Jacqueline Torti
jtorti2@uwo.ca
519-661-2111 Ext.22143
Medical Sciences Building (MSB), Suite 102A
Google Scholar
Current Appointments
Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine Dentistry, Western University
Assistant Professor, Faculty of Education, Western University
Scientist, Centre for Education Research & Innovation, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University
Affiliate Scientist, Lawson Health Research Institute
Educational Background
PhD, Public Health Sciences, University of Alberta
MA, Applied Health Sciences, Brock University
BPhEd, Physical Education, Brock University
Why Medical Education?
Like many of my colleagues in medical education, I started in a field outside of medical education. And, like many of my colleagues, medical education weaved its way into my life and has become the fabric of my academic pursuits ever since. My education and research background are in the public health sciences, a distinct yet overlapping field of study. My background uniquely situates me to cultivate mechanisms to support public health practice and health professions' education partnerships. One of the ultimate goals of health professions is to enhance the patient experience, the quality of care they receive and improve population health. Still, you cannot achieve these goals without focusing on learner and provider well-being. Medical education provides a fascinating opportunity to engage in appreciative inquiry. By examining what we value, we can build a foundation for a shared wellness vision moving forward.
What Are Your Most Rewarding Career Moments?
Being appointed a faculty member and scientist at the Centre for Education Research and Innovation has been the highlight of my career. But, even more rewarding, have been the moments when I was in the presence of a leader and had the opportunity to lead myself. To me, a leader is someone who is inspired to find the potential in individuals and in situations and has the courage to cultivate that potential. I've been so fortunate to have had colleagues and mentors throughout my career who saw my potential and dared me to pursue my dreams. I've also had countless opportunities to pass along this leadership and foster the potential in others. I look forward to many more rewarding career moments.
What is Your Approach to Mentorship?
Stellar mentorship breeds stellar mentorship. Like many scientists at the Centre for Education Research and Innovation, I have been so fortunate to have had many amazing mentors along the way, many of which are centre scientists. The traits and values that these mentors have instilled in me are traits and values I try to exude and hope to pass along to others. My approach to mentorship involves being courageous, collaborative, humble and humane. Mentorship relationships are risks, but risks that are well worth taking. Finding and fostering the potential in others requires courage and a collaborative approach- a sense of interconnectedness between mentor and mentee. Humility is of immeasurable value in a mentorship relationship; being vulnerable and sharing that vulnerability with others leads to tremendous growth. Lastly, humanity is of paramount importance; compassion and empathy guide my approach to mentorship.
Key Research Questions
How does character development impact healthcare provider well-being?
How does character influence teamwork among interdisciplinary healthcare teams?
How do we foster courage cultures in health professions' education?
Keywords
Public Health; Qualitative Inquiry; Psychosocial Wellbeing; Sociobehavourial Sciences; Character-Based Leadership
