College of Medicine strategic achievements

Leverage expertise and opportunities while performing research across the breadth of biomedical sciences, clinical medicine, health systems, and health of populations to create an environment where research can excel. 

Key Achievements: 

• Recruited 47 faculty members, including 37 early career researchers and 14 top-tier research chairs.
  
  
• Increased the number of awarded Tri-Agency grants—37 in 2016/17 to an average of 63 per year during the strategic plan period.
  
  
• Launched the revised biomedical science program in collaboration with the College of Arts and Science. 

• Supported over 200 clinical trials through the Clinical Trials Support Unit.

Enhance quality and methods of teaching, learning and scholarship. Focus education and training to develop clinicians that excel at meeting the needs of the province, are culturally competent, and are imparted with leadership ability to drive health system transformation. 

Key achievements: 

• All undergraduate, postgraduate and continuing medical education programs remain fully accredited. 

• Expanded teaching and learning opportunities at our Regina Campus—students can complete their four-year medical degree in Saskatoon or Regina.

• Continue to grow learning opportunities in rural and remote areas, supported by the first Associate Dean of Rural Medicine. 
  
  
• Established education programs to support faculty development (e.g., the Clinician Educator Diploma, Masters in Education) and continuing medical education. 

Address the priority health concerns of the communities the college is mandated to serve, incorporating authentic community engagement and mutually beneficial partnerships.  

Focus on equity and community engagement by interweaving social accountability throughout the college’s operations. 

Key achievements: 

• Committed to being a leader among Canadian medical schools in diversity and inclusion.  

• Implemented admissions approaches to draw applicants that reflect Saskatchewan’s population. 

• Established the Social Justice Focus Community Council. 

• Selected as the only Canadian medical school to participate in the Anti-Racist Transformation in Medical Education program.  

Respond to the Calls to Action in the Truth and Reconciliation Report and work in a mutually beneficial and collaborative manner with the Indigenous peoples of Saskatchewan to define and address the present and emerging health needs in Indigenous communities. 

Key achievements:  

• Established the Department of Indigenous Health and Wellness—the first department of its kind in a Canadian medical school. 

• Created welcoming and cultural spaces including the Good Medicine People space.  
  
  
• Established and renewed first research chair in Indigenous health and wellness. 

Focus on support, development and engagement of all faculty members to foster mutually beneficial relationships and empower faculty members as role models for future clinicians and scientists. 

Key achievements: 

• Increased the number of medical faculty by over 200%.  
  
  
• Updated promotional standards to recognize medical faculty academic contributions. Over 135 faculty achieved a promotion to associate or full professors since 2019—80% of which are medical faculty. 

• Strengthened staff and faculty recognition by introducing 12 new awards and boosting nominations for USask and national awards.

• Established a Regina-campus based Faculty Engagement Director. 
  
  
• Worked with the Saskatchewan Health Authority to lead 16 provincial department head and 30 leader searches and reviews.  

Support the mission and priorities of the College of Medicine. 

Key achievements: 

• Restructured the college funding model with the provincial government.  

• Received $37.9 million in charitable gifts to support students and research.  

• Launched the new Alumni and Community Program.   

• Provided project management support for key initiatives including provincial partnerships, new and expanded programs, and academic program accreditations. 

Establish and implement the School of Rehabilitation Science. 

Key achievements: 

• Established the School of Rehabilitation Science. 
  
  
• Expanded the physical therapy program from 40 to 55 seats.

• Received funding for occupational therapy and speech-language pathology programs, slated to begin in fall 2026. 
  
  
• Advanced initiatives and strengthened education and research related to Indigenous content and approaches with guidance from the nistotamawin circle. 

The college has launched our new strategic planning exercise. In 2025, we will connect with learners, faculty, staff and our partners to chart our path for the next five years.