Chair's Column: Let’s Celebrate
Dear Colleagues,
Here we are, once again, at the close of an eventful academic year. Happily, this year we are feeling the weight of the COVID-19 pandemic lift and coming out from behind our masks. I will be brief in this column, largely because the pictures below say it all. In the past few weeks, we have had much to celebrate. We have cheered on our residents and fellows at their respective graduations. These graduates completed their training here at U of T in the throws of the pandemic, which was frightening and incredibly isolating. Bravo to them for their stamina, dedication, and true grit in making it through this challenging time. We wish you well and are proud to call you U of T DoM Alumni!
2023 Resident Graduation
Our faculty and their loved ones gathered in the gardens of Casa Loma to fete our annual faculty award winners and thank our outgoing leaders. It was a really wonderful return to Annual Day after several years. We had an all-time record attendance! One attendee commented “The setting was quite magical and a treat for all of us”, while another recounted the event as “…full of warmth and good feelings”. What more could anyone ask for?
We held our third Summit for Women in Academic Medicine (WAM) but this time we called it WAM+. The doors were open to all for meaningful discussion of diverse topics. The conversations this time were deeper and richer than ever before, reflecting our department’s evolution with respect to living the tenets of equity, diversity and inclusiveness. And, as for WAM Summits previously, it was an incredibly moving event. Thank you to our WAM+ co-chairs, Drs. Umberin Najeeb and Susanna Mak, and their panels and committees. It was the best yet and I look forward to more to come.
2023 WAM + Summit
We also hosted our eagerly anticipated fourth annual Story Slam. This year's event, themed "Teachable Moments," beautifully showcased the profound impact of storytelling on healthcare and medical education. Building on the success of previous Story Slam events held in 2017, 2018, and 2019, and with support from Drs. Simron Singh (Faculty Lead, Wellness), Allan Detsky, Shelly Dev and Umberin Najeeb (Vice Chair Culture & Inclusion). It provided a unique opportunity for members of the University of Toronto medical community to connect and learn from one another through the art of storytelling.
One other event merits mention. The Division of Respirology celebrated the 50-year milestone of its Residency Training Program. Current and former trainees came from far and wide to gather at the Faculty Club, where rumour has it that Golden Lobe Awards were given out in front of an exuberant crowd. Congrats to Respirology and to Dr. Chung-Wai Chow, Departmental Division Director for Respirology, and the many others who pulled this spectacular event off!
2023 Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the U of T Respirology Residency Training Program
Of course, none of these events would happen without our DoM staff. Our education crew who ensured that every detail was attended to for graduation, the many who organized and ran Annual Day and WAM+, and the respirology team who orchestrated the above-noted celebration with Dr. Chow. Thank you all for all you do – we would be nothing without you.
In closing, June 2023 has been, thus far, a cheerful, celebratory time, which we sorely needed. I remain deeply honoured to serve as your Chair and am immensely grateful to you for everything you do to make this such a wonderful place to dream and try new things. Thank you.