Education
Message from our Deputy Head of Education
Dr. Leanna McKenzie
Reflecting on the past year, I would like to recognize the exceptional contributions of clinician teachers, educators, and learners in pediatric education within our department. Our faculty members provide expertise in program development, assessment, direct teaching, and coaching in all stages of medical education, from our newly developed undergraduate curriculum to competency-based residency training. In turn, our learners show us resilience, intellectual curiosity, advocacy, and a commitment to compassionate care. Together, we thrive as a community that fosters growth and excellence in pediatric care.
Our entire department participates in the medical education journey to develop the next generation of pediatricians, and we are grateful for these efforts. By working collaboratively, we "thrive together" to shape the future of pediatric care for our patients and families and positively impact the health and well-being of children and families.
Indigenous Health Simulation
PCCG - Pediatric Clinical Care Guidelines
PCCG
2024 Educator of the Month Recognition
The "Educator of the Month" is proudly highlighted monthly in our Education Weekly Bulletins. Peers are encouraged to nominate individuals who exemplify outstanding educational qualities.
Dr. Renee Jackson - January
Dr. Jackson was nominated by the resident group, who identified her as an exemplary educator: “She does so much resident teaching while on rotation - consistently over coffee or a meal - despite a very busy service.”
Dr. Jorge Pinzon - February
Dr. Pinzon has a track record of being a dedicated educator at all levels of training, as well as a valued mentor to his colleagues.
Dr. Jordan Yeo - March
"All of us were residents and medical students at some point and I think it is important to put ourselves back in their position when working with learners. Our residents work long hours typically with little appreciation, different expectations every four weeks (or even week-to-week), and may have relocated for their training with limited social supports."
Dr. Ashley Blagdon - April
"I think medical learners are inspiring and ask the best questions. They are so thorough and up-to-date - I know I am a better physician when they are around. I enjoy collaborating with other faculty and departmental members on new initiatives and seeing the impact we have on our trainees' experiences."
Dr. Anke Banks - May
"My main education role is serving as the program director of the Pediatric Nephrology Residency program. I am also a member of the Adult Nephrology Residency Program and Competency Committees, and the Royal College Nephrology Exam Board and Nephrology Subspecialty Committee."
Dr. Deanna Cook - June
"I have engaged in a variety of medical education teaching opportunities over the years, and have completed the Teaching Scholars in Medicine Program through the University of Calgary. Perhaps what I enjoy the most, is the great variety that exists within Medical Education."
Dr. Peter Vetere - July
"Since completing my Pediatric Hospital Medicine Fellowship, I have had the opportunity to take on leadership roles in Medical Education including Co-Lead for the Residents as Teachers program and Assistant Program Director of the PHM Fellowship program."
Dr. Michael Schlegelmilch - August
"My favorite on-shift teaching tool is a pen and paper. I'm an awful artist, but even a bad anatomical picture does wonders to bring clarity to a complex topic."
Dr. Donovan Duncan - September
"One of the most rewarding aspects of working in medical education is being able to work with learners to tackle challenging physiology and help them wrap their minds around difficult concepts."
Dr. Sangeeta Jain - October
"I find that working with learners leads to a continuous challenge in my held beliefs by emerging evidence and new ways of practice. I love that this compels me to be in perpetual evolution as a medical practitioner as well as a teacher."
Dr. Shirmee Doshi - November
"The fluidity in medical education is definitely the biggest appeal for me. There is constant change - in resident needs, learning styles, patient presentations, clinical knowledge and application, program expectations..."
Dr. Luis Murguia-Favela - December
"A frequent comment I get from learners is that Immunology is "daunting," and yes, it can be, even to us Immunologists sometimes. But the truth is that it is also fascinating and once you know how to approach learning about it without getting too entangled in all the details, it is hard not to love it and to also appreciate the importance it has to any other field of medicine."
Pediatric Trainees
2024-25 Residents and Fellows
Reach for the Top 2024
A fun video created by the Department of Pediatrics' residency program R1 residents for the resident’s annual grand round presentations "Reach For The Top" competition.
Dr. Nikki Nguyen & Department of Pediatrics' R1 residents
RIME Program Transforms Medical Education
Dr. Theresa Wu and Dr. Glenda Bendiak discuss RIME (Re-Imagining Medical Education)
RIME-Faculty Appreciation Day
Dr. Gesche Riabowol née Tallen
Transforming Medical Education
The University of Calgary’s Cumming School of Medicine is undergoing a transformation in its medical curriculum with the Re-Imagining Medical Education (RIME) initiative. This program spans the first 18 months of the three-year program—shorter than the four-year duration typical of other medical schools across Canada. RIME began as a small project but has evolved into a massive one involving input from faculty, students, preceptors, and patients as well as extensive evidence-based research. RIME aims to optimize student learning while balancing a compressed education with student well-being.
Dr. Theresa Wu, MD, MSc, FRCPC, a Hospital Pediatrician and Associate Professor, who is currently part of the program’s leadership, emphasizes the importance of aligning medical education with patients’ needs. “We are not just teaching medical facts; we are reframing everything to reflect what patients truly require,” she said. “This opportunity allows us to build a curriculum from scratch that prioritizes patient-centered care and critical thinking that is based on foundational knowledge.”
Dr. Glenda Bendiak, MD, MSc, FRCPC a Pediatric Respirologist and Clinical Associate Professor, a key figure in the program’s assessment model development, highlighted the increased emphasis on pediatric medicine in the new curriculum. Instead of a few isolated weeks of pediatric training, students now learn pediatric medicine throughout their studies, creating a comprehensive understanding of patient care. “Our goal is to create well-rounded generalists who are not just skilled in adult medicine but also well-versed in pediatric care,” Dr. Bendiak stated.
A Patient-Centered Approach to Pediatrics
The redesigned curriculum shifts from a traditional systems-based approach to a more patient-centered model. “Students are now learning to diagnose problems based on clinical presentations and symptoms, moving away from a segmented learning experience,” explained Dr. Wu.
The importance of pediatric medicine is further emphasized by the increased integration of pediatric content throughout the program. Students now encounter pediatric cases from the start of medical school, helping them grasp the complexities involved in child health and its long-term implications for clinical outcomes later in life. “By embedding pediatrics longitudinally into the curriculum, we are cultivating a new generation of physicians who appreciate the long-term impacts of child health on adult health,” stated Dr. Bendiak. This early exposure to pediatric cases enhances students' understanding and prepares them to address the diverse needs of their future patients.
This holistic approach is particularly essential in the context of a condensed program.
Drs. Glenda Bendiak and Theresa Wu
Thriving Together: Fostering Community and Collaboration
At the heart of the RIME is the theme and spirit of "Thriving Together," which underscores collaboration and community among students and faculty. By integrating support systems within the curriculum, RIME not only prioritizes academic achievement but also nurtures the well-being of the students and allows them to fully embrace the complexities of life as a healthcare professional. This holistic approach is particularly essential in the context of a condensed program.
Drs. Wu and Bendiak recognize the importance of creating a supportive environment where students can thrive under the pressures that are inherent to medical training. “It's about creating an environment where students can thrive academically and personally, both of which are important in providing comprehensive, patient-centered care in today’s world. Our goal is to train students who are academically strong, resilient, and who are driven for continued education for the their future patients,” Dr. Wu noted.
RIME embodies a commitment to cultivating well-rounded physicians who understand the complexities of patient care and the importance of community. This focus on thriving together not only benefits students but also strengthens the healthcare system by producing compassionate and competent physicians.
Innovative Spirit and Collaborative Efforts
The first (and current) class of students humorously nicknamed the "Lunkarya"—a guinea pig species, symbolizes the program’s innovative spirit and willingness to adapt. With the Department of Pediatrics stepping up to contribute significantly, the RIME initiative stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts to advance medical education and the importance of pediatric care. As Dr. Wu noted, “This is what pediatrics is about—we step up.”
The RIME initiative not only aims to enhance the educational experience but also promotes collaboration and understanding of child health. This comprehensive approach ensures that all physicians are well-equipped to meet the diverse needs of their patients.