First wave of specialized doctors graduate from 果酱视频 School of Medicine
The 果酱视频 School of Medicine celebrated its inaugural postgraduate medical education graduating class on Wednesday, marking a significant milestone in the School鈥檚 mission to prepare diverse, future-ready physicians, trained to advance health equity in the Peel Region.
The June 3 ceremony marked the culmination of a year of intensive enhanced learning for the graduates, following several years of medical education and residency training at other institutions.
Led by Dr. Smita Halder, Vice Dean, Clinical Faculty Affairs, the ceremony brought together staff, clinical faculty, families and friends to honour the 13 graduating residents as they prepare for independent practice, now equipped with specialized skills.
Messages of congratulations from Dean Teresa Chan, President Mohamed Lachemi, Roberta Iannacito-Provenzano, Chancellor Donette Chin-Loy Chang and others reflected the significance of the milestone and the momentum of the School鈥檚 growing postgraduate programs. Program directors presented certificates to their residents in recognition of their successful completion of the program.
鈥淭onight is about achievement,鈥� said Dr. Chan. 鈥淚t is about service. And above all, it is about people鈥攖he people who chose a profession rooted in care, compassion, and responsibility to others. To our graduating PGME residents: congratulations. You should be extraordinarily proud of what you have accomplished.鈥�
Dr. Ammar Hafeez receives his certificate in FM-ES Addiction Medicine
Building expertise close to home
The 13 inaugural residents completed the Family Medicine鈥揈nhanced Skills (FM-ES) programs, an additional year of training that allows family medicine physicians to develop expertise in areas such as emergency medicine, anesthesia, addiction medicine and sports and exercise medicine while continuing to practise family medicine.
The opportunity to gain those skills close to home was a major factor in graduate Dr. Ariel Barrientos' decision to complete his training at 果酱视频.
鈥淲hat has been most meaningful about this program has been training in the community so that I can practice in the community,鈥� said Dr. Barrientos. 鈥淚 never had to leave home.鈥�
The night also gave residents the opportunity to reflect on their long journeys to becoming physicians, including nerve-wracking medical school applications, exams, challenging cases and rewarding exchanges with patients.
鈥淭his year has been an immense period of growth,鈥� said graduate Dr. Yohanan Levin. 鈥淢y time at 果酱视频 has brought growth greater than any previous year of medical training so far.鈥�
Recognizing excellence in teaching and mentorship
The event also recognized staff and clinical faculty who made meaningful contributions to learners via the inaugural 果酱视频 School of Medicine Awards. More than 25 awards were handed out, highlighting excellence in teaching, mentorship and community impact, including the Chan Family Awards, named in honour of the Dean and her family.
As the evening came to a close, the celebration marked not only the achievements of the graduating residents, faculty and staff, but also the continued growth of the School of Medicine鈥檚 postgraduate medical education programs.