Dr. Ken Harris appointed Education Director for Royal College

Dr. Ken Harris, professor of Surgery and former Associate Dean, Postgraduate Medical Education, has been appointed as Director of Education for the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Dr. Harris's appointment at the College will begin formally in April 2009, but he will participating in selected meetings and activities with the College leading up to this date.

Born and raised in London, Dr. Harris graduated with his MD from Queen's then came to Western for his residency in General Surgery, followed by training in Vascular Surgery at the University of Toronto. He has had an active practice in this specialty in London hospitals since 1984.

Dr. Harris's previous administrative appointments at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry include Program Director of General Surgery, Richard Ivey Professor and Chair, Department of Surgery, Associate Dean for Postgraduate Medical Education, Director of the Southwestern Ontario Medical Education Network (SWOMEN) and Director, Educational Research and Resources Unit.

Within the Royal College, Dr. Harris has served on various committees and participated as a surveyor and as chair in Royal College Accreditation surveys. He currently chairs the Council of Ontario Faculties of Medicine (COFM) Postgraduate Deans Committee.

In an announcement from the College, Dr. Andrew Padmos, Chief Executive Officer, said "Dr. Harris is deeply committed to health care education, particularly in the postgraduate realm, and health care delivery for both patients and health care workers."

A suitable celebration at the School will be planned for Dr. Harris in the new year.