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Gathering Community

We convene faculty, learners, researchers, and partners to share knowledge, align best practices, and drive collective impact.

Area of Impact 3—

Gathering Community

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1,200 Faculty Volunteers Driving Change

ICAM 2025: A Hub for Global Collaboration

Celebrating Excellence: AFMC Awards

Building Global Leadership in Academic Medicine

Strengthening Indigenous Leadership in Medical Education

Championing Research Through Partnership

Faculty Highlights

1,200 Volunteers Driving Change

AFMC brings together faculty, learners, researchers, and partners through its Committees and Networks to share knowledge, align best practices, and advance medical education. More than 1,200 volunteers contributed over 400 hours of expertise, strengthening our collective impact and preparing future physicians to meet the evolving needs of patients and communities. Every milestone we reached reflects their unwavering dedication and collaborative spirit—our collective impact begins with them. We extend our deepest thanks for their invaluable contributions.

dedicated volunteers

+ 999

volunteer hours

360

ICAM 2025: A Hub for Global Collaboration

Now in its fourth year, the International Congress on Academic Medicine (ICAM) has solidified its status as a premier global conference for the academic medicine community. ICAM 2025 convened over 1,400 delegates from 15+ countries in Halifax (April 3–6), bringing together academics, researchers, healthcare professionals, learners, and patient partners.

Over four dynamic days, participants explored cutting-edge topics in plenaries on Artificial Intelligence, Advocacy, Social Accountability, Entrepreneurship, and Global Maternal and Child Health. With 500+ workshops, presentations, and posters, ICAM offered unmatched opportunities for learners to showcase research, connect with mentors, and build global networks.

ICAM continues to drive innovation and collaboration, shaping the future of medical education and healthcare in Canada.

ICAM 2025 – Saleem Razack, Seyi Akinola, Jamiu Busari – ICAM EDI & AR Advisory Group Session: Equity on Life Support: A Conversation on Socially Just Medical Education in Times of Repudiation

delegates

+ 1100

countries

+ 0

sessions

+ 220

Celebrating Excellence: AFMC Awards

Since 1990, AFMC Awards have recognized over 300 educators, learners, researchers, and advocates whose work transforms medical education and health research in Canada.

The 2025 AFMC Awards celebrated excellence across 17 categories, including the new Indigenous Health Advocacy Awards, which spotlight emerging leaders and learners. These awards amplify diverse voices and priorities shaping the future of health.

Every award tells a story of dedication and impact—reminding us that recognition is not only about honouring the past but about inspiring the future of medical education and patient care.

awardees

+ 200

categories

0

Building Global Leadership in Academic Medicine

The AFMC Dean Leadership Development Program (DLDP) delivered a transformative experience for an exclusive cohort of nine Deans, aspiring Deans, and academic leaders worldwide.

Through eight interactive virtual sessions and an in-person meeting at ICAM 2025, participants strengthened leadership skills, tackled complex challenges, and built a global peer network. DLDP’s impact extends beyond individual growth—fostering a stronger, more connected community of academic leaders committed to advancing medical education globally.

Through the Dean Leadership Development Program, I had the opportunity to learn from influential leaders in medical education from all over the world. The skills and relationships I developed continue to guide my work as I lead my medical school today.

— Sarah Forgie

Dean, Faculty of Medicine

University of Saskatchewan

Participating in the AFMC International Dean Leadership Development Program was a rewarding journey that allowed me to connect deeply with fellow Canadian leaders in academic medicine. The thoughtful curriculum and supportive mentorship enhanced my leadership perspective and inspired me to continue advancing positive change in our profession.

— Kannin Osei-Tutu

Senior Associate Dean for Health Equity and Systems Transformation

Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary

I absolutely loved my experience! I had the opportunity to meet inspiring leaders, engage with dynamic colleagues facing similar situations, and be exposed to innovative visions that made me reflect and grow as a leader. It’s a must !

— Louis Valiquette

Dean, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences

Université de Sherbrooke

The Dean Leadership Development Program was an essential investment for navigating the complexities of academic leadership on a global scale. Being part of such an exclusive, international cohort was invaluable. The program provided proven strategies to strengthen our skills and a worldwide peer network that fosters lasting partnerships.

— Gary Rogers

Dean, School of Medicine

Deakin University

Participating in the AFMC International Dean Leadership Development Program has been instrumental in strengthening my leadership approach. The opportunity to engage with peers and experts from across the globe continues to inform the decisions I make as dean today, helping me foster innovation and collaboration within my institution. One of the most impactful aspects of the program was the mentoring I received from a senior dean—a relationship I have maintained and continue to value for its ongoing support and guidance.

Dolores McKeen

Past Interim Dean, Faculty of Medicine

Memorial University

Strengthening Indigenous Leadership in Medical Education

The National Consortium for Indigenous Medical Education transitioned to an independent national not-for-profit—the National Circle for Indigenous Medical Education (NCIME)—with support from Health Canada. This new structure strengthens Indigenous governance and leadership in medical education. With $4.6 million in funding, NCIME is expanding pathways for Indigenous students, embedding Indigenous knowledge in curricula, and improving healthcare access for Indigenous communities.

Championing Research Through Partnership

ICAM 2025 – Nicole Redvers, Eileen Denovan-Wright, Janet Rossant, Zulfiqar Bhutta, José Belizán after the Gairdner Global Perspectives Panel: Maternal and Child Health in the Global Context

For the past three years, AFMC has proudly hosted the prestigious Gairdner Lectures at the International Congress on Academic Medicine (ICAM), bringing internationally recognized scientists whose discoveries are transforming medicine. These sessions provide a platform for knowledge exchange and mentorship, connecting trainees with leaders in biomedical research.

Our partnership with the Gairdner Foundation reflects a shared commitment to advancing health research and supporting the next generation of clinician-scientists. AFMC values this partnership as part of its broader strategy to strengthen the clinician-scientist pathway and ensure Canada remains at the forefront of health research and innovation.

Faculty Highlights

Highlights from Canada’s 18 faculties of medicine demonstrate innovation in medical education, research excellence, and a strong commitment to social accountability.

Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University

Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland

Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval

Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University

Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary

  • Welcomed largest-ever undergraduate medical class of 180 students.
  • Advanced innovation with new cancer centre, FDA-approved stroke treatment, and SPRINT-KIDS network.
  • Read more in the Report to Community.

Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta

College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan

Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University

Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa

NOSM University

Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke

Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University

Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia

Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto

  • Awarded bursaries and scholarships to over 560 medical students.
  • Opened Temerty Centre for AI Research and Education in Medicine, among world’s largest AI-in-medicine networks.
  • Read more in the 2025 Dean’s Report.

Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal

Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba

Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University

School of Medicine, Toronto Metropolitan University

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Supporting
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Informing Government and Shaping Healthcare Policy