A few words of thanks to outgoing DoM leadership

I would like say a heart-felt thank-you to a few outgoing members of the Department of Medicine's leadership: Clare Mitchell, Dr. Kevin Imrie and Dr. Sharon Straus. As they each transition to new and exciting roles, we are incredibly grateful for their contributions to this department.

First and foremost, I would like to extend a sincere thank you to Clare Mitchell, our departing Director of Business & Administration, who is off to McMaster University to take on the exciting role of Chief Operating Officer, Clinical Services in the Faculty of Health Sciences. For six and a half years, Clare has been an exemplary leader and instrumental in the operations of nearly every facet of this department. She has had a remarkable impact creating a collegial and balanced work environment, supporting the professional development of staff and leading her staff to align with the priorities of the broader Faculty of Medicine. Under her leadership, the Department of Medicine has seen tremendous and positive growth.

I would also like to thank Dr. Kevin Imrie for his incredible work over the last ten years as PIC of Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. Earlier this month, Dr. Imrie officially handed the PIC mantle over to Dr. Michelle Hladunewich, who we are very excited to work with. Over the last decade, Sunnybrook's Department of Medicine has grown by a stunning 40% in size, increased its profile in Education and Research and has become a leader in Quality Improvement and Patient Safety. They brought on 45 teachers, educators, investigators, scientists and quality improvers, and saw 55 promoted to senior professorial ranks.

Finally, I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Sharon Straus for her leadership as Vice-Chair, Mentorship, Equity & Diversity. As many of you know, Dr. Straus recently took on the role of PIC at St. Michael's Hospital - the hospital’s first ever female PIC - and stepped down as Vice-Chair. Under her leadership, the department raised considerable awareness of concerns related to equity and faculty wellness, creating the role of divisional mentorship facilitators, completing qualitative studies to gain greater understanding of the department’s identified gender gap and faculty experiences with professionalism and civility, and establishing the annual Women in Academic Medicine summit. This work has been recognized across Canada and has laid a foundation for continued growth in this important area.

A sincere and heartfelt thank you to these amazing individuals. As always, the Department of Medicine has much to be grateful for.

Sincerely,

Dr. Gillian Hawker