College of Medicine members honoured with AFMC awards
Three members from the College of Medicine have received the prestigious 2024 Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada (AFMC) Awards.
By AMANDA WORONIUKDr. Kent Stobart (MD), Dr. Brent Thoma (MD) and Riley Plett were recognized by AFMC for their leadership, excellence and achievements in academic medicine. They received the awards during the International Congress on Academic Medicine (ICAM) on April 14 in Vancouver.
Dr. Kent Stobart (MD), vice-dean of education and professor of pediatrics
2024 AFMC President’s Award for Exemplary National Leadership in Academic Medicine
Dr. Kent Stobart (MD) has been awarded the prestigious AFMC President’s Award for Exemplary National Leadership in Academic Medicine. This award recognizes his outstanding contributions to medical education as a leader and mentor.
Dr. Stobart has made an extraordinary impact on academic medicine through his achievements and leadership at national and international levels. He serves as the college’s vice-dean of education and is a professor of pediatrics. Dr. Stobart joined the college in 2015 from the University of Alberta, where he was the associate dean for undergraduate medical education and was appointed as a provost fellow. Dr. Stobart has significant experience in leading medical education programs and is an expert on medical education accreditation in Canada. Among his many accomplishments, Dr. Stobart has served as a special advisor to the president at Toronto Metropolitan University, held the position of the Canadian Association for Medical Education and obtained the Canadian Physician Executive certification.
In nomination of Dr. Stobart, former dean of the College of Medicine Dr. Preston Smith (MD) wrote: “Kent is truly a servant leader, who prioritizes the needs and development of others, easily forming relationships with his colleagues and learners. He has a talent for identifying the unique traits and strengths in others, and through mentorship and sponsorship, encourages them to put those to use. Kent is a continuous learner and innovator, who enjoys thinking creatively about solutions to difficult and challenging endeavors.”
Dr. Brent Thoma (MD, PhD), professor of emergency medicine
John Ruedy Award for Innovation in Medical Education
Dr. Brent Thoma (MD, PhD) has been awarded the John Ruedy Award for Innovation in Medical Education, awarded to an individual or group who has developed innovative print materials, electronic learning aids or other teaching aids. Dr. Thoma is a professor of emergency medicine at the College of Medicine and serves as the interim associate dean of Postgraduate Medical Education at Toronto Metropolitan University.
In nomination of Dr. Thoma, former College of Medicine Dean Dr. Preston Smith (MD) wrote:
[Dr. Thoma] is truly an innovator, recognizing where inefficiencies exist in medical education, specifically CBME and Emergency Medicine, and creating novel solutions that tap into a variety of learning mediums.
Riley Plett, medical student
Indigenous Health Advocacy Learner Award
Fourth-year medical student Riley Plett has been awarded the Indigenous Health Advocacy Learner Award, which recognizes and celebrates the outstanding efforts of an Indigenous person in medical education and/or health research who has worked to improve the health of Indigenous Peoples situated in Canada.
Riley is a Saulteaux Métis Anishinaabek with Indigenous and settler ancestry. She is a proud band member of Pine Creek First Nation. She is an advocate for her peers and for Indigenous health within the college.
In nomination of Plett, former College of Medicine Dean Dr. Preston Smith (MD) wrote: “Riley is a compassionate and very competent student, who has a passion for advocacy for Indigenous health and inclusion in all aspects of medical school. She is a dedicated mentor to Indigenous youth and junior students, and serves as an incredible role model for them, as well as youth and adults of all backgrounds.”
Learn more about the awards on the AFMC website.