Looking Forward
What is a calendar? It seems like a question with an obvious answer. It’s a tool by which we measure the passage of time. It’s also a way in which we track our time … our commitments, celebrations and commemorations. It’s a record of what we’ve done, but also what we want to do. Entering a new year provides us with a fresh calendar that we can fill with our aims and ambitions.
As 2018 starts to wind down, it’s natural to look back at our accomplishments in the year that was. There is much for us to celebrate in the Faculty of Medicine, which has been chronicled in past issues of MedEmail and the 2018 Dean’s Report. I could tout our standing in the world, the philanthropic support we’ve received from generous alumni and donors, or the many honours and awards won by our students, faculty and staff. But, instead of looking back, I want to encourage us to look forward. What do we want to achieve in 2019?
I put that question to a few members of the U of T Medicine community, and I’d like to share their responses:
• “This year, I’d like to inject more humour into my day to day work and with my colleagues and patients where I can. An environment where we are free to laugh and share is also one where we can all grow and innovate together.” — Dr. Ali N. Damji, Chief Resident Physician (PGY 2), Family Medicine, Trillium Health Partners - Credit Valley; Department of Family & Community Medicine, University of Toronto
• “I hope that 2019 will be the year of achievements, success and happiness. I started my science communication journey within the UofTMed labs and it is the place where I want to continue my research and science outreach in 2019. I am planning to publish my second neuroscience crochet book in 2019, defend my PhD and start a new beginning.” — Tahani Baakdhah, PhD Candidate, Institute of Medical Science
• “In 2018, we began our medical school journey with an inkling for creation. Having been involved in artistic publications throughout our undergraduate careers, we wanted to bring forth something similar for the U of T Medicine community: a magazine collating student works to spur artistic pursuits beyond the academics. Our publication is named palette and is created with the hope that it will further unite and stimulate diverse interests within our creative community. In 2019, we promise to continue collaboration alongside our classmates and officially launch palette — an arts and culture magazine made by them and for them.” — Sarah Ge & Annie Yu, first-year MD students
• “In 2019, U of T Medicine will bring people together to train the best of health care professionals in medicine and rehabilitation sciences to help people grow old in dignity and able to function well in their natural surroundings.” — Professor Pascal van Lieshout, Chair, Department of Speech-Language Pathology
• “Each day I get an opportunity to collaborate with and support gifted and talented students, staff and faculty. I look forward to 2019 and to working with my colleagues in achieving the Dean’s objective of the elimination of ‘red tape’ across the Faculty of Medicine and the broader TAHSN community.” — Clare Mitchell, Director of Business and Administration, Department of Medicine
• “I resolve to buy lemonade at every lemonade stand I pass so we do not miss any opportunities.” — Professor Rita Kandel, Chair, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology
As we get ready to enjoy the winter break, surrounded by the warmth and good cheer of family and friends, I hope we will consider our goals for 2019. Together, we will continue to make U of T Medicine even stronger.
Happy holidays to all members of the U of T Medicine community and let’s make it a very happy new year!
Trevor Young
Dean, Faculty of Medicine
Vice Provost, Relations with Health Care Institutions
University of Toronto
