2023 Faculty Member Awards of Excellence Winners
Researcher of the Year – Biomedical
Peter Liu and Ruth Slack
Dr. Peter Liu is a Professor in the Department of Medicine, with cross-appointment to the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine. He is also the Chief Scientific Officer of the University of Ottawa Heart Institute. Dr. Liu has made a lasting mark on cardiovascular medicine by introducing new concepts, changing research paradigms, and stimulating new fields research. He has had an unquantifiable impact on cardiovascular research and on the lives of countless patients.
Dr. Ruth Slack is a Professor in the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine and the Director of the University of Ottawa Brain and Mind Research Institute. A pioneer in brain regeneration studies, Dr. Slack leads research that explores the molecular mechanisms regulating neurogenesis, which has important implications in the areas of developmental biology as well as stem cell research as it pertains to therapies following brain injury.
Drs. Liu and Slack are the Co-scientific Directors of the Brain-Heart Interconnectome (BHI), a ground-breaking research program which recently received a $109 million grant from the Canada First Research Excellence Fund. BHI’s interdisciplinary research team, made up of experts from more than 45 government, NGO, private sector and academic partners, will work together to accelerate the prevention, detection, treatment and care of brain-heart disorders. The BHI’s twelve-member leadership team includes six other uOttawa Faculty of Medicine faculty members. Dr. Liu’s and Dr. Slack’s exceptional contributions and pioneering work within the BHI exemplify the highest standards of research and collaboration, as they work to lead a paradigm shift in brain-heart health and address one of the world’s biggest healthcare challenges.
Researcher of the Year – Clinical
Erin Keely
Dr. Erin Keely, a Full Professor in the Department of Medicine (DoM) since 2007, boasts a remarkable career. Notable roles include Co-Executive Director of Ontario eServices Program; Vice-Chair of Education in the DoM; Chief of Endocrinology and Metabolism at The Ottawa Hospital; and Co-Executive Director of the Ontario eConsult Program. She has made vital contributions in health care delivery models and evidence-based practice locally and internationally. Dr. Keely co-founded Champlain eConsult BASE™, linking primary care providers to specialists for streamlined patient care. Her extensive research on diabetes, pituitary disorders, pregnancy complications and obstetric medicine with 200+ peer-reviewed publications has garnered international acclaim and substantial funding from organizations like CIHR, Diabetes Canada, and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Her leadership, clinical expertise and numerous awards, including Researcher of the Year – Clinical, highlight her invaluable contributions to the scientific community.
Researcher of the Year – Public Health and Epidemiology
Jodi Edwards
Dr. Jodi Edwards, an Associate Professor in the School of Epidemiology and Pubilc Health (SEPH) and director of the Brain and Heart Nexus Research Program, has made remarkable contributions to the research community at uOttawa and at the national and international levels. Due to her exemplary research and leadership skills, she was chosen to be one of ten principal investigators to lead the Canada First Research Excellence Fund grant proposal, which secured $109 million in funding for the Brain–Heart Interconnectome. In her relatively short career, Dr. Edwards has achieved extraordinary research productivity, publishing 56 papers, including 19 as a first or senior author. Dr. Edwards boasts an impressive h-index of 23 and 2,722 citations, with her work appearing in prestigious journals like Diabetes Care, Neurology, Stroke and others. Her research program is exceptionally well funded, with more than six major grants as a principal investigator, totaling over $156 million. Dr. Edwards has assumed leadership roles in various committees and research teams, leading the development of ground-breaking proposals. Further, her dedication extends to mentoring and training the next generation of researchers, exemplified by her role in the CIHR Clinical Trials Training Platform.
Researcher of the Year – Innovation, Education and Medical Humanities
Michel Shamy
Dr. Michel Shamy is an Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine and in the School of Epidemiology and Public Health. His remarkable contributions lie at the intersection of medical research and the humanities. His research, which focuses on the ethical justification of clinical trials as well as innovations in the process of obtaining informed consent, has garnered international recognition for its role in informing these crucial elements of clinical trials. Dr. Shamy’s work has had a particularly important impact in emergency situations, such as stroke. His impressive publication record includes 12–18 manuscripts per year, half of which name him as the first or senior author. He has also supervised and mentored numerous trainees who have gone on to publish their work under his guidance. He has shown remarkable dedication to advancing medical humanities research and is undoubtedly a trailblazer in this emerging field.
Early-Career Researcher of the Year – Biomedical
Erin Mulvihill
Dr. Erin Mulvihill has distinguished herself as a leader with impact in the greater uOttawa community. She is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology and a scientist and Director of the Energy Substrate Metabolism Research Laboratory at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute (UOHI). Dr. Mulvihill is a highly cited early career researcher in biomedical sciences, with her research improving our understanding of the molecular events leading to cardiometabolic disorders. Her research program offers an outstanding environment for training, including mentorship, opportunities for student recognition, and her dedication to the career development of trainees. Among other appointments, she is currently Co-Director of the Canadian Society for Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology (CS-ATVB) and an Advisory Board member of CIHR’s Institute of Nutrition, Metabolism, and Diabetes. She has received awards and recognition for her outstanding contributions to research excellence and training, including the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada National New Investigator Award, the Stewart Whitman Young Investigator Award, the CIHR New Investigator in Lipoprotein Metabolism and the Diabetes Canada New Investigator Award.
Early-Career Researcher of the Year – Clinical
Deborah Siegal
Dr. Siegal is an Associate Professor in the School of Epidemiology and Public Health as well as in the Department of Medicine. Her career has been distinguished by her innovative peer-reviewed research program, Post-Bleed Management of Antithrombotic Therapy (PANTHER), aimed at improving patient outcomes by reducing bleeding in antithrombotic therapy recipients. Her work includes mechanistic, observational and randomized studies, as well as the Small Volume Tubes to Reduce Transfusion (STRATUS) Study, a major pragmatic trial involving 18,000 critically ill patients at 25 sites across Canada. With over 120 peer-reviewed manuscripts and numerous high-impact publications, including in journals like the New England Journal of Medicine and Circulation, Dr. Siegal has an impressive h-index of 36. She holds a T2 Canada Research Chair and has secured funding from prestigious organizations like CIHR and the American Society of Hematology. Her leadership roles in national and international organizations, along with her active involvement in public awareness campaigns and knowledge translation efforts, further showcase her commitment to advancing her field. As an accomplished teacher and mentor, Dr. Siegal has supervised numerous trainees and received the McMaster Postgraduate Medical Education Faculty Mentor Award in 2019. Her dedication to mentorship and research training is exceptional, making her a truly deserving winner of this Early Career Researcher of the Year Award.
Early-Career Researcher of the Year – Public Health and Epidemiology
Daniel Myran
Dr. Daniel Myran is an Assistant Professor with the Department of Family Medicine, as well as a public health and preventive medicine physician, a family physician, and health services researcher with the Bruyère Research Institute. He was recently awarded a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Social Accountability at uOttawa, allowing him to grow his research program focusing on using health administrative data to address important gaps in current knowledge on substance-related health harms and policy in Canada and associated health inequities. He was identified by the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) as one of the top 10 most productive primary care researchers in Canada in 2022, and his research has received numerous awards such as the Public Health and Epidemiology Publication of year in 2020 from the Faculty. Noted as an exceptional emerging researcher with an accelerating publication record (including 28 in the last 12 months), Dr. Myran’s upward trajectory is anticipated to position him as a national expert in health services research and policy research for drugs and alcohol.
Early-Career Researcher of the Year – Public Health and Epidemiology
Hawre Jalal
Dr. Hawre Jalal, an Associate Professor in the School of Epidemiology and Public Health, has excelled in a relatively short period. After completing his medical training and practicing in Iraq, he pursued graduate-level training in health economics at the University of Minnesota, followed by post-doctoral training in health informatics at Stanford University from 2013 to 2015. In 2015, he initiated his independent research career as an Assistant Professor at the University of Pittsburgh, USA. In 2023, his candidacy for the Canada Research Chair in Health Economics was approved, adding to a list of honors and awards earned during his training and postdoctoral studies. As a clinical and population-based modeller, Dr. Jalal co-leads two major research projects: one on bladder cancer detection and control and another modeling the impact of public health policies on the opioid epidemic. Dr. Jalal effectively balances leadership and methodological expertise in interdisciplinary collaborations. His work on the opioid epidemic, published in high-impact journals, has improved the understanding of opioid use disorder and its related morbidity and mortality, attracting considerable media attention. Engaging in graduate student training and committee work, Dr. Jalal's accomplishments and contributions set him apart as a standout Early Career Researcher, fully deserving of this award.
Early-Career Researcher of the Year – Innovation, Education and Medical Humanities
Roy Khalifé
Dr. Roy Khalifé, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine, is a rising star in medical education, having achieved remarkable success in a short time. After earning his MD in 2014 and completing Internal Medicine and Hematology in 2019, he pursued a fellowship in medical education and obtained a Master of Health Professions Education from the prestigious University of Chicago. Despite being appointed as an Assistant Professor just two years ago, Dr. Khalifé has demonstrated exceptional research, educational leadership and administrative abilities. He has received several awards, including the Excellence in Medical Education Scholarship and Best Research Poster from the Canadian Society of Internal Medicine. He has secured substantial grants and published as a principal investigator in Medical Education, a top journal in the field. With seventeen international research presentations, he excels in delivering clear and impactful presentations. Further, Dr. Khalifé has made significant strides in hematology research. As a Program Director, he's designed an innovative curriculum and contributed locally as an OSCE examiner, grant reviewer and committee member, enhancing the Department of Medicine's programs.
Educator of the Year – Pre-Clerkship
Nadine Gauthier
Dr. Nadine Gauthier, Assistant Professor and clinical teacher in the Department of Medicine, has proven to be an exceptional teacher, mentor, innovator and leader in education at the Faculty. She has garnered the highest respect from learners for her interpersonal skills and ability to spark classroom engagement. Fostering an upbeat and positive clinical environment, Dr. Gauthier builds students’ confidence and supports their learning by encouraging autonomy with patients and inspiring them to take on interesting cases and opportunities. As Francophone Unit One Leader for many years, she has been a valued mentor to content experts on such topics as curriculum design and improvement as well as advocacy for teachers and students. A well-rounded medical educator, she is also engaged in many leadership and educational activities outside of the Undergraduate Medical Education Program, including site lead for all levels of learners during their cardiology rotation at the General campus. Her teaching and leadership qualities were recognized with the 2018 Faculty of Medicine Undergraduate Program, University of Ottawa, Person Competency Award, as well as the 2022 Canadian Association of Medical Education Certificate of Merit Award.
Educator of the Year – Clerkship/Residency/Fellowship/Continuing Education
Ewurabena Simpson
Dr. Ewurabena Simpson an Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics as well as assistant Dean for the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. Recognized for her devotion to education, Dr. Simpson initiated positives changes within the pediatric hematology/oncology fellowship program for the betterment of the fellows’ education. A mentor with a gift for listening, Dr. Simpson garners the trust of her trainees by getting to know and advocating for them. She is a strong collaborator and a sensitive, understanding and effective leader, incorporating into matters all points of view. As the former Black health theme lead and content expert for the MD program, she worked with medical students and faculty to improve the representation of racialized communities within the MD program curriculum, helping students feel supported and empowered in a safe space to share their challenges. Dr. Simpson is influencing how the community practices medicine by demonstrating respect for others and how to graciously fight for what is right. She teaches with passion, confidence and respect, and her strong teaching evaluations are a testament to her esteem as a highly regarded educator.
Educator of the Year – Basic Sciences
Baptiste Lacoste
Dr. Lacoste is an Associate Professor in the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine. His career has been marked by his unwavering commitment to fostering the growth and success of his mentees. Notably, his mentorship extends beyond research collaboration, resulting in numerous publications in prestigious journals. He is a compassionate mentor who understands and accommodates the needs of his trainees, creating a supportive and inclusive environment. His infectious optimism and growth-oriented mindset are his defining qualities, turning setbacks into opportunities. He actively promotes the professional development of his students and encourages their participation in conferences and skill-building. Dr. Lacoste also excels in teaching complex concepts at various levels, including to high school students. He is highly regarded by his peers and colleagues for his professionalism and positive interactions.
Mentor of the Year – Clinical
Rob Beanlands
Dr. Rob Beanlands is a Professor in the Department Medicine, with cross-appointments to the Departments of Radiology and Cellular & Molecular Medicine. He is also the Deputy Director General at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute. In these roles, as well as in several other leadership roles, he has made remarkable contributions to the careers of colleagues and trainees within his division, department, faculty, and beyond. Throughout his career, Dr. Beanlands has supervised more than 90 learners, from BSc students, to residents and postdoctoral fellows. Highly collaborative, Dr. Beanlands has been involved in countless research projects, often enabling his mentees to be first authors in high-impact journals. With his guidance, several of his trainees have received prestigious awards such as Banting Fellowships and Tr-Council funding. Dr. Beanlands is very generous with his time, often working into the late hours to ensure that each mentee and trainee receives the attention, feedback, and advice they need. This is especially true for trainees new to Canada. Several clinician scientists who Dr. Beanlands has mentored have gone on to assume leadership roles in their respective fields. Dr. Beanlands’ dedication to mentorship and the lasting impact he has on his trainees and colleagues make him an ideal winner for the Mentor of the Year Award – Clinical.
Mentor of the Year – Basic Sciences
Michael Downey
Dr. Michael Downey an Associate Professor in the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine and the Associate Director of the Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology (OISB), a cross-disciplinary institute with roughly 200 trainees and 36 core members. In this leadership role, Dr. Downey’s contributions have enabled OISB to expand its capacity for new research as well as mentorship and training initiatives. OISB and its members benefit significantly from his enthusiastic leadership. Not only does Dr. Downey himself provide exemplary mentorship, but he also encourages the OISB to support its members in the pursuit of research awards, in which they have been successful. Further, he oversees the OISB trainee committee, and is involved in the coordination of various workshops, career development, and networking opportunities. Further demonstrating his commitment to mentorship and scientific advancement, he also led the organization of the 2023 Annual Canadian Society for Molecular Biosciences Meeting at the University of Ottawa, a conference which emphasizes career development for junior faculty members and trainees. Beyond his administrative roles, Dr. Downey collaborates on diverse scientific projects, fostering research skills among his trainees. His commitment to quality and data reproducibility is reflected in their high-impact publications and numerous awards. Dr. Downey’s support extends to career development, international mentoring committees, and promoting equity within the research community. As an educator, Dr. Downey's innovative teaching techniques and his involvement in thesis advisory committees have benefited numerous students at the Faculty of Medicine.
Outstanding Service Award
John Scott
Dr. Scott is an Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine. A pioneer in palliative care, in his 40-year career, he has left an indelible mark in this area. He embarked on his journey in 1975, seizing the opportunity to advance palliative care in Canada. Founding Canada's first university Division of Palliative Care at the University of Ottawa, Dr. Scott recruited exceptional colleagues and revolutionized academic medicine. Not only did he demonstrate exceptional skill in symptom management, but his patient-centred approach and focus on self-care inspired a new generation of health care professionals. Further, throughout his career he has embodied collaborative care, supporting fellow physicians and promoting the multidisciplinary approach to essential palliative care. Dr. Scott continues to advocate for equitable access to palliative care, even after retiring in 2018. The Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association recognized his remarkable contributions with the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018.
Award for Leadership in Wellness
Edward Spilg
An Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine (DoM) and a geriatrician at The Ottawa Hospital (TOH), Dr. Edward Spilg has demonstrated exceptional commitment to advancing the health and well-being of co-workers, colleagues, and learners through his scholarship, advocacy and service. He is internationally recognized for his research successes in the field of health and resilience, including understanding the role of empathy and physician leadership on physician wellness, and he has made significant scholarly contributions to wellness from the local to international levels. He pioneered a technique called SMART (Stress Management And Resilience Training) to help all health care workers decrease stress and anxiety while improving their resilience, and as the inaugural DoM Vice-Chair of Physician Wellness, he developed the DoM Physician Mentorship Program, enhancing the supportive environment for his departmental colleagues. Dr. Spilg’s numerous committee memberships, including the Faculty’s Wellness Program Committee, the DoM Wellness Committee and the TOH Physician Health and Wellness Committee, reflect his dedication to service.
Award for Leadership in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Emilio I. Alarcòn
Dr. Emilio Alarcòn is an Associate Professor in Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology and Director of the Bio-nanomaterials Chemistry and Engineering Laboratory at the uOttawa Heart Institute. In addition to his growing international impact developing innovative biomaterials to treat damaged cardiac tissue, cornea and skin, Dr. Alarcòn nurtures diversity in biomedical innovation through a relentless determination to welcome and empower those previously marginalized in research. He is championing next steps with Indigenous health partners in exploration of exchange opportunities as well as community outreach to expand access to training opportunities and support pipeline development. He launched a program providing work experience to individuals with intellectual disabilities, is finding effective ways to de-bias recruitment, and encourages non-traditional career pathways by looking far beyond the usual places to find and nurture young people with deep and driving scientific curiosity. These initiatives are but a sampling of how Dr. Alarcòn is incorporating EDI best practices to create the diverse capacity that effectively integrates the wide-ranging creativity and experience needed to find new approaches to scientific, health and societal challenges.
Social Accountability Award
Smita Pakhalé
Dr. Smita Pakhalé is an Associate Professor in uO’s Department of Medicine and holds a Clinical Research Chair in Equity & Patient Engagement in Vulnerable Populations. Her unwavering commitment to health equity and community service has made a transformative impact, locally and beyond. As the driving force behind the Bridge Engagement Centre and its principal investigator, she pioneered the “Patient Engagement" model, an example of patient-centered care, actively engaging and empowering marginalized communities. Her inclusive approach involves communities in all research phases, fostering understanding and addressing lived experiences, ultimately enabling the co-development of practical, needs-based solutions. Dr. Pakhalé's interdisciplinary research addresses critical areas like health inequity, tobacco dependence, sickle cell disease (SCD), and social determinants of health. Examples of her impact include her leadership in the launch of the Canadian Sickle Cell Disease Registry as well as her transformative “Bridge Model™'” which has significantly reduced cigarette smoking and opioid use, promoting lifelong health for marginalized populations. Dr. Pakhalé has been a mentor to over 60 students and research staff. Her contributions extend to education, as she has designed a course on health inequities for graduate students Dr. Pakhalé's selfless dedication, innovative approaches, and transformative impact on marginalized populations reflect the core values of the Faculty of Medicine Social Accountability Award.
Professionalism Award
Fady Balaa
Dr. Fady Balaa is an Associate Professor in the Department of Surgery (DoS). In all facets of his career, including in his interactions with patients, colleagues, staff and learners, he consistently demonstrates his commitment to excellence, ethical conduct, and professionalism. Dr. Balaa incorporates these values into his many leadership roles, including that of General Surgery Residency Program Director and Division Head. As Vice-Chair in the DoS, he is leading the development of a People and Culture portfolio, through which there is acknowledgment of and support for the connection between excellence in patient care and surgeon welfare. As an invited speaker at conferences and events, he has presented on the topic of building a culture of collaboration, highlighting his expertise in this area. Dr. Balaa’s research shows his dedication to advancing surgical practice as well as collaboration, notably through his work on the "Shared Care" model in hepatopancreatobiliary surgery. Having a multidimensional approach to research, he also explores human factors in the operating room, gender and academic promotion of Canadian general surgeons, and nontechnical skills in undergraduate surgical and anesthesiology curricula. Dr. Balaa is a dedicated mentor and coach, actively participating in peer-to-peer coaching and guiding medical students through the Faculty of Medicine Vertical Mentorship Program, contributing to their professional development.
International Impact Award (English)
Janet Hatcher Roberts
Janet Hatcher-Roberts, an Adjunct Professor in the School of Epidemiology and Public Health, has dedicated her career to enhancing the policy impact of health systems research. She adeptly merges scientific research, policy engagement and mentorship for emerging health systems research professionals. Janet has spearheaded pioneering initiatives, providing health equity training to decision makers in the Pan-American Health Organization regions. Her influence extends globally, collaborating with institutions like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Organization of Migration. She has secured over $90 million in funding for global and national projects. Notably, she developed an equity-focused toolkit for the Council on Health Research for Development (COHRED), a vital resource for equity-oriented research and evidence-based decision making in multiple WHO member states. Janet has mentored 100+ health systems research trainees and has introduced the unique "International Health and Development" course at uOttawa. She has served on influential boards like the Canadian Medical Foundation and Action Canada for Population Development.
International Impact Award (French)
François Raymond
Dr. François Raymond is an Assistant Professor and staff physician in the Department of Medicine; he is also the Interprovincial and European Advisor in Department of Surgery, the Interprovincial and International Advisor with Divisions of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Oncology and Radiation Oncology, and delegate of the Faculty’s vice-dean of Internationalization and Global Health at l’Université Paris-Saclay. Dr. Raymond has been key in developing partnerships that centre on higher education, research, and clinical application in the specialized fields of cardiac and thoracic surgery as well as medical oncology, creating synergy for international collaboration between Europe and North America, specifically France and Canada, for the development of new molecules and therapies. He has been leading collaboration discussions between uOttawa and l’Université Paris-Saclay; he has also established partnerships between the Faculty of Medicine and Gustave Roussy, one of the world’s best oncology hospitals, and l’Hôpital Marie-Lannelongue, a chest hospital, both located in the suburbs of Paris, France, and soon with L'Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale (INSERM). Exchanges and research collaborations have already begun, and several guest professors are scheduled for 2023–2024. Dr. Raymond’s work is bringing to life the vision of more effective education and research through this privileged international collaboration.
Award for Leadership in Global Health
Manisha Kulkarni
Dr. Manisha Kulkarni, an Associate Professor in the Faculty’s School of Epidemiology and Public Health (SEPH) and Assistant Dean of Global Health for the Faculty of Medicine, is a distinguished figure in global health. Her impressive career spans research, teaching, and international collaboration. Before joining uOttawa, Dr. Kulkarni worked with the Public Health Agency of Canada, Global Affairs Canada, and HealthBridge, collaborating with major stakeholders like the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Her contributions also inform Canada's global health research agenda, for example, through her participation in the Canadian Institutes of Health Research's 2018 national consultation on Future Priorities for Global Health Research and her appointment as a member of the CIHR Institute of Infection and Immunity advisory board. As a researcher, she has led projects in sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on malaria prevention and mitigation, establishing herself as a global health leader. For Dr. Kulkarni's achievements, she has received several awards, such as the 2019 Researcher of the Year – Basic Sciences Award from the Faculty of Medicine. Also in 2019, she was named to the Canadian Association for Global Health’s Canadian Women in Global Health list.
Award for the Promotion of the Francophonie
Isabelle Burnier
Dr. Burnier's dedication to the French language is evident in her multifaceted role as co-director of pre-clerkship education for the Francophone stream of uOttawa’s Undergraduate Medical Education (UGME) program. She works to maintain the quality of clinical teaching in French, supervises and supports students and oversees course assessments and faculty recruitment. As a prominent figure in promoting Francophonie within the Faculty of Medicine, Dr. Isabelle Burnier has received numerous accolades, including Patient Safety Competence (2021), Health Advocate (2019), and Communication Competence (2017) awards from the Faculty’s UGME program. She was also honored with the Canadian Association for Medical Education’s Merit Award in 2020. Further, she’s an active contributor to research on improvement French-language health care services, including via the use of virtual reality for training. Her pioneering work in the French-language training program for Patients Involved in the Education of Health Professionals (PIEPS) has evolved into renowned research, establishing her as an international expert.
Francophilie Award
Eric Wooltorton
Dr. Eric Wooltorton, Associate Professor in the Department of Family Medicine (DFM), led the DFM’s Continuing Professional Development program before his recent appointment as the Faculty’s Interim Vice-Dean, Continuing Professional Development (CPD). As a passionate advocate of the French language and culture, he leads by example. He ensured that all communications about the DFM’s CPD activities were bilingual, and, as a proud Francophile, he seamlessly incorporates French into his speeches and presentations, representing Francophonie in a minority context. Further, Dr. Wooltorton has created a monthly program within the DFM, the Club mensuel de français, that not only promotes health care services in French and enhances the capacity of clinicians and learners to offer services in French, but also addresses burnout and foster connections among participants. Events such as "Vingt et Fromage," "Operation" game sessions, and a visit to the sugar shack for simulated patient care in French have had a significant impact.Dr. Wooltorton's passion for medical education and training, coupled with his innovative approach, has garnered numerous regional and national awards. His commitment to including Francophonie in his activities sets an inspiring example for the Department and beyond.