Dean Michael Strong discusses new additions to the Schulich School.

Gerry Cooper to head up Windsor Program

Windsor, ON - The Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry at The University of Western Ontario is pleased to announce the appointment of Gerry Cooper as the Associate Dean, Windsor Program, effective September first. Cooper was born and raised in Windsor, and is an alumnus of the University of Windsor, where today's announcement was made. He is currently the Associate Dean - Learner Affairs at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM).

"When I reflect about the significance of this impending move; returning to Windsor to be the Associate Dean of Schulich Medicine & Dentistry's Windsor Program, I can see that I've been preparing for this over my entire 35 year career. This is an emotional move for me but the overriding feelings are excitement and anticipation," says Cooper. "This is such an important assignment. I truly look forward to making a contribution to the work that so many have already begun and I believe that in particular, my Northern Ontario School of Medicine experience has me well-prepared for what will follow in Windsor and Southwestern Ontario."

Cooper received a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology (1976) and a Master's Degree in Education (1982) at the University of Windsor. He went on to get a Doctorate Degree in Education from the University of Toronto (2001). He holds academic posts as an Associate Professor, Clinical Education at NOSM and Adjunct Professor in the School of Social Work at Laurentian University. Cooper has a proven record as a leader in the areas of health education, student affairs and research. He also has extensive administrative experience from his previous role as manager of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health - Northern Ontario Region.

Before making the announcement, Dean Michael Strong praised the leadership shown by Dr. Mark Awuku over the past year as the Acting Associate Dean, Windsor Program. "I want to thank Mark for his dedication and commitment to the Windsor Program. His leadership has been invaluable and I know he'll continue to play a major role both during this transition, and after it," said Dr. Strong. "The upcoming school year will be a milestone one for our School as we graduate the first group of doctors trained entirely in Windsor. I'm proud of this program, and I'm sure with Gerry's leadership, we will continueto build on the excellent medical training in Windsor, as well as the collaborative relationship between Western and the University of Windsor."

Dr. Bertha Garcia reappointed Vice Dean, Education

Dr. Bertha Garcia has been reappointed as the Vice Dean, Education, for the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2016.

As Vice Dean of Education, Dr. Garcia will continue to provide oversight of all educational activities within Schulich Medicine & Dentistry and will ensure coordination and integration of the academic activities of Schulich. She will also administer and develop Schulich's distributed medical education program across Southwestern Ontario.

Dr. Garcia has held the role of Chair and City-Wide Chief of Pathology for Schulich/Western and the London hospitals since July 1, 2001 with her most recent term ending June 30, 2011. She has held the role of Vice Dean, Education, at Schulich since July 1, 2006.

Dr. Garcia joined the Department of Pathology at Western and the former University Hospital in 1985. She received her MD from the Cayetano Heredia University in Peru in 1972 and completed her residency training in General and Anatomical Pathology from the University of Calgary in 1981, where she was then appointed as faculty.

Dr. Garcia is recognized as an exceptional educator with an extraordinary passion for medical education. She has been awarded the Schulich Dean's Award of Excellence in Teaching, the Edward G. Pleva Award, and the 3M Teaching Fellowship, which is given to individuals who demonstrate an exceptionally high degree of leadership and commitment to the improvement of university education across disciplines.

Dr. Garcia is an experienced senior administrator. She has a well-established track record as an educator and is an avid advocate of the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry nationally and internationally. Dr. Garcia brings an incredible skill set to her role as Vice Dean. Please join me in congratulating Dr. Garcia on her reappointment.

Dr. Michael Strong, Dean
Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry

Dr. Margaret Steele appointed Vice Dean, Hospital & Interfaculty Relations

Dean Michael Strong is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Margaret Steele as Vice Dean, Hospital & Interfaculty Relations, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry effective September 1, 2011 to August 31, 2016. Margaret will have accountability for ensuring strategic linkages with our primary teaching and research partners and will be responsible for the development of an Academic Health Sciences Network in Southwestern Ontario. She will also continue to function as the key leader in relation to clinical faculty affairs and will be involved in enhancing and establishing linkages with other faculties.

Dr. Margaret Steele earned her honours degree in Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Western Ontario (UWO) in 1983 and completed her MD in 1987. She obtained her Fellowship in Psychiatry in 1992, and in 1993, completed the requirements for the UWO Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Diploma. Margaret has also earned a Masters of Higher Education, Ontario Institute of Studies in Education from the University of Toronto. Margaret also became a Fellow of the Hedwig van Ameringen Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine at Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 2008.

In 2001, Margaret became Chair, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Western Ontario. She was also the Integrated Site Chief, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Care Program at the London Health Sciences Centre and St. Joseph's Health Centre Regional Mental Health Care London. As well, Margaret is Professor in the Departments of Psychiatry, Paediatrics and Family Medicine at the University of Western Ontario. Margaret is the current President of the Association of Professors of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry of Canada and Past President of the Canadian Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and the Ontario Psychiatric Association. In 2009, Margaret became a Fellow of the Canadian Psychiatric Association. Among her many other positions, Margaret is a Scientist at the Lawson Health Research, Mental Health Working Group and an Associate Scientist at the Children's Health Research Institute.

Nationally, she has been a member of the Test Committee on Psychiatry for the Medical Council of Canada and an examiner for the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC). Margaret also led the successful application for child and adolescent psychiatry subspecialization at the RCPSC.

Margaret has presented over 200 professional presentations. She has numerous peer reviewed publication and research grants. She has been a reviewer for journals such as the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, the British Medical Journal and the Journal of Child Neurology.

Throughout her career, Margaret has mentored and encouraged countless medical students, residents and faculty. Margaret has received numerous teaching awards including the Schulich Undergraduate Award of Excellence in Education, the Schulich Postgraduate Award of Excellence in Education, the Association of Chairs of Psychiatry in Canada Award of Excellence in Education and the Canadian Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Excellence in Education Award.