I have practiced tertiary care Emergency Medicine for over 35 years and developed focused expertise over this time with several areas which overlap in interesting ways. I hold a Master of Arts degree in Curriculum Studies, a Master of Business Administration and Technology, am credentialled as a Canadian Certified Inclusion Professional and am a Canadian Certified Physician Executive. I am a member of the Equity for Health Systems (EqHS) national virtual laboratory where I work with like-minded peers. My most recent work includes physician wellbeing and how leadership can provide meaningful change in our experiences at work.
The intersection of these foci is where my scholarship is situated. As a medical educator and former residency program director I developed interest in why some learners were behind, leading to wellbeing, mentorship, and inclusion principles in medical education. I have worked in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion across the continuum of medical careers for over a decade presenting nationally and internationally and publishing is peer-reviewed journals on this topic from many perspectives. The link between EDI and wellbeing is obvious to those in the know; however, there is still much work to be done for a common understanding of this science.
Leadership and mentorship have emerged as important facets of my work as I have moved through leadership positions and I share insights on leading effectively, maintaining hope, managing conflict and surviving in academic or clinical medicine. Most recently, I have authored a framework for creating spaces for those groups traditionally underrepresented in medicine using support, mentorship and sponsorship.
I have mentored and supported many through their research, clinical challenges and career paths over the years. I was honored to receive the Research in Medicine Preceptor of the Year in 2024 for my work with several junior learners in their initial forays into research. With my current role as President and CEO of the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada and my clinical and academic work, I cannot provide the support required to take on junior learners, however, will continue to collaborate with advanced researchers.
Key Words: Emergency Medicine, EDIA, DEI, Medical Education, Mentorship, Leadership, Wellbeing, Choosing Wisely