In lieu of a Chair’s Column, here are brief updates on how I’ve been spending some of my time:
Promotions: I’d like to thank the Departmental Promotions Committee and the Teaching Effectiveness Committee for their thoughtfulness in reviewing this year’s dossiers. We have a record number of over 60 faculty going forward for review by the Decanal Promotions Committee, and I am now preparing my chair’s letters of support. We are also reviewing the overall promotions processes, in collaboration with the Temerty Faculty of Medicine (TFoM), and I’ll provide an update on this in the new year.
Teaching evaluations: Many in the department have expressed concerns with the way teaching evaluations are currently used. Fortunately, we also have departmental members with content expertise in this area and ideas about how things could be improved. We are convening a working group to address this issue; details to follow.
Budget review: We have a large department and many financial needs. I have been reviewing our departmental finances and will be discussing these with the departmental executive so that we can determine how best to allocate our available funds in the coming years.
Fundraising: In November, I traveled to Chicago to attend an advancement conference designed for deans and chairs. I learned a great deal and hope to be able to use this for the good of the department.
Talking to people: Since starting as chair, I’ve had many meetings! It’s been valuable for me to speak to university leadership and chairs of other departments both within and outside Toronto. I’ve also been meeting regularly with the Vice Chairs, Physicians-in-Chief, and Departmental Division Directors to discuss issues of relevance to the department and to learn what is happening within each division and hospital. But I know that many other members of our department have opinions and ideas that would be valuable for me to hear, so feel free to email me or set up a time to talk. In the new year, I’ll be setting aside blocks of time in my calendar where people can self-schedule themselves individually or as groups to meet with me to share information.
Sincerely,
Dr. Moira Kapral Sir John and Lady Eaton Professor and Chair of Medicine
