Message from the Dean
It’s hard to believe five years have passed since we shared Vision 2025, a new strategic plan that established the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry vision, mission, values and key focus areas. When I reflect on all that has been accomplished through our teamwork and dedication to this shared vision, I am deeply proud and thankful to be part of this community, and I hope you are too.
We have overcome many challenges over the past five years. The hardships faced by all working and training in health care during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic cannot be overstated. But we have continued to come together in the face of the most pressing challenges of our time in pursuit of health and wellness of all.
Leading up to the end of 2025, we will highlight some of the many achievements that came to fruition outlined in Vision 2025. Each month we will spotlight different achievements from the five strategic plan pillars. I encourage you to pause and celebrate yourselves and your fellow FoMD community members for the impactful, important work you have achieved. Thank you for all you do.
Brenda Hemmelgarn, Dean, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry
Pillar 1: Teaching + Learning
Vision for 2025: Our diverse student population is provided with relevant, competency-based training and responsive education programs in a positive and safe environment. Our teaching faculty are engaged and satisfied with their opportunities for professional development. The research and health-care needs of the communities we serve, particularly Rural, Indigenous and Inner City, guide our program planning.
Supporting Black Excellence
A new Black applicant admissions program was introduced for the 2020-21 school year and the first Black Health Lead for undergraduate medical education announced in 2022.
Pillar 2: Research + Innovation
Vision for 2025: With a focus on translation of research into innovations of care and the integration of precision health and artificial intelligence in health, our culture of innovation nurtures new viable companies and brings commercial entities to market with industry partners. Our research institutes provide inclusive support to meet the needs of a robust precision health ecosystem.
From Discovery to Startup
Since April 1 2020, 16 companies have been created as a result of FoMD patentable research. Plus, an additional four expertise/service based companies founded by FoMD staff and alumni! Read about Pacylex, one of these exciting companies.
Pillar 4: Partnerships
Vision for 2025: Our philanthropic community is championing health outcomes that benefit patients and families, accelerating impact in areas of shared strategic importance. Increased joint initiatives with health system partners provide research, education and evidence based care and promote a learning network.
Educating future health care leaders around the world
In 2020, the ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ Institute, Wenzhou Medical University launched providing medical students in China a unique international perspective on health and medicine, rooted in both modern and traditional Chinese medicine and Eastern medical approaches. The first class graduates in June 2025.