Snow is falling across the city today and as I look out onto the blanket of white across the campus I am thinking about the fresh start that each new year brings.
January offers the chance to begin again, and to meet the opportunities and challenges of the year ahead with revitalized energy and dedication.
Looking ahead, Temerty Medicine is in for exciting transformations as the faculty builds upon its strong foundations, both literal and figurative.
On the UTSC campus, construction has begun on the Scarborough Academy of Medicine and Integrated Health building, and we plan to unveil preliminary renderings for the James and Louise Temerty Buildingon the St. George campus in the spring.
In the summer, we are excited to welcome clinician-scientist and paediatric nephrologistLisa Robinson as the new dean when she begins her appointment on July 1, 2024.
On a more personal note, the new year is an opportunity to focus or refocus on nurturing the activities and personal connections that enrich our lives.
Recognizing that caring for others starts with self-care, I have taken this to heart by trying meditation. The practice is lauded for lowering stress and improving mental focus, and I use an app on my phone that makes it easy and sustainable to find a few minutes of calm in an otherwise busy day.
Self-care looks different for everyone. Whether it's meditation, enjoying a snowy hike or simply spending an afternoon watching Netflix with a friend, I encourage you to explore new activities that boost your well-being. Committing yourself in this way may bring renewed energy and support your mental and physical health.
Mid-winter also offers an opportunity to reflect on where we are and recommit to the values that define us personally and professionally. I know that recent months have been challenging for many in our Temerty Medicine community. We are fortunate to live and work in a country that values and celebrates diversity. While not perfect, our society is committed to inclusivity and equal opportunities for all.
These values define our work here at the faculty, too.
I extend my sincere gratitude to every member of the Temerty Medicine community for your dedication and unwavering commitment to fulfilling the mission of our Faculty.
And so, with a fresh new year, let us focus on kindness, compassion, and respect in all of our interactions, and may the year ahead bring peace to our world and opportunities for growth and positive change for all.
Patricia Houston Interim Dean and Interim Vice Provost, Relations with Health Care Institutions Vice Dean, Medical Education Temerty Faculty of Medicine University of Toronto
