Department of Medicine Prizes & Awards

The Department of Medicine Teacher of the Year Award (established in 1989) is the highest recognition for teaching and educational excellence. This award honours a member of the Department of Medicine who has demonstrated significant commitment and exceptional contributions to teaching throughout their career and has more than 20 years of teaching experience as a full-time faculty member. The award consists of a commemorative certificate.

Nominations should address the following key criteria:

• Commitment to Teaching Excellence: Evidence of a strong dedication to teaching and a track record of outstanding performance with diverse groups of learners in a variety of settings.
• Subject Mastery: Demonstrate deep understanding and expertise in the subject matter.
• Engagement and Inspiration: Proven ability to stimulate and engage learners through creativity, innovation, enthusiasm, and effective teaching styles.
• Effective Instructional Practices: Use of appropriate teaching resources and methodologies that enhance learning outcomes and cater to diverse learner needs.
• Commitment to Professional Development and Academic Community: Active participation in ongoing professional development focused on teaching and learning, along with collaboration with colleagues to strengthen the department's overall teaching culture.

Nomination Process:

Nominations can be submitted by any member of the Department of Medicine. Nomination package should include:

• A single nomination letter with the signature(s) of the nominator(s)*
• A joint letter of support from division director (DDD) and physician in chief (PIC)
• The nomination letter should summarize the reasons for the nomination and should not exceed 3 pages in length. Letters that are the most helpful address the criteria of the award and present evidence supporting the nominee’s excellence in these criteria.
• A current CV of the nominee
• Self-nominations are ineligible

*Multiple nominators can sign a single nomination letter. This is encouraged as opposed to multiple people submitting individual nominations.

The primary nominator is responsible for the collection and submission of the award nomination package and informing the nominee of their nominations.

The nominator will also inform the DDD and PIC of their intent to submit a nomination package.

​​​​​​When submitting a nomination, please ensure you have included the nominee's name, email, division and hospital/clinical site, what award you are nominating them for, the nominee's updated CV and the nomination letter, including elements relevant to the applicable award (maximum 1500 words). 

Nomination packages, including the nomination checklist, should be submitted in a single PDF file by April 1, 2025 to dom.awards@utoronto.ca.

The Dept. of Medicine Mid-Career Teaching Award (inaugurated in 2024) is for mid-career faculty members within the Department of Medicine. The award consists of a commemorative certificate.

Criteria: This award recognizes a member of the Department of Medicine who is within 11-20 years of appointment to the department and has made contributions of notable merit to the advancement of sound knowledge in medicine through teaching and education.

Nominations should address the following key criteria:

• Commitment to Teaching Excellence: Evidence of a strong dedication to teaching and a track record of outstanding performance with diverse groups of learners in a variety of settings.
• Subject Mastery: Demonstrate deep understanding and expertise in the subject matter.
• Engagement and Inspiration: Proven ability to stimulate and engage learners through creativity, innovation, enthusiasm, and effective teaching styles.
• Effective Instructional Practices: Use of appropriate teaching resources and methodologies that enhance learning outcomes and cater to diverse learner needs.
• Commitment to Professional Development and Academic Community: Active participation in ongoing professional development focused on teaching and learning, along with collaboration with colleagues to strengthen the department's overall teaching culture.

Nomination Process:

Nominations can be submitted by any member of the Department of Medicine. Nomination package should include:

• A single nomination letter with the signature(s) of the nominator(s)*
• The nomination letter should summarize the reasons for the nomination and should not exceed 3 pages in length. Letters that are the most helpful address the criteria of the award and present evidence supporting the nominee’s excellence in these criteria.
• A current CV of the nominee
• Self-nominations are ineligible

*Multiple nominators can sign a single nomination letter. This is encouraged as opposed to multiple people submitting individual nominations.

The primary nominator is responsible for the collection and submission of the award nomination package and informing the nominee of their nominations.

The nominator will also inform the DDD and PIC of their intent to submit a nomination package.

When submitting a nomination, please ensure you have included the nominee's name, email, division and hospital/clinical site, what award you are nominating them for, the nominee's updated CV and the nomination letter, including elements relevant to the applicable award (maximum 1500 words). 

Nomination packages, including the nomination checklist, should be submitted in a single PDF file by April 1, 2025 to dom.awards@utoronto.ca.

This award was introduced in 2007 and re-named the Robert Hyland Award for Excellence in Mentorship in 2010. The award consists of a commemorative certificate.

Criteria: This award recognizes a Dept. of Medicine late career faculty member (20+ years of appointment to the department) who has shown sustained excellence* (as a mentor) in mentoring other faculty members within the Department of Medicine.

Nominations should address the following key criteria for *Sustained excellence in effective mentorship (including but not limited to):

• assisting faculty members to develop their professional careers while balancing the competing demands of their personal lives
• guiding them in navigating the university culture
• fostering self-reflection skills
• offering networking and sponsorship opportunities when needed

An effective mentor exemplifies altruism, models professionalism, delivers constructive feedback (when needed), makes time for mentees, and significantly influences career development of their mentees.

Nomination Process:

Nominations can be submitted by any member of the Department of Medicine. Nomination package should include:

• A single nomination letter with the signature(s) of the nominator(s)*
• The nomination letter should summarize the reasons for the nomination, should not exceed 3 pages in length and emphasize specific examples of the mentor’s impact as experienced or directly observed by the nominator.
• A current CV of the nominee
• List of all the mentees
• Self-nominations are ineligible

*Multiple nominators can sign a single nomination letter. This is encouraged as opposed to multiple people submitting individual nominations.

The primary nominator is responsible for the collection and submission of the award nomination package and informing the nominee of their nominations.

The nominator will also inform the DDD and PIC of their intent to submit a nomination package.

When submitting a nomination, please ensure you have included the nominee's name, email, division and hospital/clinical site, what award you are nominating them for, the nominee's updated CV and the nomination letter, including elements relevant to the applicable award (maximum 1500 words). 

Nomination packages, including the nomination checklist, should be submitted in a single PDF file by April 1, 2025 to dom.awards@utoronto.ca.

Criteria: Starting in 2024, this award recognizes a Dept. of Medicine mid-career faculty member (11-20 years of appointment within the department) who has shown sustained excellence* (as a mentor) in mentoring other faculty members within the Department of Medicine.

*Sustained excellence in effective mentorship includes (but not limited to):

• assisting faculty members to develop their professional careers while balancing the competing demands of their personal lives
• guiding them in navigating the university culture
• fostering self-reflection skills
• offering networking and sponsorship opportunities when needed

An effective mentor exemplifies altruism, models professionalism, delivers constructive feedback (when needed), makes time for mentees, and significantly influences career development of their mentees.

Nomination Process:

Nominations can be submitted by any member of the Department of Medicine. Nomination package should include:

• A single nomination letter with the signature(s) of the nominator(s)*
• The nomination letter should summarize the reasons for the nomination, should not exceed 3 pages in length and emphasize specific examples of the mentor’s impact as experienced or directly observed by the nominator.
• A current CV of the nominee
• List of all the mentees
• Self-nominations are ineligible

*Multiple nominators can sign a single nomination letter. This is encouraged as opposed to multiple people submitting individual nominations.

The primary nominator is responsible for the collection and submission of the award nomination package and informing the nominee of their nominations.

The nominator will also inform the DDD and PIC of their intent to submit a nomination package.  

When submitting a nomination, please ensure you have included the nominee's name, email, division and hospital/clinical site, what award you are nominating them for, the nominee's updated CV and the nomination letter, including elements relevant to the applicable award (maximum 1500 words). 

Nomination packages, including the nomination checklist, should be submitted in a single PDF file by April 1, 2025 to dom.awards@utoronto.ca.

The Department of Medicine's overriding mission is to ensure the delivery of excellent clinical care in its associated hospitals, and the preparation of future physician leaders to carry this mission forward throughout Canada and beyond. Within the department, certain faculty members serve as exemplars of this mission, providing leadership in patient care that elevates and enlarges the profession.

Criteria:

The Academy of Master Clinicians honours the Dept. of Medicine faculty members who:

• Demonstrate consistent outstanding clinical performance
• Deliver the highest standard of patient care.
• Set an example in high quality patient care and diagnostic acumen
• Able to confront challenging cases, while demonstrating humility, respect and civility for patients and colleagues.

Nomination Process:

Nominations can be submitted by any member of the Department of Medicine. Nomination package should include:

• A nomination letter with the signature of the nominator(s)
• A joint letter of support from Department Division Director (DDD) and Physician in Chief (PIC)
• Nomination letter should summarize the reasons for the nomination and should not be longer than three pages. Letters that are the most helpful address the criteria of the award and present evidence supporting the nominee’s excellence in this criterion.
• A current CV of the nominee
• Self nominations are ineligible

The nominator is responsible for the collection and submission of the award nomination package and informing the nominee of their nominations. 

The nominator will also inform the DDD and PIC of their intent to submit a nomination package.

When submitting a nomination, please ensure you have included the nominee's name, email, division and hospital/clinical site, what award you are nominating them for, the nominee's updated CV and the nomination letter, including elements relevant to the applicable award (maximum 1500 words). 

Nomination packages, including the nomination checklist, should be submitted in a single PDF file by April 1, 2025 to dom.awards@utoronto.ca.

The Department of Medicine’s top priority is to ensure patients and their families, and their experiences in healthcare settings drive our work. The Humanism in Medicine Award was established in 2018 to indicate the department's commitment to the principle of person-centered care. In 2019, the award was renamed the Michael Gordon Award for Humanism in Medicine to recognize Dr. Gordon’s exceptional leadership in bridging physician and family roles in the development of best care practice for patients, and the profound impact he has had on how medicine is practiced.

Criteria: This award aims to recognize a Dept. of Medicine faculty member who: 

• Exemplifies a deep and abiding commitment to humanism* in health care.
• Models the fundamental principles of "person-centeredness" with open communication, mutual respect, and empathy and understanding between physicians and their patients.

*Humanism is understood to be an acknowledgment of other human beings as individuals with autonomy, unique backgrounds, values, and perspectives, and a commitment to acknowledge cultural differences and to address issues of inclusion, equity, and social justice.

Nomination Process:

Nominations can be submitted by any member of the Department of Medicine. Nomination package should include:

• A nomination letter with the signature of the nominator(s)
• A joint letter of support from Department Division Director (DDD) and Physician in Chief (PIC)
• Nomination letter should summarize the reasons for the nomination and should not be longer than three pages. Letters that are the most helpful address the criteria of the award and present evidence supporting the nominee’s excellence in this criterion.
• A current CV of the nominee
• Self nominations are ineligible

The nominator is responsible for the collection and submission of the award nomination package and informing the nominee of their nominations. 

The nominator will also inform the DDD and PIC of their intent to submit a nomination package.

When submitting a nomination, please ensure you have included the nominee's name, email, division and hospital/clinical site, what award you are nominating them for, the nominee's updated CV and the nomination letter, including elements relevant to the applicable award (maximum 1500 words). 

Nomination packages, including the nomination checklist, should be submitted in a single PDF file by April 1, 2025 to dom.awards@utoronto.ca.

The Department of Medicine started to recognize contributions in the field of healthcare quality, patient safety, and innovation in 2007.

Criteria: The award recognizes a Department of Medicine faculty member appointed for more than 10 years within the department, with outstanding leadership or academic contributions that aim to improve the quality of healthcare.

Examples might include:

• efforts to improve the degree to which patients receive proven aspects of care (e.g. increasing guideline concordant care)
• reducing harm to patients from medical care (patient safety)
• innovations in health services delivery—new models of care that improve outcomes, the patient experience, or healthcare value

Nomination Process:

Nominations can be submitted by any member of the Department of Medicine. Nomination package should include:

• A single nomination letter with the signature(s) of the nominator(s)*
• The nomination letter should summarize the reasons for the nomination and should not exceed 3 pages in length. Letters that are the most helpful address the criteria of the award and present evidence supporting the nominee’s excellence in these criteria.
• A current CV of the nominee
• Self-nominations are ineligible

*Multiple nominators can sign a single nomination letter. This is encouraged as opposed to multiple people submitting individual nominations.

The primary nominator is responsible for the collection and submission of the award nomination package and informing the nominee of their nominations.

The nominator will also inform the DDD and PIC of their intent to submit a nomination package.

When submitting a nomination, please ensure you have included the nominee's name, email, division and hospital/clinical site, what award you are nominating them for, the nominee's updated CV and the nomination letter, including elements relevant to the applicable award (maximum 1500 words). 

Nomination packages, including the nomination checklist, should be submitted in a single PDF file by April 1, 2025 to dom.awards@utoronto.ca.

The William Goldie Prize and Travel Award was established in 1945 by an anonymous donor to honour the late Dr. William Goldie, who held a faculty appointment in the Department of Medicine. The prize consists of a commemorative certificate and a travel grant.

Criteria: The prize is awarded annually to a member of the Department of Medicine who

• is within the first 10 years of appointment to the department and
• has made contributions of notable merit to the advancement of sound knowledge through research, teaching, education or quality & innovation

Four prizes are awarded each year:

• one for research contributions,
• one for teaching contributions,
• one for contributions in education scholarship and innovation and
• one for quality & innovation contributions

Nomination Process:

Nominations can be submitted by any member of the Department of Medicine. Nomination package should include:

• A single nomination letter with the signature(s) of the nominator(s)*
• The nomination letter should summarize the reasons for the nomination and should not exceed 3 pages in length. Letters that are the most helpful address the criteria of the award and present evidence supporting the nominee’s excellence in these criteria.
• A current CV of the nominee
• Self-nominations are ineligible

*Multiple nominators can sign a single nomination letter. This is encouraged as opposed to multiple people submitting individual nominations.

The primary nominator is responsible for the collection and submission of the award nomination package and informing the nominee of their nominations.

The nominator will also inform the DDD and PIC of their intent to submit a nomination package.

When submitting a nomination, please ensure you have included the nominee's name, email, division and hospital/clinical site, what award you are nominating them for, the nominee's updated CV and the nomination letter, including elements relevant to the applicable award (maximum 1500 words). 

Nomination packages, including the nomination checklist, should be submitted in a single PDF file by April 1, 2025 to dom.awards@utoronto.ca.

Details on how to submit a nomination for this award will be posted early in 2025.

The Department of Medicine Research Award, established in 1989, recognizes a member of the Department of Medicine who has demonstrated sustained excellence as a scientist and role model over several years. The award, consisting of a commemorative certificate, is presented at the Department of Medicine Annual Day.

The Eaton Scholars program, generously supported by the Eaton family, is intended to recognize and reward excellence among clinician-scientists in the department – an aim shared by the Researcher of the Year Award. The Eaton Scholars program was aligned with the Researcher of the Year Award in 2015.

Beginning in 2018, the Department of Medicine will award two Eaton Researcher of the Year Awards; one for basic science research and one for clinical research, which can encompass a variety of types of research including, but not restricted to, education research, clinical trials, outcomes, clinical epidemiology and health services research.