*Sent on behalf of Dr. Natalie Wong, Interim Physician-In-Chief*

Having braved the first weekend of the EPIC rollout on the wards, I want to thank Trevor, our CMR Daniel, the trainees, my colleagues, and the EPIC team for their heroic efforts in helping us navigate this EPIC chapter in our healthcare history. Sure, there were a few challenges, but by all accounts, it’s been relatively smooth—dare I say, epic-ally smooth. The next few weeks will no doubt test our patience, ingenuity, and sanity, but I’m confident we’ll come out stronger (and maybe even a little tech-savvier). Huge thanks to everyone for your grit, grace, and good humor as we tackle this together!

-Natalie

Please see below for the following updates:

1. Congratulations to Omar Saeed: George L. A. From Endocrinology Postgraduate Teaching Award
2. 2025 Sarita Verma Award - Call for Submissions

 Congratulations to Omar Saeed, winner of the 2024 George L. A. From Endocrinology Postgraduate Teaching Award!

Dear Colleagues, 

The Sarita Verma Award for Advocacy and Mentorship in Postgraduate Medicine was established in 2010 at the end of Dr. Verma’s term as Vice Dean, Postgraduate Medical Education (PGME) at the University of Toronto, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, in recognition of her exceptional contributions to postgraduate medical education in Ontario. The award recognizes staff or faculty members who exhibit an exemplary level of leadership and commitment to social responsibility, mentorship, advocacy, and resident wellbeing.

Attached is the nomination form for the 2025 Sarita Verma Award.

The award is presented to the recipient at the Faculty’s Annual Educational Achievement Day, typically held in June and acknowledged at the All Program Directors meeting in May.

The award recipient will receive $500, a certificate of recognition, and will be asked to participate in a workshop or another PGME event.

NOMINATION GUIDELINES

1. Any faculty or staff member (individual or group) in the PGME programs of the University of Toronto Temerty Faculty of Medicine is eligible for nomination.
2. Nominees will be identified by colleagues and learners as a role model for professionalism and mentorship, and involved in activities exhibiting a commitment to resident wellness, advocacy, and social responsibility.
3. The nominator(s) can be any resident, faculty or staff member (individual or group) in the PGME programs of the Temerty Faculty of Medicine. The nomination package must include the following:

• Completed Nomination Form
• Detailed support letter from the nominator outlining reasons for nomination
• CV of the nominee

4. Multiple applications for a faculty or staff member will not be accepted.

The deadline for e-submission of the nomination package to [email protected] is Friday, January 31, 2025.

Additional award information can be found at the PGME website:

https://pgme.utoronto.ca/sarita-verma-award

If you have any questions, please contact Arlene McKinley at [email protected]

Sincerely,