Earlier this year, the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada (AFMC) appointed Dr. Connie LeBlanc as President and CEO of the AFMC. A veteran member of DalEM, Connie officially assumed the responsibilities of her new role on July 1.

“Connie is enthusiastic, energetic and hard-working and will ably lead the AFMC to tackle challenges such as learner wellness, increased research funding and EDIAR in Academic Medicine nationally,” said Dr. Margaret Steele, Chair of the AFMC Board of Directors, of the board’s decision to appoint Connie to this important role.

Originally from New Brunswick, Connie completed undergraduate studies at the Université de Moncton and medical education at Université Laval in Québec City. Always seeking to expand her knowledge and impact, Connie also holds a Master of Arts in Medical Education, an Executive Masters of Business Administration and Technology, and is a Canadian Certified Inclusion Professional. She has practiced tertiary-level emergency medicine in Nova Scotia for over three decades and served as Dalhousie Medical School’s Associate Dean of Continuing Professional Development for two terms.

“Success in achieving our target and our mission in the current health-care landscape can be challenging, however some things simply can’t wait,” Connie says. “The AFMC must promote learner and physician wellness, educate health-care professionals who can ably meet the needs of Canadians, and augment funding for medical research in Canada.”

Connie maintains a keen focus on equity, diversity, inclusivity and accessibility (EDIA) and medical education, with a strong academic track record in these areas. She is excited to collaborate with the committee of deans and tackle important issues in academic medicine in Canada.

Alongside her professional accomplishments, Connie has two adult children, a supportive husband and vibrant family life. She also plays music, holds a black belt in Shotokan Karate, and loves to SCUBA dive, ski and travel.