Appointments - April 2016

Rheumatology

Heather McDonald-Blumer, Division Director

Dr. McDonald-Blumer is a U of T alumna, having completed her Internal Medicine and Rheumatology training here at the University of Toronto. Following initial community rheumatology practice she transitioned to a full-time academic appointment to the Department of Medicine in 2004.
 
For the past 12 years, Dr. McDonald-Blumer has been a member of the Division of Rheumatology at Mt. Sinai Hospital/University Health Network. Her clinical interests include osteoporosis and inflammatory joint disease. She is the Associate Director of the Osteoporosis Program at University Health Network, and is a member of the Scientific Advisory Committee and Chair of the Guidelines Committee for Osteoporosis Canada. 
 
She has been an active member of the rheumatology community locally and nationally having served as the University of Toronto Program Director for Rheumatology as well as Chair of the Specialty Committee in Rheumatology and Chair of the Examination Board for Rheumatology for the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Her work has advanced rheumatology training across the country through curricular innovations. In recognition of these contributions, Dr. McDonald-Blumer was awarded the Royal College Program Director of the Year as well as the inaugural Canadian Rheumatology Association Teacher/Educator of the Year award.
 
Since 2009, Dr. McDonald-Blumer has been the Program Director for Internal Medicine. Under her guidance, the Internal Medicine program has expanded in size and complexity with new clinical and formal educational curricula to meet the changing standards and requirements of contemporary health care education. She has been awarded the Goldie Prize for medical education and the Teacher of the Year Award to recognize the impact of her work and leadership within the Internal Medicine program. Complementing her local role, she is currently Vice-Chair of the Canadian Association of Internal Medicine Program Directors, a group working to define the internal medicine standards for the incoming competency-based curriculum.
 
Heather is widely recognized for her collaborative leadership style and for her interest and ability to support and mentor students, residents and faculty colleagues. She will bring these outstanding attributes to her new role as DDD Rheumatology.