MedEd Catalyst Conference

Speakers:

Dr. Heather MacNeill (Toronto Metropolitan University) 

Dr. Smita Halder (Toronto Metropolitan University) 

Dr. Eleftherios Soleas (Queen’s University) 

Speaker: Dr. Heather Braund

Facilitators: Dr. Gurmeet Lall and Dr. Rajani Vairavanathan

Objectives:

• Explain the educational rationale and evidence for using simulation in medical education (Scholar, Medical Expert)

• Recite modalities of simulation  (Scholar, Medical Expert)

Speakers: Dr. Stefani Vescio, Dr. Alessandra Palombo and Dr. Jobin Varughese

Objectives:

• Identify the core principles of layered learning (particularly in outpatient clinics) and differentiate how it reduces rather than increases a preceptor's daily cognitive workload. (CanMEDS-FM & Can MED Roles: Scholar, Collaborator, Leader)

• Construct practical workflow strategies to manage schedules, limited examination rooms and varying learner levels while maintaining patient flow. (CanMEDS-FM & Can MED Roles: Leader, Collaborator, Professional) 

• Apply teaching frameworks to real-world clinical cases to demonstrate effective, simultaneous supervision of multiple learners. (CanMEDS-FM Roles: Scholar, Communicator, Family Medicine Expert, Can MED Roles: Scholar, Communicator, Medicine Expert)  

Speakers: Dr. Heather MacNeill, Dr. Eleftherios Soleas, Nada Savicevic, and Dr. Sofia Valanci 

Objectives:

• List  generative AI tools and tips that can support planning, delivery, and assessment in small-group medical education facilitation (Scholar, Leader)

• Apply prompting strategies to create teaching tools such as virtual patients, MCQs and multimedia learning (Scholar, Communicator, Professional)

• Discuss ethical, professional, and pedagogical considerations related to the use of generative AI in medical education (Professional, Scholar, Collaborator)  

Speakers: Dr. Rajani Vairavanathan &  Dr. Gurmeet Lall

Objectives: 

• Describe the simulation resources available at TMU School of Medicine and their role in supporting procedural and communication skills teaching and learning (Leader, Scholar, Medical Expert)

• Demonstrate foundational teaching strategies for low fidelity simulation through clear instruction, feedback, and deliberate practice (Scholar, Communicator, Medical Expert).

• Recite how to access TMU Simulation Resources  (Communicator, Collaborator)

• Apply hands on low fidelity simulation techniques (Scholar, Professional, Collaborator) 

Speakers: Dr. Jon Miklea and Dr. Smita Halder

Objectives: 

• Articulate and rank personal core values with those of institution (Professional, Leader, Scholar) 

• Reflect on alignment between their core values and institutional values (Professional, Leader, Communicator) 

Speaker: Dr. Heather Braund

Facilitators: Dr. Gurmeet Lall and Dr. Rajani Vairavanathan

Objectives:

• Explain the functions of pre-briefing in preparing learners for simulation such as role clarity and learning engagement (Scholar, Medical Expert, Communicator)

• Analyze how pre-briefing influences psychological safety and learner performance in simulation-based education (Communicator, Professional, Collaborator)

• Apply a structured approach to designing and facilitating an effective pre-brief for simulation activities (Scholar, Leader, Communicator) 

Speakers: Dr. Phil Dwek and Dr. Heather MacNeill

Objectives: 

• Describe key principles/ frameworks and practical strategies for effective small group facilitation in medical education (Scholar, Communicator, Professional)

• Analyze common challenges that arise in small group teaching, including learner engagement, group dynamics, and difficult situations, in order to identify effective facilitator responses (Communicator, Collaborator, Professional)

• Role Play facilitation techniques that promote active participation, inclusive discussion, and a supportive learning environment for medical learners (Scholar, Communicator, Health Advocate) 

Speakers: Dr. Smita Halder and Dr. Farhan Asrar

Objectives: 

• Describe the key mission, values, policies and priorities of the TMU School of Medicine (SoM) relevant to new clinical faculty (Health Advocate, Professional, Scholar)

• Discuss promotional pillars of TMU SoM and ways in which clinical faculty can become involved in TMU SoM (Scholar, Collaborator, Professional)

• Commit to applying practical next steps to advancing your academic career at the TMU SoM (Scholar, Communicator, Health Advocate) 

Speakers: Dr. Rajani Vairavanathan and  Dr. Gurmeet Lall

Facilitator: Dr. Heather Braund

Objectives: 

• Describe the simulation resources available at TMU School of Medicine and their role in supporting procedural and communication skills teaching and learning (Leader, Scholar, Medical Expert)

• Demonstrate foundational teaching strategies for high fidelity simulation through clear learning objectives, feedback, and deliberate practice (Scholar, Communicator, Medical Expert).

• List ways to access TMU Simulation Resources  (Communicator, Collaborator)

• Reflect on the complexities of high fidelity simulation (Communicator, Collaborator) 

Speaker: Dr. Heather Braund

Facilitators: Dr. Gurmeet Lall and Dr. Rajani Vairavanathan

Objectives:

• Explain the role of debriefing in promoting learning in simulation-based medical education (Scholar, Medical Expert, Communicator)

• Analyze how effective debriefing supports reflection, psychological safety, and learner development (Communicator, Professional, Scholar)

• Apply foundational debriefing frameworks and strategies to facilitate effective post-simulation discussions (Scholar, Communicator, Leader) 

• Speakers: Dr. Teresa Chan, Dr. Heather MacNeill