 years) and 1983 (40 years).
Homecoming 2023 celebrated much more than just past successes. The experience embodies the vitality of the faculty's ties with its alumni, strengthening those relationships that last well beyond graduation. This event was a celebration of the shared passion for medicine, the common academic heritage, and optimism about the future.
See more photos from Homecoming 2023.
Support the Faculty of Medicine today!
Use the “Other designation” field on our online donation form to support The Faculty Of Medicine's Greatest Needs fund.