Dear colleagues,
Hoping this finds you healthy and safe, especially in light of this long weekend’s weather event.
2022 is in full swing, and ELT is happy to share its updates. Below you will find some key points from recent leadership discussions.
Executive Leadership Team (ELT) Highlights: January – April 2022
Ottawa Health Network: We are planning a retreat for late spring with our five affiliate hospitals and the Faculty of Health Sciences to explore the concept of an Ottawa Health Network. Seen as a kick-off event, the retreat aims to pave the way for discussions on Network specifics such as vision and purpose, model and governance.
Celebrating the Faculty: ELT confirmed dates for some key upcoming events:
- Faculty of Medicine (FoM) Town Halls: These occurred in late April and gave learners, staff and faculty a chance to get the latest exciting developments on our priorities. If you missed the sessions, you can read our most recent Progress Report, or ask for a copy of the recording.
- Homecoming: To occur from September 30 to October 2, 2022
- Awards and Recognition Gala: Being held the Saturday (Oct. 1) of Homecoming weekend
ELT also confirmed timing for its fifth annual departmental visits, to begin in April.
Medical Residency Expansion: I was happy to share with ELT that the Ontario Ministry of Health will be expanding medical education seats over the next five years. As part of the province-wide expansion, our Faculty will receive 28 postgraduate (PGME) positions.
Medical Education: Dr. Melissa Forgie, senior vice-dean of medical education, gave a report on the first six months in her expanded portfolio, focusing on strategic priority areas such as the integration between affiliated hospital medical education leads, medical education research, and the updating of the Faculty of Medicine Education Committee (FMEC) Terms of Reference.
Artificial Intelligence (AI): Dr. Jocelyn Côté, vice-dean of research, outlined the four priorities identified during April’s mini-retreat on Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, namely developing: 1) capacity: recruitment and retention of personnel and development of training for students and continual professional development; 2) guidelines and policies for AI governance; 3) a model for infrastructure related to AI; 4) a centre of excellence in medical AI. The Faculty has dedicated significant resources toward advancing this emerging research area, including key recruitments and allocation of Canada Research Chairs, as well as launching the “FoM Inaugural Artificial Intelligence Seed Funding Program.” The retreat demonstrates the strong engagement from the broader FoM community toward shaping and achieving a unified vision for artificial intelligence in medicine and health.
Social Accountability: Dr. Claire Kendall, associate dean of social accountability, gave an update on a number of activities, including the Social Accountability Grants and Awards Program for learners at all levels, including the UGME Summer Student Research Program; as well as CityStudio Ottawa, a new, formal partnership between the University of Ottawa and the City of Ottawa in support of the City’s Community Safety and Well-Being Plan, among others. Dr. Kendall also shared that we have signed an Agreement of Cooperation with the Government of Nunavut to train and support Nunavut Inuit and Nunavummiut medical students. In addition to these new positions, in collaboration with Nunavut Tunngavik, the Indigenous Program and Faculty Admissions, her office will work to attract and support potential applicants to help achieve eligibility in future cohorts.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI): Dr. Ewurabena Simpson, assistant dean of EDI, presented the EDI Action Plan for 2022–2025, including elements such as the development of the EDI Office vision, mission and goals, a Faculty-wide EDI engagement survey and environmental scan, the creation of resources to support EDI leads, and the establishment of a FoM EDI Action Plan Working Group.
Internationalization Updates: Dr. Mark Walker, vice-dean of internationalization and global health, updated ELT on IGHO activities, including their recent first annual virtual symposium, “Towards a Healthier and Greener World,” successfully delivered in partnership with Social Accountability. Dr. Walker confirmed that the Leadership Program for junior physicians from Lyon, France, is taking place in Ottawa this summer. He also shared that he now chairs the board of the Canadian International Health Education Association.
Global Health Partnerships: Dr. Manisha Kulkarni, interim director of the Global Health Program, presented ELT with two partnership opportunities brought forward by the Department of Family Medicine. The first is a renewal to ongoing work in Guyana with the Institute of Health Science Education and Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, in collaboration with the University of Guyana and their Ministry of Health. The second is a new endeavour with the College of Family Physicians of Canada’s Besrour Centre for Global Family Medicine, aimed at building global capacity in family medicine and primary care. These were both assessed and approved by the Global Health Advisory Committee and supported by ELT.
Indigenous Guidelines: Gillian Lord presented guidelines on use of uOttawa’s Indigenous Affirmation, as well as guidance on when to invite an Elder to a Faculty event. Information was provided to ELT members to share with their teams.
Chief Communications Officer (CCO): Dr. Ali Jalali introduced uOttawa’s first CCO, Rick Landry. Mr. Landry’s mandate is to develop a world-class communications plan, managing activities that promote uOttawa’s brand and reputation. His portfolio includes public relations, government relations, internal and external communications and as language services. He plans to work with faculties to improve information sharing.
Fundraising Update: Dr. Ali Jalali revealed that donation revenues have increased by 60% since 2020. With his participation on ELT and SLT, and the ability to report directly, the Fundraising Steering Committee has been sunset. Tim Hoswitschka, executive director of community engagement and strategic partnerships, updated ELT on recent consultations and strategy development, in line with Faculty priorities.
Business Transformation Office (BTO): With a mission to support major change initiatives and drive process improvements, Richard Austin, director of the BTO, presented ELT with a list of Yellow Belt active and completed projects. BTO offers Lean Six Sigma training to enhance employee skills development and improve Faculty services.
Staying Connected…
ELT wants to hear from you. Get in touch anytime by emailing [email protected] (or by calling ext. 8117).
Also, in the vein of valuing your exceptional colleagues, don’t forget to recognize someone deserving of accolades via our Professional Affairs kudos.
Bernard Jasmin, PhD
Dean and Professor, Faculty of Medicine
University of Ottawa