Dear colleagues,
The start of a new academic school year brings excitement, optimism and potential. It’s been a joy welcoming students back to campus this month.
With fall upon us already, I’m pleased to share details from the ELT’s recent meetings. Below you will find some key points from recent leadership discussions.
Executive Leadership Team (ELT) Highlights: May – September 2022
Centre for Indigenous Health Research and Education (CIHRE): Following a presentation to the ELT, Faculty Council approved the mandate of the Centre for Indigenous Health Research and Education (CIHRE). Dr. Sarah Funnell, founding director of the CIHRE, and Ms. Lisa Abel, program manager for strategic planning, explained that the CIHRE is envisioned as a central support to help facilitate the integration of Indigenous health within the Faculty of Medicine. By embracing the principle of self-determination as articulated in United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the Faculty of Medicine will ensure that a “Nothing About Us Without Us” approach to Indigenous health research and education is respected. The Centre is committed to being outward-looking, engaging the communities. We’re very excited to see this centre officially launched later this year and to see this critically important work continue.
Advanced Medical Research Centre: Communications regarding the Advanced Medical Research Centre are beginning to roll out. This new 350,000-square-foot facility planned for the Alta Vista campus won’t just provide a world-class research space—it will transform medical research training at the Faculty of Medicine. We look forward to sharing more details in the coming weeks and months.
Ottawa Academic Health Network: Talks continue with leadership from affiliated health centres and the Faculty of Health Sciences on the formation of the Ottawa Academic Health Network, following a successful retreat in June. Momentum is strong as we work to identify the role of the steering committee and re-formulate the affiliation agreement set to expire in December 2022. If you haven’t seen it yet, check out our video celebrating the vision for this exciting endeavour.
Centre for Health and Medical Leadership: Dr. Mark Walker, vice-dean of internationalization and global health, and Dr. Paul Hendry, vice-dean of CPD, reported that the first working group meeting to discuss the formation of the Centre for Health and Medical Leadership, a collaboration between the Telfer School of Management and the Faculty of Medicine, was held June 22. Dr. Stéphane Brutus, dean of Telfer, is slated to join the next Senior Leadership Team (SLT) meeting to discuss this exciting new venture.
Partnership with Université Paris Cité: The ELT has approved a partnership request from the Université Paris Cité (UPC). Presented by Dr. Manisha Kulkarni, assistant dean for global health, the intent is to submit a joint proposal in response to a call from France’s Agence Nationale de la Recherche that would facilitate collaboration in emerging infectious diseases. The proposal would be submitted in partnership with multiple institutions. UPC and the Faculty of Medicine are currently preferred partners, offering exchange opportunities for undergraduate electives through Francophone Affairs.
Kanata North: Dr. Jocelyn Côté, vice-dean of research, reported on a meeting with representatives from the uOttawa Kanata North campus. The tech-focused hub offers many opportunities for collaboration and innovation, which the Faculty is well-positioned to capitalize on.
Awards and Recognition Gala: Dr. Ali Jalali, associate dean of external relations, engagement and advancement, provided an update on the Faculty of Medicine Awards and Recognition Gala, taking place October 1 at the Shaw Centre. After two years of hosting the event virtually, an in-person event promises to be an energizing affair. Drs. Rayner, Wiper-Bergeron and Jalali will co-MC the evening with a few students. We hope to see you there!
Faculty Member Awards of Excellence: Dr. Chris Kennedy, director of awards and prizes, presented recommendations for the 2022 Faculty Member Awards of Excellence, which were approved by the ELT and whose recipients have since been advised. They will be honoured at the Awards and Recognition Gala on October 1.
Planetary Health: Dr. Husein Moloo, director of planetary health, shared that progress was being made on multiple fronts. He indicated that we now have an excellent opportunity to provide education and look at broader community involvement in Faculty planetary health initiatives. Dr. Moloo also presented at the most recent monthly meeting with the CEOs of affiliated hospitals.
Partnership with Royal College: I’m pleased to share that we are in the process of reviewing a draft MOU between our Faculty and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. The MOU would facilitate collaboration between the college and the faculty in several areas.
Blueprint and 2022 Progress Report: Ms. Gillian Lord, director of strategic planning and implementation, reported that work is underway to complete the Faculty’s 2022 Progress Report and the 2022 Blueprint, part of a mid-cycle refresh of our 2020–2025 Strategic Plan, Leading Innovation for a Healthier World.
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